Minority Mental Health Month: Resources and How to Support

Each July, Minority Mental Health Month, or Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, sheds light on Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and other underrepresented groups' unique mental health concerns. Named in honor of mental health champion and writer Bebe Moore Campbell, the month is created to heighten awareness, reduce stigma, and provide greater access to culturally responsive mental health care.

Why Minority Mental Health Awareness Matters

While mental health concerns affect the lives of all individuals in all populations, minority communities also face additional barriers such as cultural stigma, language barriers, fewer culturally competent professionals, and economic inequities. These barriers flow into diagnosis, treatment, and outcome disparities.

Minority Mental Health Month encourages communities and allies to come together as a whole as they attempt to tackle these disparities and construct more inclusive mental health systems of care.

How You Can Help Minority Mental Health

1. Take Care of Yourself

Self-care is not universal. Ground yourself in the customs, community, and values that give you strength. Through spirituality, art, stories, or other practices from your culture, heal in what feels true to you. When seeking professional assistance, find mental health professionals who understand and appreciate your culture.

2. Build Connection In Your Community

Small moments of connection can decrease isolation dramatically. Check in on a friend, family member, or neighbor. Have open conversations about experiences and stories to make mental health conversation less mysterious. Participate in or facilitate support groups or community events focused on well-being and resilience.

3. Be an Advocate for Change

Encourage and participate in awareness activities, webinars, and campaigns during Minority Mental Health Month and throughout the year. Promote policies and appropriations to expand access to culturally responsive mental health care. Mobilize local leaders and policymakers to effect changes at the systemic level. Address stigma by challenging misconceptions and stereotypes where you encounter them.

Helpful Resources to Explore

There are many organizations that have resources specifically designed for minority communities, including:

- Mental Health America (MHA): Provides toolkits, educational resources, and BIPOC-specific self-care guides.

- The Steve Fund: Provides mental health for adolescents of color, such as crisis text support services.

- Therapy for Black Girls: A directory of culturally affirming mental health professionals.

- We R Native: Offers education and advocacy for mental health specifically for Native American youth.

- AAKOMA Project: Works to increase mental health among youth of color by educating and advocating.

- National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network: Provides directories of therapists and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals of color.

Taking Action This Month and Beyond

- Educate yourself about mental health in minority communities from reputable sources.

- Pioneer awareness through social media, the workplace, schools, and places of worship.

- Participate in discussions and events that raise awareness about minority mental health concerns.

- Volunteer or donate to agencies working towards mental health equity.

All individuals should have access to affirming, equitable, and accessible mental health care. Minority Mental Health Month is a reminder to us all that we can collectively build communities that value mental health, dismantle stigma, and provide support. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Seek assistance, and asking for help takes courage. If you’d like to learn more or receive support, please don’t hesitate to contact CCMH.