Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

“We make space, together, for what makes us beautifully human. That includes talking about, prioritizing, and honoring our mental health.” This powerful thought was said beautifully by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and reinforces why this month is crucial for awareness. Minority Mental Health Month was established by an inspiring woman named Bebe Moore Campbell. She aimed to break the stigma against seeking help for mental health issues and wanted to provide as many resources as possible for minority communities. In remembering and carrying on her goals, we recognize July as “Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month”. 

It is easy to believe that seeking help is a common and easy task; however, for many, reaching out for help feels impossible. This is because the way we see the world is different depending on the person and their experiences. Even today, there is a vast amount of stigma tied to mental health in various ethnic communities. This stigma and judgment can come from anywhere, like family and society, and can be a wrecking ball for many. As humans, it is our second nature to hide our true feelings and wear a brave face to the world. However, when we come back home, to our safe space, the mental weight comes crashing down on us. This is especially true in marginalized communities. While battling through work struggles, family struggles, and individual growth, we lose ourselves and get caught up in the daily hassle. 

Over time, this routine develops into immense pressure and unwinds in many ways that can be adverse. If anyone is struggling with their life right now, I highly suggest using the free mental health resources that are out there to help make you a stronger individual. Seeking help is most definitely not a sign of weakness. It is a clear sign of your courage and bravery to advocate for your health. As they say, mental health is just as important as your physical health. It is just as important to seek help for mental health challenges, whether you are feeling stressed, having symptoms of anxiety, depression, or thoughts of self-harm. Please, do not hesitate to use our Teen Connect website to find mental health resources near you. You can also connect with the Teen Connect Navigators who are here to help guide you in finding mental health providers and other resources you may need!

-Tejaswi

Youth Advisory Board Member