#July Newsletter
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This was named after Bebe Moore Campbell who was a teacher, journalist, author, and mental health activist, who shed light on the unique struggles of mental illness in underrepresented communities in the U.S. (Mental Health America, 2021). Every year, mental health organizations tirelessly worked to inspire awareness and share information among communities of color through a public campaign to target Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) (Mental Health America, 2021). Bebe Campbell expressed that African-Americans already felt ostracized in a race-conscious society and adding mental illness was another contributing factor that perpetuated mental health stigmas.
As a commitment to Ms. Campbell's work, this year’s campaign is noted as Strength in Communities, which examines three areas of mental health in underrepresented communities to include the following:
Community care: This “responds to existing iniquities and gaps in resources by creating new structures to bridge gaps and to increase access to meaningful resources through mutual support and aid provided by individuals and broader community-focused efforts.”
Self-directed care: “An innovative practice that emphasizes that people with mental health and substance abuse conditions should have decision-making authority over the services they receive.”
Culturally-based practices: “Culturally-rooted customs, behaviors, values, and beliefs passed down through generations that function as informal systems of support. These practices form part of a socially dynamic framework of assistance provided by and to individuals, their families, friends, and communities.”
(Compass Health, 2021)
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) said it best, “Mental illness doesn’t choose who is affected by it, but culture, race, gender or sexual orientation can affect access to treatment, support and quality of care for many” (Touchstone Health, 2021). Help be part of this change and be mindful of how this applies to you and everyone in your community.
Amourie Johnson, RN, MSN
If you or someone you know has talked about contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Disclaimer: Although I am a health professional, I am not a mental health specialist, and this article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice from a mental health provider. The information provided is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and will give credit to the source as a guide and reference to my thoughts and views.
#REFERENCES
Compass Health (2021). July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Retrieved from https://www.compasshealth.org/july-is-national-minority-mental-health-awareness-month/
Mental Health America (2021). BIPOC Mental Health Month. Retrieved from https://www.mhanational.org/BIPOC-mental-health-month
Touchstone Health (2021). July is Minority Mental Health Month. Retrieved from https://www.touchstonemh.org/july-minority-mental-health-month/