July is the time of year when fireworks light up the sky, but it is also a month to shed light on and celebrate minority mental health. By 2044, more than half of all Americans are projected to belong to a minority group (any group other than non-Hispanic White alone).

Among adults aged 18 or older in 2022 who had major depressive episodes in the past year, Hispanic (49.7%) or Black adults (51.2%) were less likely than White (66.6%) or multiracial adults (68.6%) to have received mental health treatment in the past year. This demonstrates the importance of understanding the meaning and mission behind Minority Mental Health Awareness Month as this is not just a statistic for some but a difficult lifestyle they must grow accustomed to as well. So what is the reason for creating this month and how can we uplift minority communities?

Overcoming Historical Stigma in Minority Mental Health

Over time, mental health has been viewed through a kaleidoscope of different perspectives. Yet, it has consistently been stained by the overbearing weight of stigma and discrimination. Disorders were frequently oversimplified and chalked up to someone’s character being too weak to deal with their presiding issues. These attitudes persisted throughout time, reflecting the severity of the situation due to not enough information and resources covering mental illness.

The Face Behind This Month - Bebe Moore Campbell

The purpose of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is to increase public awareness about mental health differences among minority communities. This month was created by the U.S. House of Representatives inspired by Bebe Moore Campbell’s charge to end stigma and provide mental health information. Campbell was an American author and mental health advocate, who authored numerous books and non-fiction works that told the African American experience, discussing issues revolving around mental health in her community. One of her notable books, 72 Hour Hold, delineates difficulties encountered by a mother and her daughter navigating through the limited mental health resources available within their minority community. Thus, demonstrating the difficulties faced within Campbell’s community. Campbell also worked vigorously as a Co-Founder for NAMI Urban Los Angeles to block the damaging stigma among minority communities so that people can seek the help they need. Campbell passed away in November 2006, but her past inspires awareness and honor in her name. In 2008, July was dedicated to what Campbell strove to advocate for by the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Importance of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

Due to the significant disparities minorities face daily, including discrimination, lack of access to quality healthcare, and socioeconomic challenges, they have an increased risk for certain mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. However, by recognizing and celebrating this month, we enable the following:

Self-expression: This encourages self-expression, allowing children and parents in minority communities to share their mental health experiences without fear. Open conversations with children help them feel heard and understood, fostering emotional growth and resilience. Through these conversations, you can create a sense of pride in your identity and self-perception, allowing the growth of healthier communities.
Providing support: This month also highlights the need for better support systems. Many minority families face barriers to accessing mental health care and often feel alienated by those around them. By raising awareness, communities can advocate for more inclusive and accessible resources, ensuring children receive the help they need.
Reducing stigma: Addressing stigma is crucial. Cultural beliefs and fear of discrimination often prevent minority families from seeking help. Often, this leads to minority groups holding antagonistic beliefs towards mental health within their communities. This month aims to break down these barriers, promoting understanding and acceptance. Reducing stigma encourages early intervention, leading to better mental health outcomes for children, and allowing them to feel that their struggles are being heard.

Embracing Your Identity

Minority groups often experience a sense of isolation due to their different backgrounds and cultures. However, this month allows us to embrace our differences and express pride in our culture. Take this month to educate your kids about your heritage, helping them feel connected to their roots and express their cultural identity with pride. Additionally, encourage your child to openly communicate any negative emotions they may feel because of their background, providing a healthy support system for their well-being.

Activity: The World’s Faces

Here's something to try! Use the Faces printable provided and with colored pencils or crayons, draw different people from around the world! You can create faces with different colors and hair, allowing your kids to delve into their creativity and embrace differences!

Printable: https://timvandevall.com/wp-content/uploads/Face-Printable.jpg

Here’s a video demonstration for this activity: https://youtu.be/jd-W9B9KUmM

How Can You Help?

Given the amount of resources available in our communities, there are several ways to assist the mental health of minorities around you. However, there are two main things you can do to take action against the stigmas revolving around mental health:

Cultural Sensitivity: This allows you to acknowledge and respect the different backgrounds and cultures people come from. Understanding peoples’ cultures allows for mental health professionals and parents to provide better support. Cultural sensitivity involves recognizing a variety of factors such as language, religion, and family roles, and how they can influence mental illness.

Inclusive Therapist Program: This mental health community is designed for people from marginalized communities to get the treatment they deserve without feeling overwhelmed and/or misunderstood due to cultural gaps
The Aakoma Project: Focuses on the mental health of Youth and Young Adults of Color by raising awareness and providing accessible resources for youth and their caregivers to receive the help they need.

Community Advocacy and Education: Advocacy is a great way to bring change to your community, especially for promoting awareness and addressing minority mental health issues. Educating yourself and others helps raise awareness of mental health prevalent in minority communities and clear any misconceptions, establishment of mental health services in community centers and clinics, and policy changes to improve healthcare access.

If you want to learn more about several fun, creative art projects or events offered at My Good Brain, explore our Programs tab to learn about our Sunday Art Club and MGB Tool Kit! Feel free to explore other mental health topics in our Resource tab!