Intersectionality on Mental Health.
The intersectionality model.
What is intersectionality as it relates to mental health? According to an article I found on Betterhelp, intersectionality can be valuable because it recognizes that each person is an individual with unique experiences, perspectives, and obstacles. No one can be defined by a singular identity marker alone. Instead, various factors contribute to someone's experience and interactions with the world around them.
I have always emphasized the importance of intersectionality ever since I started working in the non-profit sector. It is understanding the unique challenges faced by individuals seeking assistance and identifying the various factors that influence their ability to overcome hardships.
In our world, each person's life is shaped by a complex tapestry of experiences and identities. These include race, ethnicity, marital status, socioeconomic background, gender and sexual orientation, age, education, etc. Sometimes, people may assert that "this is just the way I am" without recognizing how these elements interconnect to form their unique stories and perspectives. It's necessary to be mindful of how your personal history and background play a pivotal role in your journey and how you perceive the world. This also relates to mental health and how it affects your beliefs about how you should handle yourself based on past experiences versus the skills you need to deal with the challenges that have impacted your life.
It's important to recognize and appreciate the multifaceted nature of the challenges you encounter. It's important to dedicate time and effort to deeply understand and tackle these barriers as they are essential for personal development and moving forward. Examining the different dimensions of your identity is a critical step in creating a foundation for a more rewarding and meaningful life.
For example: Due to stereotypes and implicit bias, individuals from different racial backgrounds may face unique challenges when seeking help or therapy. Past experiences and societal conditioning may lead some people to struggle in accepting support, either because they have been conditioned to handle things independently or because they have observed their loved ones doing the same. These ingrained behaviors can create barriers to seeking the help that is needed.
Considering our race and its potential impact on our ability to connect with a therapist who has similar experiences is crucial. While people from diverse racial backgrounds may not have identical experiences, there is significant value in a therapist who can relate to our racial experiences, as it fosters a deep sense of mutual understanding and empathy. This connection can significantly enhance the therapeutic relationship and the overall effectiveness of therapy.
The discussion I just had focused specifically on the impact of not just race but also how it intertwines with specific decisions, particularly with regard to seeking support for mental health. When you delve into the concept of intersectionality and its relevance to your personal life and core beliefs—such as what you were taught to believe about others and yourself, both in the past and present—and how you connect these aspects to your existence, you can begin to understand how to nurture those facets of yourself that will aid in understanding the decisions you make, and whether they will be beneficial or detrimental to your healing journey.
