New approaches for mental health of social minorities

Abstract

Mental health of social minorities is a challenge of modern psychiatry. It is largely described that people reporting sexual, cultural, religious variations are exposed to an amount of social stress deriving from the contrast between their minority status and the dominant societal norms and values. Minority stress leads to higher level of psychosocial distress and mental illness among these vulnerable populations. This conceptual research paper reports on evidences regarding the mental health issues related to the minority social condition and proposes a set of actions to address these challenges in a global perspective. Specifically, political, social and educational interventions are discussed in order to contrast stigma, discrimination, promote integration and health services for vulnerable populations. Policymakers are invited to deliver ad-hoc policies on minorities and homeless people with specific funding to address related public mental health issues. Educational programs are encouraged in the school setting as well as in the training of health care professionals in order to improve the level of acceptance and competencies in the treatment of minorities' health needs. We firmly believe there is no healthy society without healthy minorities.