Minority Mental Health Month

July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to focus on the unique strengths and challenges that Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) face when it comes to mental health.

Culture, ethnicity, and race all play a role in the way that each person experiences the world. Talking about mental health in communities of color means uplifting cultural strengths, honoring healing traditions, and recognizing how resilience is shaped by lived experiences.

Many factors that affect our well-being are beyond our control, and our mental health is shaped by our surroundings, our culture, and how we are treated. Even when we can’t change everything, noticing what we can influence is important for our well-being.

Find things to enjoy such as connecting with your community, making music, cooking, journaling, spending time in prayer, or other activities that bring peace or spark joy are all forms of mental health care.

Check in with friends, colleagues, and loved ones to see how they’re feeling, and offer support and encouragement. When things feel overwhelming, isolating, or heavy, connection can be a lifeline.

Trusted spaces and trusted people matter. Sharing a meal, or leaning on a faith group, is important in supporting mental health. For many people, this kind of care and connection is deeply rooted in cultural values and traditions that remind us that we do not have to navigate difficult times alone.

Mental health is an essential part of our well-being, and our collective kindness and support can make a real difference. Please reach out if you need support or want to connect further. Let’s continue to build a caring and understanding community.