Mental health is a key but often overlooked component of total well-being. For African Americans, taking care of their mental health can be a struggle because of the lack of resources available to them.

According to studies by the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), African Americans are less likely than their white peers to receive an accurate diagnosis of a mental disorder. Physically, there have been studies that suggest African Americans tend to process mediation slower than other groups of people, but often receive higher doses of psychiatric medication. This can cause myriad of physical health problems but it can also exacerbate mental illnesses.

There are many mental illnesses and disorders people can experience, but the most important steps to take are to seek proper treatment and diagnosis. If you’re concerned about your mental health, it may be better to seek help from a specialist rather than your general practitioner. It’s still important to keep a strong support system in family or church, but only a specialist can properly diagnose and treat mental illness.

In the case of many types of mental disorders (like schizophrenia, depression or bipolar disorder), family history plays a big role in determining if later family members will develop a similar condition. It’s also possible that the environment someone lives in has an effect on whether or not they will develop a mental illness.

NAMI found that incarcerated people, children in foster care and homeless people are more likely to develop a mental illness than other groups of people. Unfortunately, African Americans also make up a bulk of incarcerated or homeless people and foster children so if you or a friend falls under that category, you should pay special attention to your mental health.