It’s BIPOC Mental Health Month!

It’s BIPOC Mental Health Month!

Image Description:  A drawing of five Black, Indigenous, and People of Color standing side by side with their eyes closed. Above and around their heads are blue and white scribbles. 

Image Description:  A drawing of five Black, Indigenous, and People of Color standing side by side with their eyes closed. Above and around their heads are blue and white scribbles. 

 

BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) mental health awareness month was initially recognized by author and mental health advocate Bebe Moore Campbell. Campbell’s novel “72 Hour Hold” highlights the challenges and triumphs families of color face when in search of mental health support. She also founded National Alliance on Mental Health - Inglewood (NAMI) in a predominantly Black neighborhood to allow a safe space for BIPOC to discuss mental health, and seek out help. Campbell created an outlet of support, a community of conversation, and addressed damaging stigma to uplift the lives of people struggling in her community. Congress recognized Campbell’s work in 2008 and declared July as Bebe Moore Campbell Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Minority Mental Health Awareness month was later changed to BIPOC Mental Health month, as it places a more positive (and less problematic) emphasis on the celebration of diversity and growth in our mental health resources. 

How can we acknowledge and bring awareness to BIPOC mental health in our own communities?

Work in your own community - Volunteering and contributing to resources and efforts in BIPOC spaces or BIPOC-led/ focused organizations is always a great way to get involved!

Some local organizations include:

Think Outside of Preconceived Notions - Outside of “typical” Western (and largely white/ colonized) mental healthcare, there are a variety of methods and practices that can provide comprehensive support to QTBIPOC (Queer and Trans BIPOC) communities which are not always considered. Many organizations, media platforms, and communities are fighting for accessible, and support for QTBIPOC. Some resources include:

  • The Safe Place App: an app that educates and raises awareness on Mental Illness in Black & POC communities. 

  • Podcasts: “La Cuba'' is a podcast focused on Latinx healing, “Black Girls Heal'' focuses on coaching and the teachings of practical tools when breaking out of cycles of unhealthy relationships, and “All My Relations'' is a podcast that focuses on Indigenous peoples’ relationships to land, relatives and ancestors, and other individuals in their lives. 

  • Groups: Having a support system of peers and friends is crucial to mental health. The Stonewall QTBIPOC group is not therapy, but it is a wonderful place for Queer and Trans People of Color to meet others, talk, and spend time together. (Please note- this is not a group for allies. QTBIPOC only, please.) Find this group at stonewallchico.com/groups.

  • Websites: The BIPOC project is a Black, Indigenous and & People of Color Movement focused on solidarity and the advancing of racial justice. thebipocproject.org

Therapist Organizations: Association of Black Psychologists abpsi.org

National Latinx Psychological Association www.nlpa 

Asian American Psychological Association aapaonline.org 

Division on Filipinx Americans AAPA  aapaonline.org/divisions

Additional resource regarding mental health within the BIPOC community: https://www.innerbody.com

WRITTEN BY HARMONY VONSTOCKHAUSEN -STONEWALL ALLIANCE INTERN

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Stonewall Alliance Center Chico