BAME Women and Mental Health

Eire Dialogue is pleased to organise a panel discussion on BAME Women and Mental Health. 

SPEAKERS 

• Senator Joan Freeman, Founder of Pieta House & Darkness into Light | Mental Health Consultant | Author | 2018 Presidential Candidate 

• Anna Marie Brosi, Wellbeing Coach helping businesses and individuals foster wellbeing, resilience, and performance | Mental Health First Aid 

• Barbara Louise Brennan, National Stigma Reduction Programme Coordinator | Speaker | Facilitator | Coach | Mental Health & Wellbeing Expert 

• Clara Hand, Mental Health Advocate & Student Psychiatric Nurse | SpunOut Dublin Action Panelist 

• Blessing Dada, Mental Health Advocate | Award-winning MH writer 2019 | See Change | SpunOut 

 According to studies, under the impact of Covid-19 in Ireland, people are at greater risk of psychological distress such as isolation, depression, and anxiety. Among Irish people, women and BAME (people from Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority) groups may suffer more from this pandemic.   Concerning women who account for nearly half of Ireland’s population, some studies argued that a larger share of women than men are likely to be exposed to Covid-19 psychological harm. Women generally undertake more housework than men. Since Covid-19 sharply increases family time at home, women have to take much more burden of housework with limited support. In addition, according to a poll conducted in March, more women compared with men are worried about being sick and the lack of income due to the pandemic. Another study validated this argument,  finding women are more anxious about the coronavirus. Additionally, pre-existing mental health problems could lead to a greater psychological impact of the pandemic on women. Facing these issues, voices in Ireland have risen, calling for improved access to and implementations of mental health support.   Regarding BAME, there was a report focused on the mental health of ethnic minorities in Ireland. In this report, a number of barriers between ethnic minorities and mental health support were mentioned, such as racism, discrimination, shame, integration, and the difference among culture, communication, and language. Due to Covid-19, these barriers may bring more mental health issues to BAME. However, studies and campaigns in Ireland pay little attention to mental health issues of BAME under the effects of the pandemic.   In conclusion, among Ireland’s population, women and BAME could be more mentally vulnerable facing Covid-19. Whereas, in this context, the mental health of women in BAME groups has not been the focus of research, media, or campaigns. Therefore, this panel aims to increase the awareness concerning the mental health issues of BAME women and provide invaluable information and recommendations for mental health improvement of BAME women in multi-dimensions.