With inclusivity becoming more of a focus in today’s society, it’s important for our healthcare system to follow in tandem. Though there are still strong stigmas surrounding the conversation of mental health, progress in education and acceptance has been steadily increasing. Mental health is a constantly growing and changing field. As experts learn more about our brains, adjustments need to be made. This includes finding ways to make mental healthcare inclusive, sensitive and adaptable.
Being inclusive in mental healthcare means giving the same amount of care to an individual without discriminating or stigmatizing them. For mental health professionals, this may mean that they have to do their own work to reduce the chances that their implicit bias has an effect on the way that they treat patients. It’s also possible that people will look to seek mental healthcare from professionals who identify similarly or specialize in ways that cater to their needs.
Learning more about inclusive mental health can help you gain a better understanding of how it differs from more traditional models. You can learn more about inclusive mental health with these resources from BetterHelp.
Diversity and Mental Health
A person’s experience is individual to them. Their mental health is affected by their life circumstances, the way they see themselves and the way they see the world. A person’s experience as a transgender individual will be different than that of a cis-gender one. The challenges that people face in their identity can be so much more nuanced than the traditional models of mental health care suggests.
It’s also important to note that not everyone has access to the same resources as others. People of color and people from lower income communities have less access to mental health resources. It’s important for mental healthcare providers to continue to find ways to offer affordable counseling and find ways to reach out to communities that may not otherwise be able to get care.
Everyone deserves care for their mental health and wellbeing, and adapting for the needs of our communities is key to giving support to people from all walks of life. Outreach for mental health services is crucial, along with training mental health professionals to not shy away from conversations around diversity.
Why It Matters
Ignoring the adversity that people face doesn’t make it go away. Though there have been steps forward in the treatment of people from marginalized communities in recent years, there is still a lot of work to do. The repercussions of oppression and intergenerational trauma will continue to linger in the individuals that face it. Creating effective, intersectional treatment plans can help people heal and live more positive lives.
Awareness and honest conversations around inclusive mental health are important to continue progress forward. Though it can be daunting to have challenging conversations, they can be empowering for both professionals and clients. Our identities are closely tied to our emotional wellbeing, and acknowledging them for their complexities can help people thrive in their day to day lives.
About the author
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
Speaks from heart, always too passionate and driven by emotions. Spins the words with kindness & sharpness, intriguing your ever-inscrutable minds.