How to talk about your mental health when no one wants to listen

According to the American Psychiatric Association, people belonging to racial and ethnic minority groups are more than the rest of the American population.

Colored communities often have medical treatment for mental illnesses. They also face challenges such as: [TRADUCTION] "Although an individual may have his or her own vision of mental health, it is intimately related to the opinions expressed within his family, his school, his work, etc. "Said, a licensed clinical social worker based in Brooklyn, New York.

But these barriers can be broken down. HuffPost has asked several psychologists and mental health providers who primarily treat color patients how to have an effective and serious conversation about mental health and why it is so difficult to talk about it in the first place. Here's their advice:

The search for professional help is OK – even if that does not seem to be the case,

a New York-based clinical psychologist who specializes in working with Americans in the United States. 39, Asian origin. this silence was the default mode of communication between family members.

"Her parents repeatedly told her that she just needed to last and that her depression would have disappeared," Cao said. is part of a broader trend: Americans of Asian descent are three times less likely to seek mental health services than whites, according to the.

a clinical psychologist working with Latin American families in Brooklyn, said that because of the significant value given to the family, many members of the Latin American community do not seek help for mental health problems.

"Latinos are expected to rely on family [immediate] extended family, church, curandero and friends," said Caraballo. (A is a spiritual guide in a community where people go when they are sick.) "We are supposed to keep our problems in our surroundings."

Knowing when to see a health professional for your mental health is important because the longer you are not treated, the more potential consequences can occur, including the worsening of your symptoms.

"The pressure to hide your problems could make you more fearful of your mental illness and cause you to isolate yourself," said Cao. "Transparency and awareness are probably the most effective way to overcome this fear."

Affirming the Importance of Conversation

When dealing with friends or family members who are not willing to talk about your experiences, Cao suggested that you should really and affirmatively ask for a conversation using phrases like "I need to talk to you", "I need your help", or "S" please listen to me before saying anything. "

Atlanta-based clinical psychologist, said you should find the time to talk to your loved ones when they are calm and you can have their full attention.

"Be as transparent with them as possible about what you are experiencing, how these experiences are impacting you, and why you believe the experiences are serious enough to warrant outside intervention," Green said.

Use language that your loved one can understand.

When discussing a topic as sensitive as mental health, you must make sure that you communicate in a way that makes sense to you and your interviewer.

Cao recommended to do so in by avoiding general and weighted vocabulary such as "mental disorder" or "abnormal", as this could reintroduce the feeling of shame badociated with these terms. Instead, try to start the conversation by talking about anything you may feel, such as a loss of appetite or insomnia that will help break the ice.

"It may be easier to communicate first about physical symptoms, such as insomnia and changes in appetite, because there is no stigma or of shame, "said Cao.

It is also important that you communicate in a tone that gives you the impression of receiving feedback if that is your goal of the conversation.

"We often notice another person's resistance without being aware of our own resistance," Appollon said. "Create a [atmosphere] open in your communication style by being aware of your words, tone and feelings."

Religion and mental health support do not exclude each other.

One of the main reasons The fact that we talk openly about the black community is due to the fact that we rely on religious beliefs to solve or solve mental health problems without consider additional support resources, Green said.

According to the National Alliance for Mental Illness, only about 40% of whites.

"I have heard clients say that family members and friends have either prevented them from getting treatment and / or sent them back to Green explained that if religion is an important part of the style your family, Green said you could tell your loved ones that there are resources available for families with religious backgrounds.

"There are counselors and therapists who # 39; different religious backgrounds that incorporate their faith in the work, "said Green." Even if you do not want to go to a therapist who identifies in a particular way, most therapists have a training that allows them to appreciate and respect the religious beliefs of their clients. "

Enjoying External Resources. [19659006] If you are absolutely unable to talk about your mental health status to relatives or friends , you have the choice among several other options

"Ask the help of a psychologist, a psychotherapist, a psychologist
your language and understand your culture," recommended Cao.

If you think you'll have a hard time paying for treatment, Cao said you can ask for help from hospitals and clinics that offer appointments on adjusted income. There are also online options and free alternatives that can always be useful, such as support groups. Creating a list of support groups across the United States that you can filter by group name or support topic.

Bottom line: Share your experiences and know that living with a mental health problem does not make you "weak". The more you talk about it, the more people start to pay attention. Experts agree that open communication can play a vital role in eliminating the shame and stigma surrounding mental health.

"Just talking about your situation and your illness to someone who understands it can reduce the stress you have," Cao said. "It can also help your loved ones understand you better and ease their worries about you."