Black and Minority Ethnic mental health

What are mental health problems?

Mental health problems can affect people at any time of life and in different ways. They can include anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, self-harm and dementia.

• Some common mental health problems

Many of us can suffer bad housing, lack of money and worries about legal matters. Problems build up and the pressure of a major event such as the loss of a relative can make the load too much to bear alone.

The Bangladeshi Welfare Association in Portsmouth asked people from their community about what affected their mental health and wellbeing. Poeple talked about the racism they face and although many people cope with this, they felt it had an effect on their well being. They also said that they did not who could help with mental health problems and who to turn to when things get too much. We all can worry about a family member who is struggling to cope and need some expert advice.

How can I get help?

The first thing you should do is contact your family doctor, the GP. You can often choose whether you want to see a man or a woman. Your doctor may be able to help you and your family, or suggest other people who can help like the Community Mental Health Team.

The Community Mental Health Team. is a team of skilled experts who can see you at a local office near to your home. The team includes mental health nurses, specialist doctors in mental health and occupational therapists.

Our Black and Minority Ethnic(BME) Community Development Officers can also help you find the advice and support you need and reduce the fear of the mental health services amongst service users.

The department provides a range of services for adults with a severe mental health problem, usually through a joint service with health and the independent sector.

Black and Minority Ethnic groups

These groups help to improve communications between communities and services and therefore help to bring communities together. They will include Cultural resources and Faith groups which highlight the importance of faith and culture in todays services.

Local information for East Hampshire & Fareham | Eastleigh & District | Gosport & District | Havant & District | Hart and Rushmoor | New Forest | Winchester & District

Other sources of help

• Healthtalkonline - ethnic minority experiences of mental health problems including

  • Onset of mental health problems
  • Hallucinations & delusions
  • Complementary & alternative medicine (CAM)
  • Recovery