The timing of puberty (early or delayed) may also play a part in the risks associated with poor mental health and self esteem (40). Race and ethnicity Why can this be a risk factor? The common experience of racism impacts the mental health of racialised communities in the UK. Like all forms of oppression, racism literally makes people unwell. What do we need to know? Racism can range from microaggressions (which are subtle but offensive comments) to explicitly hurtful words or physical aggression. Systemic racism (a form of racism that is embedded in the laws and regulations of a society or an organisation) and the racial inequality of care within the mental health care system create a cumulative, negative impact on mental health. In a report conducted by Mind most young people who experienced racism in school said their experience had impacted their wellbeing (41). Young people of the Global Majority may be less likely to engage with health systems due to experiences of racism, both within and outside of health services. This could play a part in a young person of the Global Majority reaching services only at a point where symptoms have become severe enough to warrant inpatient treatment, affecting their diagnosis and/or recovery (42). Young people in the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities are reported to have the highest level of Special Educational Needs of all racialised groups, and experience multiple barriers that prevent them from fully accessing the school curriculum (43). In addition, homophobia is widespread within Traveller communities (44). Concepts about mental health also vary across different cultures, so we can’t assume that everyone shares the same ideas about mental health that we do. In some communities poor mental health is rarely recognised or spoken about, and may be seen as
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