National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month 2024: Infographic

About half of all people in the United States will be diagnosed with a mental disorder at some point in their lifetime, and many factors that can affect mental health and well-being later in life start during childhood and adolescence. Certain social and economic circumstances known as social determinants of health (SDOH) can leave racial and ethnic minority and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) children and adolescents at increased risk for many preventable mental health problems. 

The HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH) developed this three-part infographic using data collected by Healthy People 2030 to illustrate examples of adverse SDOH factors that can lead to poor mental health outcomes for racial and ethnic minority and AI/AN children and adolescents and provide actionable strategies that we can take to Be the Source for Better Mental Health for these populations. The dimensions of each section are compatible with a widescreen (16:9) presentation format. Additional information and linked data sources are available below. We encourage you to download and share this information with your peers, networks, and communities.

Click here to download a PDF version of this infographic.

BE THE SOURCE FOR BETTER MENTAL HEALTH FOR RACIAL AND ETHNIC MINORITY AND AI/AN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Many factors that can affect mental health well-being later in life start during childhood and adolescence. Certain adverse SDOH factors, like experiencing trauma, lacking support systems, and having limited access to health care, can leave racial and ethnic minority and AI/AN children and adolescents at increased risk for many preventable mental health problems. 

AI/AN, Black/African American, multiracial, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NHPI) children are more likely to experience child abuse and neglect than Asian, Hispanic/Latino, and white children. AI/AN and multiracial adolescents are more likely to experience sexual or physical violence by a dating partner than other groups. These experiences can cause long-term physical, behavioral, and mental health problems. 

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among adolescents, and AI/AN and Black/African American adolescents are more likely to attempt suicide than peers in other racial and ethnic groups. Family-based mental health and substance use prevention programs may help reduce teen suicide attempts, but AI/AN adolescents are less likely than other racial and ethnic groups to report having an adult in their lives with whom they can discuss serious problems. Adolescents who have an adult to confide in are less likely to take part in high-risk behaviors. Evidence shows that mentoring programs are an effective way to improve behavioral, social, emotional, and academic outcomes in adolescents.

The earlier young people get diagnosed and seek treatment for their mental disorders, the more effective it can be. However, many adolescents in certain racial and ethnic groups are less likely to get treatment. Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino adolescents are less likely to receive treatment than other racial and ethnic groups who experience major depressive episodes. Asian children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are less likely than other racial and ethnic groups to receive developmentally appropriate treatment, including behavioral therapy and/or medication. Treatment plans that connect patients to primary care providers and mental health specialists can help adolescents get the care they need.

*Race alone, not Hispanic or Latino

If you or someone you know needs help with their mental health or substance use, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. You can find resources specific to Tribal communities, Black communities, and LGBTQI+ communities.