Addressing Mental Health in the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Communities

It is known that rates of mental illness for people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds are sometimes greater than for white people. It is also known that black men are more likely to experience psychosis and also more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act.

But more white people receive treatment for mental health issues than people from BAME backgrounds and that they have better outcomes.

Throughout the nearly three years of ‘For Men To Talk’ we have seen a lack of men from the Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds attend any of our meetings. But why? What is stopping these men reaching for help?

Could the worry of potential bias, discrimination and even racism from the attendees be a barrier? Could it be the same stigma and fear surrounding mental health that white men face?

We know that in specific scenarios a lack of culturally sensitive treatment can act as a barrier

Statistics show that people from BAME backgrounds are more likely to be living in poverty than white people and those people in poverty are more likely to develop mental health issues. Is it’s even more important for those men to talk.

All the supporting services such as the NHS and peer support groups are available to everyone so why aren’t men from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds seeking the same support. 

The barriers could be:

Cultural Barriers: Mental health is treated differently in many cultures. Many still consider it a weakness and something to keep hidden. This may make it harder for those belonging to those cultures to ask for help and talk openly. They may feel ashamed.

Language Barriers: A barrier to communication between people who are unable to speak a common language, i.e between a patient and GP.

Professionals: Some may have a lack of knowledge about things that are important to a person of colour or their experiences. This could also include not fully understanding what racism or discrimination is like.

Publicity: Due to the cultural barriers, as stated above, it may cause a lack of publicity of mental health support and services in some communities. This will isolate those with a mental health illness as they won’t know where to turn.

Stereotyping: A generalised belief about a particular category of people will stop communicating effectively and honestly. For example, some white people think that black people with mental health issues will get angry or aggressive. 

As the founder of ‘For Men To Talk’ I want to provide a safe and comfortable environment for any man, of any race and age, to talk about how they are feeling. My hope is that any man from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds knows that the group meetings, no matter if they are virtual or in-person, will not be prejudiced for the colour of their skin. We will try to understand their concerns, but overcome those worries with support during their mental health illness journeys. I want those men to know that ‘For Men To Talk’ is a group that they can trust.