Thursday, July 07, 2022
July is nationally designated as Minority Health Awareness Month, also known as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color) Mental Health Month. This formally recognized month was established in June of 2008 in order to bring awareness to the unique struggles that Blacks, Indigenous People and People of Color face regarding mental wellness.
We know that numbers are important. They give us a snapshot of the bigger picture. Statistics and data give us the ability to understand key connections that help us to make informed decisions. But, numbers don’t tell the whole story, instead only giving us a broad view that misses the deeper and individual context. For BIPOC communities, we also know that numbers focus much too often on disparities rather than strengths and resilience. Just as every person is unique, so is every culture. This year’s theme for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) Mental Health Month is #BeyondTheNumbers. Join us, and together we will gain knowledge of historical context, systems of support, and actionable ways to move forward toward a mentally healthy future.
As we take the time to unite as a community to reflect, bring awareness to, and advocate for the challenges faced by people of color, we invite you to take a quick look at your mental health and take steps to boost your general well-being. The following are suggestions from Mental Health America:
- connect with others
- look for the positive
- create healthy routines
- support others
Resources:
Mental Health America – BIPOC Mental Health Month
Test Your Mental Health
Source: https://mhanational.org/sites/default/files/2022-06/2022-BIPOC-MHM-Toolkit.pdf
