Minorities Mental HealthAwarness Month ( Cultural Competence in Mental Health of Minorities )

What is Culture?

Culture may be defined as the behaviors, values and beliefs shared by a group of people, such as an ethnic, racial, geographical, religious, gender, class or age group. Everyone belongs to multiple cultural groups, so that each individual is a blend of many influences.

What is Cultural Competence?

Cultural competence is the ability to relate effectively to individuals from various groups and backgrounds. Culturally competent services respond to the unique needs of members of minority populations and are also sensitive to the ways in which people with disabilities experience the world. Within the behavioral health system (which addresses both mental illnesses and substance abuse), cultural competence must be a guiding principle, so that services are culturally sensitive and provide culturally appropriate prevention, outreach, assessment and intervention.

Cultural Barriers to Mental Health Care

Cultural barriers that prevent members of minority populations from receiving appropriate care include:

mistrust and fear of treatment;

alternative ideas about what constitutes illness and health;

language barriers and ineffective communication;

access barriers, such as inadequate insurance coverage; and

Lack of diversity in the mental health workforce.

Cultural Biases and Stereotypes

In general, discrimination refers to the hostile or negative feelings of one group of people toward another. It can cause bias in service provision and can prevent people from seeking help. Cultural competency must address the biases and stereotypes that are associated with an individuals culture and various identities. Forms of discrimination include: racism: prejudice or discrimination based on a persons race or on the belief that one race is superior to another; ageism: bias toward an individual or group based on age.

For example, young people may be stereotyped as immature and irresponsible;

older adults may be called slow, weak, dependent and senile;

sexism: discrimination or prejudice based on gender;

Heterosexism: prejudice against people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or intersex. It is also the assumption that all people are heterosexual and that heterosexuality is correct and normal

Homophobia: the fear and/or dislike of homosexual people or homosexuality;

Classism: any form of prejudice or oppression against people who are members of (or who are perceived as being similar to those who are members of) a lower social class; and religious intolerance: an inability or unwillingness to tolerate anothers beliefs or practices.

So guys have you ever faced similar kind of situations in your life. Then share with us. If know then also tell us how you support your friend/family /colleges who are facing similar situation.

Original text: https://tucollaborative.org

Tag list: @MonBon @blogger123 @ececho @IIAlexeyII @Imogene @MistyMagic @rioz @supportiveMonkey46

Special taglist: @brilliantTurtle89 @pamharley003 @kindSoul10 @Pumpkin74 @RideaRainbow