How Does Lack of Mental Health Services Affect the Minority Youth in Chicago?

Abstract

There is low access to mental health resources in low-income communities in the South Side of Chicago. Mental health is an important issue for minority communities with low socioeconomic status (SES) that have structural impact that affect the youth because they are more likely to live where there is a lot of exposure to violence. The people of the community have been facing health inequalities because of the social structures and economic systems. UI health had a data analysis assessment where having easier access to mental health was a need for a healthier community. The purpose of this study is to research how lack of access to mental health services affect the minority youth in Chicago and to make sure that the resources available for them connect to the youth who live in these communities. A review of the available research at a national level has shown a negative impact from not having mental health resources for the youth of color, resulting in not receiving proper treatment for conditions like major depressive disorder and anxiety. Youth of color were also shown to be less likely to access mental health resources than their white counterparts. Throughout the research, a policy that is recommended and explored is the Protection and Advocacy for Mentally ill Individuals Act of 1986. This act makes sure that the mentally ill are protected with the necessary resources. It’s known that there is neglect towards the mentally ill and that lack of treatment and healthcare exist. It’s brought to our attention to make sure that the that the minority people in Chicago still have this issue and to make sure to decrease the amounts that are being affected. The methods that were conducted for this research were literature reviews from scholarly articles, data analysis, and visiting websites. One policy recommendation is to create more mental health programs for youth who experience impacts on their mental health, as well as those who are at risk in their communities. Schools should also have mental health providers in these communities because of youth exposure to stressors such as community violence. By providing these resources to the community, it creates a better system where people who don’t have insurance due to their economic circumstances can still feel relief without worrying about any fees.