Historically, members of marginalized communities have been underserved in the mental health care sector. Factors such as race, class, gender, and education have played a big role in how marginalized people access mental health care. Moreover, in some cultures, there is a stigma surrounding seeking mental health care. People are expected to be self-reliant with their own emotional and mental health concerns.
The Covid-19 crisis introduced new challenges to this already problematic scenario. The pandemic left a more profound impact on marginalized communities, especially in terms of financial stability. The stress of not having a job and not knowing how they will pay their bills, not to mention put food on the table, can lead them to suffer mental health concerns for which they don’t have adequate support.
This presentation explores the different factors that impact a mental health crisis, including the ways the psychiatric system can perpetuate harm to members of marginalized communities. It is also a sharing of practical ideas for ways that co-workers, family, and friends can promote a community care model of emotional support that does not rely on involving emergency services. Please join us in this presentation.