From MHA-National Racial trauma, or race-based traumatic stress (RBTS), refers to the mental and emotional injury caused by encounters with racial bias, ethnic discrimination, racism, and hate crimes. Any individual who has experienced an emotionally painful, sudden, and uncontrollable racist encounter is at risk of suffering from a race-based traumatic stress injury. In the U.S., … Continue reading Healing from Racial Trauma: Understanding Race-Based Traumatic Stress and Finding Support
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In BIPOC communities, talking about mental health can be considered taboo. Let's talk about different “myths’’ that may exist in BIPOC communities about seeking mental health support. We'll also provide affirmations you can repeat to yourself to help you think positively about asking for help, even when you might hear messages saying the opposite. Myth … Continue reading 6 Myths About Minority Mental Health
As we gather to celebrate Juneteenth, we honor not only the end of slavery in the United States but also the resilience, strength, and cultural contributions of Black Americans. This day, which commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom—over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation—serves as a … Continue reading Celebrating Juneteenth: Honoring Freedom and Mental Health in the Black Community
This post was originally shared by Mental Health America (National) on June 3, 2024. by B. Burke, Public Education Content Manager for Mental Health America From anti-LGBTQ+ legislation to identity-based violence, the LGBTQ+ community has experienced significant trauma over the past few years. This Pride Month, it is important to acknowledge the challenges that the … Continue reading 10 Pieces of Good News for the LGBTQ+ Community
This post was originally shared by Mental Health America (National) on June 22, 2020 By Julio J. Fonseca, Senior Program Manager, AIDS United I recently got an email from a colleague and friend who leads a national black social justice organization. He signed off with “I hope you are continuing to guard your joy.” That resonated … Continue reading Guarding Your Joy: Keeping Your Mental Wellness High on Your Agenda
This post and associated study is being shared with permission from CounselingPsychology.org. The demand for mental health support from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) therapists is driven by their unique ability to provide a shared cultural experience and understanding. However, there is a significant shortage of such therapists. The majority of therapists (73%) are … Continue reading Addressing the Shortage: The Crucial Need for BIPOC Therapists in America’s Diverse Communities
A version of this article was originally posted on HelpGuide.org Understanding Helplines: What They Are and How They Can Help Whether you’re grappling with trauma, depression, addiction, or any other mental health challenge, the sense of helplessness and isolation can be overwhelming. In moments like these, helplines emerge as a crucial lifeline, offering support, guidance, … Continue reading What To Expect When Calling a Mental Health Line
From Mental Health America National... An Introduction to Community, Culture, & Connection "The theme of Mental Health America’s 2023 BIPOC Mental Health Campaign, developed in commemoration of Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, is Culture, Community, & Connection. Our lives are deeply intertwined with the environments around us. Who and what we … Continue reading The Legacy of Bebe Moore Campbell & BIPOC Mental Health Month
FEATURED ARTICLE Thomas Truelson writes... There is no medical reason why I am alive. In January 1994, I decided to kill myself and chose Sunday, May 15th as the perfect date. Starting in February, I kept a daily, detailed journal of what I was going through - plus my thoughts, reflections, fears and feelings of … Continue reading A Suicide Survivor’s Journal
The late radio host Bill Drake used to quip, “Are you hard of listening?” as he emphasized the tendency to talk when we should be listening. In my career as a pastoral counselor, I found that my clients often longed for a trusted person to listen to their innermost concerns and understand them. The iconic … Continue reading Sometimes We Just Need a Good “Listening To”