July is Minority Mental Health Month. So what does that mean, and why do minorities get a whole month dedicated to their mental health? Well, in many *BIPOC communities, the stigma surrounding mental health is more prevalent. Mental health issues can affect ANYONE, regardless of race or ethnicity, but BIPOC are more likely to refrain from reaching out for help and/or support due to certain norms or beliefs within their cultures.
There is also a potential for generational trauma, which means a past generation’s trauma/issues aren’t resolved, which is passed onto their children, and then their future children, and so on. This can happen in all cultures- minority or not, though in minority cultures, the cycle has the potential to last longer until it is broken by getting professional help. But it’s not easy to get or ask for professional help. There are stigmas in cultures, issues in the medical field such as racism and discrimination, etc.
Another huge issue is finding mental health professionals who understand the struggles and stigmas that surround mental health specifically in BIPOC communities. For example, a white therapist helping a member of the BIPOC community would be less likely to understand the reasoning behind the stigma and the years of cultural norms and beliefs. There is also a potential for racism and discrimination in the medical field based on religious beliefs, skin color, socioeconomic status, etc. (For more information about this topic, please read through the first source listed below.) There are also fewer BIPOC healthcare professionals in the field than those who are not, and this is due to discrimination against BIPOC cultures as well.
With all this said, please don’t feel as if there are no options for you if you are part of a BIPOC community. With the rise of the internet, there are also wonderful sources made by other BIPOC. (Check out the first resource listed below!) There are also apps and websites where you can reach out for help.
*BIPOC: black, indigenous & people of color
Resources
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
National Eating Disorder Association toll-free and confidential hotline: 1-800-931-2237
The Trevor Project (crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBT+ youths): 1-866-488-7386
Addiction: 877-226-3111
Apps
I Am Sober: sobriety counter app- from self-harm to addiction
MindDoc: monitoring and self-management app for mental health
Clear Fear: an app that helps you to manage the symptoms of anxiety
Wysa: An AI friend where you can chat about your day and/or feelings, stress, anxieties, thoughts, etc, and they will provide you with resources and supports
Reflectly: journal and mood tracking app
Headspace: guided meditation
distrACT: an app that gives you direct access to information and advice regarding self-harm and suicidal thoughts
Calm Harm: an app that helps you "Ride The Wave" of your urges to self-harm