CHAPTER 9

Prioritizing the Mental Health of People of Color

by Angela Neal-Barnett

Too often, we mistakenly assume that mental health is the same for everyone, and that race and ethnicity are not factors. But disparities exist between people of color and their white counterparts in the prevalence, incidence, symptoms, and treatment of mental health conditions. The Covid-19 pandemic and the wider recognition of racism as a public health crisis have highlighted these disparities, along with the need to acknowledge and address them in the workplace.

The Barriers You Face

If you’re a person of color, barriers to mental health assistance include the impact of racism, being an “only,” cultural mistrust, and collectivism. Understanding racism and its ...

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