July is BIPOC Mental Health Month
By: Elizabeth Earnshaw, LMFT
July is BIPOC (Black, Indigenous,and People of Color) Mental Health Month, originally known as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Started in 2008, it is used as a way to address the unique struggles of underrepresented groups in The United States (reference here).
Why do we need a BIPOC Mental Health Month?
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are underrepresented in mental health care. There are several ways in which BIPOC are underrepresented:
1. There is not adequate research on the unique challenges of BIPOC communities and the impact of those challenges on the mental health of individuals of color.
2. BIPOC have less access to quality mental health care across the country.
3. There are fewer therapists of color which makes it difficult for BIPOC individuals to access care with someone they feel understands their experience (resource).
4. BIPOC face significant systemic stressors like racism and poverty. These issues contribute to mental health concerns & aren't always understood or explored by mental health professionals when working with clients of color.
5. A history of compounded, historical, generational trauma that has not been adequately identified
6. Since 2008, suicide rates of black children continue to raise, particualry between the ages of 5-11 years of age (JAMA Pediatrics).
7. There is a high level of stigma associated with seeking mental health care in the BIPOC community (resource).
What is the focus of the 2021 BIPOC Mental Health Month Theme?
This year, Mental Health America, will be focusing on the theme "Strength in Communities".
This theme will focus on recognizing mental health supports created by the BIPOC community, including:
Community Care - This includes the ways in which communities care for each other. This might include healing circles, church groups, therapy groups, or community led organizations.
Self-directed care - This emphasizes that people get to have choice in the direction of their care
Cultural Care - This means encouraging the continued use of cultural practices that influence and encourage healing.
You can download Mental Health America's Toolkit for Strength in Communities here.
Resources:
Visit Blackmenheal.org for resources including free therapy sessions
The Black Mental Health Alliance helps people get connected with culturally competent therapists.
Melanin & Mental Health helps BIPOC get connected to therapists around the country that are ready to support them.
Elizabeth is a Philadelphia therapist supporting couples and individuals struggling with unhealthy relationships, setting boundaries, infidelity and life stressors. Elizabeth is the Director of A Better Life Therapy where you can find counseling support for mental health and relationship issues in Pennsylvania.