July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.

You may be asking yourself, why is this even relevant? It’s relevant because statistics show that among adults reporting fair or poor mental health, a larger percentage of Black, Hispanic, and Asian adults have unmet mental health care needs compared to White adults. Some sources indicate that over 53% of minorities with mental health issues have not received help, whereas within the Caucasian community, the number is only 35%.

In recent years, conversations around mental health have gained momentum across the globe. Social media campaigns, celebrity disclosures, and national health initiatives have helped break down long-standing taboos. But for many individuals in minority communities, seeking mental health support remains a difficult and often stigmatized decision. The reasons are complex rooted in history, culture, and systemic inequity.

A Legacy of Strength and Silence

In many communities of color, resilience is a celebrated trait often born of necessity. Generations have endured the traumas of racism, displacement, discrimination, and economic hardship. Within this context, discussing mental health can feel like a betrayal of that legacy. “We’ve been through worse,” some might say. Others are taught to pray, push forward, or “keep it in the family.”

For some, expressing vulnerability is still viewed as weakness. In African American, Latinx, Asian American, and Indigenous cultures, emotional toughness is often considered a virtue especially among men. “You don’t air your dirty laundry” becomes a mantra passed from one generation to the next. Unfortunately, the message received is: silence equals strength.

Religion and Spiritual Interpretations

Faith and spirituality are central pillars in many minority households. While they can be powerful sources of support, they can also inadvertently reinforce stigma. Mental illness is sometimes interpreted as a spiritual weakness, a lack of faith, or even a punishment from a higher power. This leads many to turn exclusively to religious leaders rather than mental health professionals resources that, while important, may not always be equipped to address clinical issues

A History That Hurts

Mistrust in the healthcare system is another significant factor. For communities that have been historically exploited or mistreated by medical institutions such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study in Black communities or forced sterilizations among Indigenous and Latina women skepticism is more than understandable. This mistrust can extend to mental health care, where concerns about being misdiagnosed, misunderstood, or stereotyped often keep people away from treatment.

Where Are the Therapists Who Look Like Me?

Even when individuals want to seek help, they often face logistical barriers. Finding a culturally competent provider someone who understands the nuances of their lived experience can be challenging. Many minority patients struggle to connect with therapists who do not share their language, cultural background, or values.

Economic barriers also loom large. Limited insurance coverage, high out-of-pocket costs, and lack of paid leave from work make therapy a luxury many cannot afford. In rural or underserved urban areas, mental health resources may be virtually nonexistent.

The Weight of Gossip and Shame

In tight knit communities, everyone knows everyone and that’s not always a good thing. The fear of gossip, judgment, or being labeled “crazy” can keep individuals suffering in silence. For some, the idea of being seen entering a therapist’s office or even admitting to depression feels like an unbearable breach of privacy.

Family honor plays a role, too. There’s often a fear that seeking help will cast shame not only on the individual but on the entire household. “What will people think?” becomes a powerful deterrent.

Redefining Strength

Changing these narratives will take more than awareness it will take action. Culturally sensitive outreach, community based education, and greater access to affordable care are all essential. Encouragingly, many advocates are already doing this work: partnering with faith leaders, training therapists in cultural competence, and creating safe spaces for open dialogue.

Mental health is health. Just as we care for our bodies, we must care for our minds. And in truth, there is nothing weak about asking for help—it is one of the strongest things any of us can do.

Need Help Now?

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, confidential support is available 24/7 through the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Myra Fonville

Myra Fonville is the Executive Editor of Interim Visits magazine.  Myra is a former pharmacist who has worked in the clinical research industry for the past 28 years.  She brings a wealth of knowledge about pharmacy, pharmaceuticals and clinical research.  Myra is very passionate about diversity and health equity which is one of the primary reasons Interim Visits is educating the public about the importance of clinical trials.