78% of Blacks have experienced early signs of poor mental health

Health

A new Public Health Engand (PHE) survey reveals more than seven in ten (78%) people from an African, Caribbean and Black British background or community have experienced early signs of poor mental health including feeling anxious, stressed, having low mood or trouble sleeping in the last 12 months. While these can be a natural response to life’s challenges, they can become more serious if people don’t take action – and many wait too long. It is increasingly recognised that taking care of our mental health is as important as maintaining good physical health.

A quarter (27%) of people who experienced signs of poor mental health from an African, Caribbean and Black British background waited at least six months before taking action to manage their mental health.

The PHE survey also found that amongst those from an African, Caribbean and Black British background:

  • nearly half (47%) people who experienced concerns about their mental health turned to unhealthy behaviours – smoking, drinking alcohol, unhealthy eating or taking recreational drugs
  • four in ten (42%) of people who experienced concerns about their mental health avoided social situations or contact from friends and family
  • a quarter (25%) of people who experienced concerns about their mental health called in sick to work and 11% quit their jobs
  • of those who took action, over a quarter (28%) only did so when it was having an impact on their daily life

Every Mind Matters shows people the simple steps they can take to be better prepared for life’s ups and downs. The new platform, which has been endorsed by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RGCP), will enable people to create a personalised action plan recommending a set of self-care actions to deal with stress, boost mood, improve sleep and feel in control.

A special film to promote Every Mind Matters has been written by Richard Curtis and directed by Rankin, narrated by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. It shows how we can all look after our mental health.

The powerful film features a range of people whose lives have been affected by poor mental health, including a cast of well-known faces: Jordan Stephens, Nadiya Hussain, Gillian Anderson, Glenn Close, Freddie Flintoff, Professor Green, Davina McCall, Will Young, Sir Bradley Wiggins, Sarah Taylor, Rob Beckett, Katie Piper, Joe Sugg and Alastair Campbell.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Our health - both mental and physical - is an asset that needs to be nurtured. We’re all aware of the benefits of looking after our physical health and the steps we can take to keep ourselves healthy, but many of us are not as knowledgeable or proactive as we could be when it comes to our mental health.

“Every Mind Matters will benefit us all with an accessible tool to help manage our wellbeing at the click of a button. It will offer vital support to those living with a mental health condition and give each of us valuable and personalised tips on how to better cope with life’s daily struggles, while contributing to tackling the stigma that can still surround mental health.”

Meng Khaw, Centre Director for the East Midlands of PHE said: “Our mental and physical health are of equal importance to our wellbeing. While a lot of us are confident about what to do to maintain good physical health, sometimes people do not know where to turn to for help with their mental health. We recognise that there is still social stigma attached to poor mental health within some African, Carribean and Black British communities, and that aspects such as cultural barriers can make it difficult for some people to know where to turn to for support. This is why I am so pleased that Every Mind Matters is now available, it will benefit us all with an accessible tool to help manage our wellbeing at the click of a button, aiming to empower everyone to deal with everyday causes of stress, anxiety, low mood and trouble sleeping, because ultimately,  everyone deserves good mental health, regardless of their background.”

TV doctor Zoe Williams said: “Mental health concerns such as stress, anxiety, low mood and trouble sleeping can be a natural response to life’s challenges and for most people will pass, but they can become more serious if people don’t take action. The latest data shows that mental health affects us all, and that’s why Every Mind Matters is important. The campaign supports us to take small steps for a healthier mind. I’d urge the whole nation, including black communities to check the website out today.”

Dr Juliana Onwumere, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist said: “In my role, I see many people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, including those from black communities struggling with their mental health. All too often, things can escalate simply because people don’t know where to turn to for support. 

“This is why I am getting behind Every Mind Matters; I’d like to encourage anyone but particularly those from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds to feel empowered to look after their own mental health by finding simple actions that can manage or prevent issues from becoming more serious.”

* To discover simple steps for a healthier mind, create your bespoke action plan at: www.everymindmatters.co.uk