For many Black Canadians, it’s an uphill battle to gain proper access to healthcare, particularly if they need access to mental healthcare. The wait times, systematic racism, and a lack of culturally responsive care are all challenges many Black youths have to contend with.
Keep in mind that many in the Black community suffer from the stigma associated with seeking treatment for a mental health condition. According to a study by Ottawa Public Health, 40 per cent believe that seeking treatment for a mental health condition is a sign of personal failure.
In the wake of the recent crisis in accessing mental health care, the Black Physicians Association of Ontario held a conference to discuss what can be done to address the concerns of the Black community in Toronto. Family doctors, nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, social workers, and psychologists gathered to address those concerns and provide a more culturally safe care experience for marginalized communities.
According to an article in the Toronto Star, Black youth experience mental healthcare differently from other youths; that is, in part due to racism and implicit biases. Black youth face a different predicament; some have experienced trauma stemming from racism, which can affect their self-esteem and their mental health.
Dr. Amy Gajaria, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, said that in many cases, Black youth are often misdiagnosed and also misunderstood. In some cases, healthcare providers have preconceived notions or stereotypes, which internalizes as unconscious bias towards Black youth and their families.
Black youth also face significantly longer wait times than other patients when gaining access to mental health care. Tiyondah Fante-Coleman, a researcher with the Pathways to Care project at the Black Health Care Alliance, said that Black children and youth waited an average of 16 months for mental health care compared to seven months for white patients.
It’s evident that the barriers Black youth face in mental health care are insurmountable; nevertheless, to address this issue, both practitioners and patients must take action. Consider a few ways in which they can do so.
Give a Voice to Black Leaders
Organizations, communities, and employees are crucial in creating inclusive and supportive spaces. If your company or community is developing a mental health program or initiative, including Black representatives in the decision-making is vital. They can also lend a voice to their communities and advocate for them. Don’t underestimate the role of Black employees and colleagues in supporting your initiative; they can play an important role in the decision-making process.
Sign up for Cultural Competency Training
The goal of such a program is to raise awareness, help people overcome their biases, and help them gain the needed skills to support marginalized communities.
Integrate Culturally Responsive Care
If you are a health care provider or in a position to provide care or counseling, it helps to educate yourself about your community. Never underestimate the power of knowing more about others to better understand them. This can help Black communities receive the care and attention they need to become healthier and stronger and build a relationship of trust between care providers and patients.
Increase recruitment of more Black health care Professionals
Diversity in the hiring process is the key to better care. It leads to an innovative and adaptable workplace. When you are discussing a challenge, being able to speak to someone who understands you is essential to proper treatment. That’s why it is important to include and hire more Black people in healthcare. It can mitigate the effects of systematic racism.
David Messiha | Staff Writer