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We know that when we feel sick, we need medicine.
However, a world of wellness exists beyond this basic knowledgethis is where health literacy comes in.
Unfortunately, research shows there are low rates of health literacy inBIPOC communities(aka communities of color).
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This ultimately leads to diminished access to care.
This is a structural issue that is perpetuated by systemic, communal, and interpersonal factors.
He contextualized this issue using a Critical Race Theory (CRT) tenet called critique of liberalism.
Personal and interpersonal factors speak to the struggles in relationships folks of color may experience when seeking out care.
For instance, stigma can serve as yet another barrier to care.
Yet, stigma is rooted in a lack of information about mental health.
In turn, there is an understandable skepticism and hesitancy inseeking care.
If one isnt aware that theyre experiencing a mental health issue, they arent going to seek out treatment.
If one isnt aware that theyre experiencing a mental health issue, they arent going to seek out treatment.
What Happens When People Lack Health Literacy?
Mitchell explains that health literacy can build a bridge between misinformation andstigmasto the truth.
The fact of the matter is that when we know better, we do better, he states.
How Can We Improve Health Literacy in Communities of Color?
Health literacy is much more complicated than simply handing out flyers or giving local talks.
To help a community develop health literacy, we must pay special attention tocultural differences.
This may include language, dialect, and community beliefs around mental health.
But what exactly does this kind of approach look like?
Well, according to Mitchell, a community participatory approach is best.
This is the pathway to effective and sustainable change, he asserts.
How Does Community Involvement Minimizes Systemic Inequities?
How Do We Create Change That Actually Sticks?
Lasting change must include shifts to systemic structures.
This approach doesnt only fall onto mental healthcare professionals.
Let’s talk about how you could boost your health literacy.
Let me start by sharing how I improved my health literacy.
Improving my health literacy gave me the courage to confidently walk along my path to wellness.
I thought that therapy was only for times when something was terribly wrong.
It didnt help that I was unaware of what mental illness could look like.
In fact, I had no clue that Id been operating withhigh-functioning anxietyand depression!
This issue is part of why I became a therapist.
In my journey of healing, I became empowered with the knowledge that I wasnt broken.
I learned that I could change therapists if I felt unheard at any time.
And I learned that there were plenty of treatment modalities for me to choose from.
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Mental Health America.Racial Trauma.
