For decades, there have been calls to recognise racial disparity within mental health services. Yet there persists, even today, inequality in the healthcare support received by racialised communities across the UK. As such, it can be expected that, when seeking support from mainstream mental health services, there is a likelihood that individuals from ethnic minority communities will be expected to receive Eurocentric models of mental health support.

There are a considerable number of reasons why this is problematic, with the most apparent beings that, with these models being generally designed around White and middle-class individuals, they are simply not conducive to recovery. 

Within the UK, Black adults, for example, are more likely to experience mental health issues than any other ethnic group and, yet, they receive the lowest amount of mental health treatment. The figure for Black adults receiving treatment is so low, in fact, that it is less than half of White adults (6% compared with 13%). Certain disorders, such as PTSD and psychosis are notably higher within Black British communities.

In addition to these proportional differences, there are also cultural contexts that are specific to communities. It is understood that only around 30% of racialised communities feel comfortable discussing their mental health. This cultural resistance to communicating mental well-being requires a different approach and understanding from healthcare workers. If such contexts are not considered, mental ill-health can be misdiagnosed or altogether neglected. 

Similarly, language can be a significant barrier for many, with a number of communities across the UK not having English as a first language. This can not only lead to problems during the process of diagnosis and treatment but it can also altogether deter individuals from seeking support, especially if they feel it is to be  a fruitless endeavour. 

For these reasons, mental health services across the UK must make a greater effort to reach and support racialised communities, which can be done in a number of ways.

Primarily, healthcare services should seek to represent and understand the cultural contexts surrounding various communities. With diversity or representation, as well as improved training, mental health support services can better reach and work with communities that may otherwise feel national health services, those that have fallen into Eurocentric models, won’t work for them.

Additionally, healthcare services can seek to adapt their models and initiatives, moving away from the types of outreach and support that are currently failing to reach such communities. Instead, a more dynamic and tailored approach should be adopted, such as working mental health aspects into group activities and club meets. In these situations, whereby the primary focus is a sport or social event, it can be much easier for many to begin discussing their mental health and, as Mind established, people tend to choose activities where mental health isn’t necessarily the focal point.

If you feel that you’d like to begin seeking support for your mental health, our team can help. To contact Bristol Counselling and Psychotherapy, please reach out to us here.