Gender identity, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, and socioeconomic status are determinants that affect psychological health and well-being in today's society. Communities such as the LGBTQ+, impoverished and various ethnic communities (Black, Asian, Hispanic, etc.) suffer mentally as an effect from ongoing discrimination and social hierarchical oppression (1). Minorities have been proven to suffer psychologically in terms of exposure to environmental stress, falling susceptible to mental illnesses such as: anxiety, depression, PTSD, and suicidal ideation (2). It is important to acknowledge there is a widespread mental illness crisis in our society that is causing a negative impact on our country's minorities and their mental health, in an effort to better equip mental health providers with tools and strategies to overcome disparities and increase mental well-being in a dismantled system.
References:
(1)
Sutter, M., & Perrin, P. B. (2016). Discrimination, Mental Health, and Suicidal Ideation Among
LGBTQ People of Color. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 63(1), 98–105.
https://doi-org.proxy.lib.uiowa.edu/10.1037/cou0000126
(2)
Leon, R. L. (2005). Racism and Mental Illness. Psychiatry Online.
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