track 7

Many minority groups face prejudice and discrimination based on stereotypes, which hinders their access to HIV testing and care. This has negative effects on their socioeconomic status, relationships, and mental health. A study revealed that 40% of minority communities with HIV were more likely to die from suicide than the disease itself. Suicide is a major cause of death resulting from depression and anxiety caused by societal stereotypes. Stereotypes targeting minority groups contribute to the mental health challenges they experience. To this day, many minority groups experience prejudice and discrimination based on the stereotypes made about them. These barriers have prevented many individuals from seeking HIV testing or receiving HIV care and treatments due to the fear of judgment from society. This has evidently affected one's socioeconomic status, relationships, and worst of all, mental health. A study in the U.S. stated that 40% of minority communities living with HIV were more likely to die from suicide than the actual disease. With this issue being such a strong stereotype within minority communities, suicide is proven to be the prominent cause of death and results from depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Overall, most stereotypes presented as a societal norm often stem around minority groups, which create many of the mental health challenges they face.