Black Mental Health
Challenge Mental Health Stigma
Because of mental health stigma in our communities and nation, and especially because of a history of mistreatment, misunderstanding and a lack of information, Black people and racial minorities can be hesitant to seek out therapy and mental health support and treatment. We need to work to challenge this state of affairs and the stigma that keeps so many from receiving assistance.
Resources on Mental Health to Consider:
Multicultural Health Program at CAPS
The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health
Black Mental Health Matters Too
Potential Barriers to Mental Health Care for Black Americans: How to Get Help
Healing Resources for People of Color:
Internalization of harmful stereotypes and negative ideas about the self, identity and the racial (or other) group that one belongs to is one very insidious and damaging impact of racism and oppression. Learn to dismantle this disastrous pattern. https://www.dismantlingracism.org/internalizations.html
Black Healing Resources: “This compilation of resources is a reflection of my personal identities and social network as a black woman and social worker. Through connecting with my network of counselors, therapists, community organizers, and others just trying to heal and serve, I have pulled together some resources to share. I know there are gaps as this is not exhaustive or meant to speak to every unique experience or identity within the Black community. Nevertheless, I hope that at least one thing on this list can bring you or a loved one some peace and healing during this time. This is me just wanting to support folks any way that I can and assert that we matter, our lives matter, and our healing matters”.
The Four Bodies: A Holistic Toolkit for Coping With Racial Trauma by Jacquelyn Ogorchukwu
How to Cope if You Feel Overwhelmed and Helpless in the Face of Racism by Natalie Morris
Love is Louder by The JED Foundation: Taking care of our mental health and supporting each other helps us cope with stress and anxiety while protecting our immune systems and physical health. Explore the sections below for simple things we can do to take care of our emotional health, cope with the challenges we are facing, stay safe and healthy, and look out for each other.
Boston College Racial Trauma Toolkit “In this era of having witnessed multiple police killings of African American boys and men and girls and women either directly or vicariously through media accounts, communities of Color may experience post trauma symptoms. The Boston College Institute for the Study and Promotion of Race and Culture Alumni Board has released a toolkit for managing symptoms”
The Steve Fund “The Steve Fund is the nation’s only organization focused on supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color. The Steve Fund works with colleges and universities, non-profits, researchers, mental health experts, families, and young people to promote programs and strategies that build understanding and assistance for the mental and emotional health of the nation’s young people of color. The Fund holds an annual conference series, Young, Gifted & @Risk, and offers a Knowledge Center with curated expert information. With multicultural mental health experts it delivers on-campus and on-site programs and services for colleges and non-profits, and through tech partnerships it provides direct services to young people of color.” The organization constructed a powerful statement about racial trauma and have provided numerous resources for dealing with racial trauma, including a “Racial Trauma Toolkit."
The Steve Fund also offers a Crisis Line for young people of color. Text STEVE to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor 24/7.
44 Mental Health Resources for Black People Trying to Survive in This Country
Self-Care Tips for Black People Who Are Struggling With This Very Painful Week