“Mental health is not a white issue. It is a human issue.”
– Imade Nibokun, founder of Depressed While Black
Many of our monthly newsletters and blogs are dedicated to a month of awareness. It’s not lost on us that the very reason these months exist is that awareness does not. So many are still not receiving the care and attention they deserve. The care and attention that is their human birthright. The care and attention that is treated as a privilege, accessible to some and not to others.
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
“Healing is our birthright, even when the system was not built with us in mind.”
-Mental Health America campaign message
Also known as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Month, it’s dedicated to raising awareness around the unique mental health challenges faced by racial and ethnic minorities in the United States. The month aims to destigmatize mental illness, improve access to care for all, and promote culturally competent mental health services for these communities.
This national observance was founded in 2008 in honor of Bebe Moore Campbell, a best-selling author, advocate, and trailblazer in the movement for mental health equity. Bebe used her platform to tell the often-unheard stories of Black Americans navigating racism, injustice, and the hidden wounds of mental illness.
A fierce advocate until her passing in 2006, Bebe helped shine a light on the double stigma many people of color face: the societal stigma surrounding mental illness and the cultural pressures to remain silent about it. She believed in the power of story, connection, and compassionate care. Her legacy lives on.
“We need a national campaign to destigmatize mental illness, especially one targeted toward African Americans. It’s not shameful to have a mental illness. Get treatment. Recovery is possible.”
-Bebe Moore Campbell
The Reality of Inequity in Mental Healt
While mental illness affects people of all races, genders, and economic backgrounds, access to support is not equal.
Here are some of the disparities BIPOC individuals continue to face:
- Black and Hispanic Americans are less likely than white Americans to receive mental health services, even when their symptoms are just as severe.
- Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) individuals often face cultural stigma, language barriers, and a lack of culturally-informed providers.
- Indigenous communities experience disproportionately high rates of trauma, suicide, and mental illness while facing persistent underfunding and limited care access.
- Only 1 in 3 Black adults who need mental health care receive it.
- There is a lack of representation in mental health professions (recent data indicates that less than 5% of psychologists in the U.S. are Black or Latinx).
Beyond Statistics…
There’s a historical mistrust of the medical system, prevalence of underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis, and an increased weight of lived experience. There are also issues around finances, transportation, and insurance barriers that further prevent access to care.
There is also stigmatization within these minority communities, and for some, even asking for help is an act of courage.
Building Safer, More Inclusive Spaces
How do we really spark change? How do we really make a difference in building safer, more inclusive mental health spaces? As a community, we must actively shape these environments of care, connection, and safety.
Taking action can look like many things, including:
- Advocating for Representation: This includes encouraging the inclusion of diverse voices in healthcare, education, mental health professions, and leaders.
- Creating Identity-Affirming Spaces: This is why we promote building trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices in every workplace. Helping individuals honor the full identities of those you serve!
- Educating Yourself: Learn about how racism impacts mental health. Read, listen to, and understand from BIPOC individuals.
- Supporting Local Organizations: Whenever possible, look for ways to volunteer, donate, or amplify the work of organizations run by or helping BIPOC communities.
One of the greatest ways you can advocate for Minority Mental Health (and all the issues we raise awareness around) is to speak up when you witness discrimination, stereotypes, or dismissive behavior. Challenge it, use your voice, and help build safer spaces for others to speak freely too.
“There is no health without mental health. And there is no equity without cultural understanding.”
-Dr. Sidney Hankerson, Psychiatrist and Researcher
Mental Health is a Human Right
Not a privilege.
We all deserve support, safety, and spaces that welcome healing. Without question.
“Our ancestors fought for survival. We are fighting for peace of mind.”
-Unknown
For too long, systemic barriers have kept far too many in silence. But together, we can help change that. With compassion, advocacy, and inclusive action, we can build a world where mental health care is accessible, affirming, and safe.
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