What Is Double Discrimination & How Do You Cope?

People face discrimination for many reasons, but at Ascend, we know that mental health is one of the biggest hurdles teens confront when interacting with those that don’t understand mental illness. Even worse, people with mental illness often suffer from other disorders, or belong to communities that struggle with additional prejudice against them. Today, we’d like to discuss some forms of double discrimination that happen with mental illness and how you and your teen can learn to cope.

Follow along as our experts explain what double discrimination is and how you cope with double discrimination in a healthy and constructive way.

What Is Double Discrimination?

Double discrimination is when more than one form of discrimination is directed at an individual. This can happen because of a person’s race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. Sometimes even economic class and language barriers may contribute to double discrimination for those with mental illness. Discrimination in school and work environments can take many forms, such as name-calling, exclusion from social activities, or other forms of bullying. But more insidious, is discrimination in healthcare and treatment.

Double discrimination can make it harder for teens to find support and treatment because insurers may not cover them and medical providers may lack the tools to properly communicate with them. This sense of isolation for those with mental health concerns and their families can compound their condition and even lead to additional feelings of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

How to Cope with Double Discrimination?

Now that you know what double discrimination is, you can take measures that help you cope alone and with your family.

Talking with a Trusted Adult

If you’re still wondering what double discrimination is and whether it’s affecting your life, talking to someone you trust about your experience can clarify the issue. You might turn to parents, guardians, teachers, or counselors to confirm your situation, process your concerns, and find support.

Joining a Support Group

You’re not alone in facing prejudice for your mental health concerns. Join a support group that knows what double discrimination is and allows you to share your experiences with others who have undergone similar mistreatment. There are many online and offline groups that can offer guidance and advice.

Reach Out to Ascend

Ascend has long been an advocate for destigmatizing mental health and supporting marginalized communities that need additional support. We have the experience finding a good fit for people who have struggled to find the care they need for their conditions. Work with us to discover a team of compassionate clinicians, doctors, and other staff who know what double discrimination is and can help you cope.

Connect with Ascend

Ascend offers residential treatment and outpatient care to teens who are struggling with their mental health. We work with every teen, regardless of their race, sexual orientation, gender preferences, additional conditions, and socio-economic background. Through our personalized care, teens and their families learn, grow, and work towards healthier, happier lives.