Mental Health Must Reads
May was Mental Health Month, but the focus on mental health and the normalization of public discussion about mental health is critical year-round. Here are five articles that have us thinking and talking about mental health.
Naomi Osaka, the world’s second-highest-ranked female tennis player, made international headlines when she withdrew from the French Open last month after being threatened with expulsion if she continued to refuse to participate in press conferences. With her decision and frankness about her mental health, Osaka is changing the international conversation about mental health and encouraging others to go public with their struggles. (The Seattle Times)
The COVID-19 pandemic’s mental health effects have not spared children. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, in October 2020, 31% of parents said that their children’s mental health issues have been worse than before the pandemic. Groups including LGBTQ youth and children of color may be particularly vulnerable. (Kaiser Family Foundation)
The rise in hate crimes targeting Asians and Asian-Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic have compounded the mental health challenges for the Asian-American community. Asian-American mental health professionals are dealing with increased calls for assistance as they continue to combat the stigma of seeking help within the community. (The Press-Enterprise)
According to a recent CDC report, 40% of adults who identified as Latino and/or Hispanic reported symptoms of depression during the pandemic compared to 25% of white adults. However, the lack of Latino representation and Spanish linguistic competency among psychologists is one of the many barriers to seeking help. (Verywell Health)
Creative Kuponya, a mental health practice in Minneapolis, is just minutes away from where George Floyd was killed last year. The practice — 31% of whose clients are African-American — has seen a sharp increase in demand for its services. Its experience is echoed by other mental health professionals during a traumatic time for the African-American community. (The New York Times)
