Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic mental health

If you’re from a Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic background, you may face specific issues relating to your mental health. Fear, stigma, and lack of culturally sensitive treatment can act as barriers to accessing mental health care for people from Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic backgrounds. On this page we’ll be looking at the mental health of people in these communities and the options available to help overcome some of the barriers to accessing support.

What does Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic mean?

‘Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic’ is currently used in the UK as a term to describe anyone from a non-white background. This definition includes but is not limited to, Black African and Black Caribbean people, Asian and East Asian people, and people who are mixed race. According to the most recent Census, people from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds make up about 14% of the population in England and Wales. We have used ‘Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic’ as an inclusive term for people who don’t identify as white. We have chosen to use the term Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic after consulting with people from a wide variety of backgrounds, but we know that there are many different terms that people prefer to use to describe themselves.

Are rates of mental illness different for people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds?

Rates of mental illness for people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds are sometimes greater than for white people.

Every Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic person’s experience of mental health will be unique and being part of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities does not automatically mean you will experience a mental illness or poor mental health. However, there are some recent statistics that show that compared to white people:

Black women are more likely to experience a common mental illness such as anxiety disorder or depression.
Older South Asian women are part of an at-risk group for suicide.
Black men are more likely to experience psychosis.
Black people are 4 times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act.
More white people receive treatment for mental health issues than people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and they have better outcomes post treatment.

The reasons why rates of poor mental health in Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities differ are complex, and each person’s experience will be different. It is thought some of the reasons why there are different rates of mental illness for people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds are due to:

Inequalities in wealth and living standards.
Bias, discrimination and racism.
Stigma about mental health.
Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people are less likely to have mental health issues identified in the criminal justice system.
People from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds are more likely to be living in poverty than white people, and people living in poverty are more likely to develop and experience mental health issues.

People from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds can have different experiences of the mental health system compared to white people. Some Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups are less satisfied with their experiences of the NHS, GP and hospital services compared to the rest of the population.

People from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds have told us that some of the barriers they face when accessing mental health care are:

Cultural barriers where mental health issues aren’t recognised or aren’t seen as important.
Language barriers that prevents full communication of issues.
Professionals having a lack of knowledge about things that are important to someone from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background, or their experiences.
White healthcare professionals not being able to fully understand what racism or discrimination is like.
Lack of publicity of mental health support and services in some Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities.
Stereotyping. For example, some white people think that Black people with mental health issues will get angry or aggressive. They may consciously think this, or through unconscious biases.
Stigma about mental illness in some communities stops some people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds seeking help.

Overcoming barriers to mental health care

Accessing mental health services and support might sometimes be a difficult experience. People may be worried about how they’ll be perceived by healthcare professionals. This may be because they feel misunderstood, or that mental health services can’t meet their needs. We know that it is up to mental health services to change to get things right. But there are also things you may be able to do to help, and to make your experience more positive.

Ask for a healthcare professional who is from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background

Some people find it easier to speak to someone from the same or a similar background. This might be because they feel like they will be judged less and have an increased sense of empathy. You have the right to see any GP in your surgery and ask.

Tell your healthcare professional about your culture and background

You can tell mental health professionals how your culture and background is relevant to your mental health problems. This will help to create better understanding between you and them. It might help to shape your care and treatment in a way you prefer.

Access therapy from a charity or private therapist

Some people prefer to talk to someone who they relate to. The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network has therapists from Black, African, Asian and Caribbean Heritage. There also might be local charities, support groups and online support forums you can join.

Ask professionals to communicate with you in a way you understand

The NHS must communicate with you and give you information in a way you understand it. You can explain your communication needs and ask for an interpreter if you need one. You can also ask a trusted person to interpret for you if you want to.

Understand your rights under the Equality Act

Under the Equality Act 2010, it is illegal for a service provider to discriminate against people because of their race and this includes the NHS. If you think you’ve been discriminated against you can get free expert advice on what you can do from Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).

Take a friend or relative to your appointment

You can take a person you trust, like a friend or relative, to an appointment with you. They can support you and it might ease any anxiety you have about the appointment. The person can speak on your behalf if you want them to.

General services

The NHS mental health support services are available to everyone and under the Equality Act they must support and treat you regardless of your race or background. By first visiting your GP, you can access support including talking therapies, psychiatrists, psychologists and medication. You can also be referred to secondary services which are mental health teams including social workers and occupational therapists who are part of the NHS.

Find support

Specialist services

Some people prefer to access support that has been created specifically for people in their communities, as they may feel this support is more inclusive, welcoming and knowledgeable. There are a number of charities and organisations offering practical and social support to people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities. Find out more about what type of support is available.

Find support

Feeling unhappy with support

If you feel unhappy with how you have been treated or with medical or mental health support provided, there are different actions you can take.

An advocate is someone who is independent of the NHS but understands the system and your rights. They might be able to come to a meeting with you and your doctor and make sure you get your voice heard. There are different types of advocates depending on your circumstances and what you need. You can find more information about ‘Advocacy’ at www.rethink.org. Or call our General Enquiries team on 0121 522 7007 and ask them to send you a copy of our factsheet. It includes information on how to find an advocate.

PALS stands for The Patient Advice and Liaison Service. You can contact your local PALS. They can help you with any problems or issues you have with an NHS service. You can find your local PALS details at: www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/Patient-advice-and-liaison-services-(PALS)/LocationSearch/363.

If you can’t informally resolve your issues with mental health services, you can complain. You can complain verbally or in writing.  Make sure that you say that you are making a complaint. You can ask the service you complain to what their complaints policy is. They might have it on their website. You can find more information about ‘Complaining about the NHS or social services’ at www.rethink.org. Or call our General Enquiries team on 0121 522 7007 and ask them to send you a copy of our factsheet.

You can ask your doctor for a second opinion. Doctors can have different opinions, particularly on mental health. A second opinion from another doctor can help you feel more certain about the right diagnosis and treatment for you. If your doctor agrees that a second opinion will help, they will try to arrange one for you. But you have no legal right to a second opinion.