What is the race paradox? It is a phenomenon that became apparent in the mid-1990s as a result of negative beliefs towards racial out-groups due to prejudice and damaging stereotypes. These resulted in differential treatment and discrimination of these groups by individuals and social institutions such as mental health institutions. [1] At the start of the 20th century, leading psychiatrists believed that Black people were psychologically unfit for freedom. There was even a mental disorder classified by a physician, Samuel Cartwright, known as “drapetomania”. [2] He believed that this was a conjectural mental illness that caused Black slaves to flee captivity, which was the consequence of slave owners treating the slaves as equals. Scientific racism, and health professionals historically propagating the idea that Black people were less than or inherently criminal, has contributed to the racial disparity we see today in institutions that are, historically speaking, inherently racist.
Black people in the UK are more likely than white people to be identified as having severe mental health problems and to be sectioned under the Mental Health Act, which is legislation that covers the assessment, care, treatment, and rights of people with mental health disorders. They are also more likely to be misdiagnosed, forgotten, or ignored when they do ask for help. ‘Racial misdiagnoses’ means that black adults are least likely to have access to counselling or medication and are most likely to be detained for their mental health. For example, a Black person (age 18-24) is four times more likely to be admitted to an inpatient psychiatric ward than a White person of the same age. [3]
The link between stressful life experiences, racial prejudice, and psychiatric disorders essentially means that black people must cope with two forms of discrimination: racial discrimination, and discrimination because of mental illness. Social and cultural beliefs often contribute to the stigma surrounding mental health problems; however, one source of discrimination is not often addressed. When surveyed about discrimination, 49% of Black and Minority Ethnic people admitted to having experienced discrimination from mental health staff in some form. [4]
While the ‘Delivering Race Equality in Mental Health Care Action Plan’ was introduced to address ethnic inequalities within the mental health system for black and minority ethnic people, evidence shows no drastic improvements in the experiences black people have with mental health services. [5] This is especially relevant as there has been an increase in mental health issues because of the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on black communities, and this injustice will only get worse if nothing changes. In response to the current crisis, the mental health charity ‘Mind’ has urged the UK government to focus on important measures: investing in community services to reform the Mental Health Act, supporting young people, and addressing inequalities experienced by BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) people. Furthermore, a survey of 16,000 people revealed the distressing impacts of the pandemic on mental health. [6] Hence, the UK government must urgently devise a plan for recovery from the inevitable coronavirus mental health crisis.
An equal access, treatment, and opportunity are vital within the healthcare industry and must be something that we all work towards together. These are real issues that affect people with mental health problems every day, and each one of us has the right to get the support we need. Focusing our efforts on preventing the development of mental illnesses by addressing stigma, cultural barriers, and systemic racism is how we can hope to alleviate suffering and end the race paradox in mental health.
Disclaimer
Often in the media, people of colour, particularly Black people, are largely misrepresented. As allies, it is important to remember that although it may seem like you are helping a cause by speaking out about the injustices of racial discrimination and systematic oppression, we need to ensure that the voices of Black people are heard and that we do not try to speak for them. The aim of this article is to spread awareness about an issue in the field of healthcare.
References
[1] Adee, S. (2013, November 14). The mental health paradox. Retrieved from www.lastwordonnothing.com: https://www.lastwordonnothing.com/2013/11/14/the-mental-health-paradox/
[2] Dimuro, G. (2018, April 4). Southerners Actually Thought Slaves Escaping Was A Sign Of Mental Illness. Retrieved from allthatsinteresting.com: https://allthatsinteresting.com/drapetomania
[3] Health, D. o. (2005, January 11). Delivering race equality in mental health care, an Action Plan for reform inside and outside services; and the Government’s response to the. Retrieved from http://research.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/ReACH/resources/keypaper4.pdf
[4] Mental Health, f. T. (2006, October). The Costs of Race Inequality. London. Retrieved from: https://www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/costs_of_race_inequality_policy_paper_6.pdf
[5] Owen, D., & Rehman, H. (2013, October). MENTAL HEALTH SURVEY OF ETHNIC MINORITIES. Retrieved from https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/sites/default/files/TTC_Final%20Report_ETHNOS_summary_0.pdf
[6] Mind. (2020). The mental health. London. Retrieved from https://www.mind.org.uk/media-a/5929/the-mental-health-emergency_a4_final.pdf
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