Covid-19 Highlighted Mental Health Disparities
in Marginalized Communities

A mental health crisis in its traditional understanding can be understood as an unanticipated surge in mental health challenges that arise when the available resources aren’t enough to support demand.While this definition remains true for the general population, the pandemic has brought attention to issues that specifically affect low income communities, racial minorities,and immigrants.These populations experienced heightened levels of stress and social isolation caused by financial strain,lack of resources and a lack of support systems. For these populations the phrase “Mental health crisis” describes not only a state of mind but also systemic failures that interfere with their ability to access necessary resources in healthcare as well as social support.The mental health crisis for individuals with these disadvantaged backgrounds goes beyond just individual concerns.The mental health issues within these population serves to highlight the shortcomings in our public health systems which have not adequately provided the necessary resources for community outreach.The pandemic did not generate new problems however it showed the obstacles faced by underserved populations.

Individuals from low income backgrounds in the past have experienced barriers in accessing mental health care.A big factor contributing to this is the lack of healthcare coverage that is accessible.Not only is insurance a barrier but there also is a lack of providers in these communities. Furthermore the shift from traditional office setting to remote work and online education had a major impact on low income households. Many of which could not access the technology required or internet access.The differences in accessing these resources combined with managing pressures of work and family during lockdowns led to an increase in feelings of isolation and created new emotional turmoil.

During the Covid-19 Pandemic racial and ethnic minorities,especially Black, Indigenous, and latino communities, experienced a significantly higher mental health burden. A study published by the American Journal of Public health in 2021 indicates that Black and Latino Populations faced notably elevated levels of anxiety,depression,and posttraumatic stress throughout the pandemic. Many individuals within these populations felt increased stress and anxiety over ongoing racial tensions throughout the pandemic.These tensions were demonstrated by the tragic deaths of both Breonna Taylor and George Floyd among others.The psychological burden of racial trauma by the anxiety surrounding possibly contracting the disease increased mental health challenges within these communities.

Immigrant communities particularly those without legal documentation faced their own set of unique challenges during the pandemic including accessing mental health resources over fears of questions on their legal status in the country. “Poorer mental health has been further amplified during the pandemic because of lack of adequate and clear information regarding COVID-19‒related health and social services and limited financial resources for basic necessities. Social isolation may also increase the risk of mental health stressors among older immigrant adults who face cultural, linguistic, and digital access barriers” (Đoàn et al., 2021). Moreover the pandemic also affected immigrant communities economically since many of the industries that employed them such as construction and hospitality were the first to shut down.

In response to the growing mental health challenges during the pandemic, telehealth emerged which allowed users to connect with health care providers virtually as in person services became unavailable.Telehealth became a new platform and an additional means to delivering mental health services though challenges in accessing this type of care still persisted.

The Covid-19 Pandemic has undeniably highlighted the ongoing “mental health crisis” affecting underserved and underrepresented communities.The pandemic has amplified the pre existing gaps in healthcare access,social support and financial well being. Addressing the crisis within these populations requires not only improves access to mental health care but also an approach that examines the underlying factors of the gaps for standard of care.This includes expanding telehealth options, improving financial and social support systems, and addressing systemic discrimination. 

References

American Journal of Public Health. (2021). Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Mental Health and Mental Health Care During The COVID‑19 Pandemic. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40615-022-01284-9

Đoàn, L. N., Chong, S. K., Misra, S., Kwon, S. C., & Yi, S. S. (2021). Immigrant Communities and COVID-19: Strengthening the Public Health Response. American journal of public health, 111(S3), S224–S231. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306433