Black Americans are 20% more likely to have a very serious mental illness yet not receive treatment when compared to their white counterparts. (Pexels)
By Dr. Michelle C. Powell, D.O., MPH
(MiamiGardens-FL.gov)
We all must begin to break the taboo and stigma associated with mental illness. As a family physician of over 30 years, I have found that people feel very comfortable talking about a cough, a cold, their nervous stomach, a headache, chest pain, palpitations, sore muscle or backache. The most difficult conversation, though, has been the one surrounding mental illness.
Insomnia, weight gain and lethargy are some symptoms of mental illness disguised as and commonly mistaken for a physical illness. Some of the physical symptoms that patients discuss with me as their family physician, I have found through further investigation, were actually masking the mental diseases of depression or anxiety — the two most common mental illnesses in America.
Why is it that people have a difficult time speaking to a healthcare professional, family members or loved ones about their mental state of mind? The answers are very complicated and complex, but most importantly tabooed. The false association of weakness, frailty and lack of strength and courage, as well as the overall image of inadequacy linked to mental illness, are a few of the reasons individuals fail to seek treatment.
Adding to the stigma is the cost associated with obtaining mental health services. While office visits are unlimited in America, most health plans limit the number of mental health services you can obtain each year.
Addressing the disparity associated with receiving mental health services as well as the limited number of mental health professionals among minority communities is an imperative to reduce the number of untreated individuals in dire need of these services.
In the United States, approximately one in five adults experience some form of mental illness each year, which amounts to 21% of the population. Because of racial disparities, Black Americans are 20% more likely to have a very serious mental illness yet not receive treatment when compared to their white counterparts.
Moreover, data show suicide is the leading cause of death among Black youth. A 2023 study by the Florida Department of Health found that Black Floridians were more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia and less likely to receive treatment. Racism and economic stress, along with social pressures that play out in such arenas as social media, have resulted in an increase in the suicide rates among Black teens. Complicating all mental illness is substance use and abuse.
Where do we go from here? How do we reduce these inequities? The first step is to start having conversations that include not only how we are feeling physically, but also how we are doing mentally. Secondly, an increase in funding for mental health education and treatment must become a state and federal priority. Finally, it is imperative that culturally competent therapists be promoted and encouraged. Expanding community outreach with local nonprofits and churches can increase the number of lives helped through mental health screenings.
This is not a mere option, but an imperative for the continued growth and development of our communities. This National Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond, we must care and treat the whole person — mind, body and spirit.
Dr. Michelle C. Powell is a City of Miami Gardens councilwoman since 2024 and a board-certified family medical physician of nearly 30 years.
