Race & Mental Health

Statistics show BAME people are more likely to experience mental illness compared with white people in the UK. Explore this webpage to understand why this is & what help is available.

Watch the above video to hear Black people talk about their experiences with their mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Relationship Between Racism & Mental Health

Racism

Each person will experience the impacts of racism differently. You may find that racism does not have a significant impact on your mental health & wellbeing or that you have found ways to challenge & cope with racism that help you stay well & feeling good. Many racialised people live life without ever experiencing mental illness, however the lived experiences of racialised people, plus a growing amount of research, show that racism negatively impacts wellbeing and contributes to BAME people in the UK being more likely to experience mental illness than white people.

Hate Crime

In the UK you are more likely to be the victim of a hate crime because of your race or perceived race than any other aspect of your identity.

Hate crimes are crimes committed against people because of their race, sexuality, religion, gender identity or disability. The risk of being a victim of crime based solely on your race, appearance and perceived identity can have a significant impact on the mental health & wellbeing of racialised people. To understand more & get help click the link below.

Find out more

Watch the above video to hear how increased racist comments, since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, are affecting these young Chinese people.

Racism & Bullying

Get help if you have experienced racism & racialised bullying

Visit the Childline webpage below for great advice on how to deal with racism and racial bullying whatever age you are.

Click Here

Stigma

Mental Health Stigma = negative associations & misconceptions about mental health which make it harder for people to speak up & access help.

In the UK people can feel the impacts of mental health stigma whatever their ethnicity, however within some racialised communities there can be additional stigma around mental health that make it even harder to access help.

Take a look at the celebrities below who are sharing their mental health experiences to help tackle mental health stigma.

Watch the video to see ordinary people speak out about stigma and it’s impact – particularly in the Black community and for Black men & boys.

Celebrities experience of mental illness

Stormzy

Nadiya Hussain

Rio Ferdinand

Jade Thirlwall - Little Mix

Support for Racialised People

All the support services linked on the homepage of this website can help you if you are struggling with your mental health whatever your racial identity & ethnicity. As well as the services on the homepage here are some extra services and resources with specific advice for different racialised groups:

Young Minds – Racism & Mental Health – take a look at this article to explore the impacts of racism & practical things you can do to help improve your mental health & minimise the impact of racism on your wellbeing.

Racism & Racialised Bullying – Childline

6 Self-Care Tips for Young Black People – Make our Rights a Reality

Zuri Therapy – Racial Wellness Therapy Workshops – If you’re Black British & over 18 you might find these free online wellbeing workshops run by Black therapists helpful. Find out more if this could be right for you by clicking the link.

Muslim Youth Helpline– national helpline for muslims, regardless of ethnicity, across the UK. Call, chat, Whatsapp or email to talk to someone confidentially about anything you are going through.

Tell MAMA (Measuring Anti-Muslim attacks) – Support for anyone who has experienced anti-muslim hate, racism and discrimination.

You might like to speak to a therapist who is part of a racialised community rather than a white therapist. It’s ok to ask to speak to someone who is the same ethnicity as you. This might not always be possible, but it’s ok to ask. If you are considering paying for therapy you can find a therapist with Black, African, Asain or Caribbean heritage here: BAATN – Find a Therapist