July Is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
"Once my loved ones accepted the diagnosis, healing began for the entire family, but it took too long. It took years. Can't we, as a nation, begin to speed up that process? We need a national campaign to de-stigmatize mental illness, especially one targeted toward African Americans...It's not shameful to have a mental illness. Get treatment. Recovery is possible."
~ Bebe Moore Campbell, 2005
Who Was Bebe Moore Campbell?
She was the driving force behind bringing awareness to the importance of improving mental healthcare for impoverished and underserved communities. This movement brings attention to the unfair inequities that negatively impact a person's mental health. During this month the acronym BIPOC is often used to represent populations who have experienced trauma and hardship due to systemic or historical barriers. BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and People of color.
What Is So Important About BIPOC Mental Health Awareness?
It helps save lives year after year. While mental health is available year-round, there are some communities who have difficulty gaining access to quality care. This month serves as a reminder that there is hope and there is help by providing updated resources and allies for those needing it. During the month of July, BIPOC Mental Health Awareness also serves to de-stigmatize mental health issues and normalize seeking help.
Did You Know...
Rates of alcohol and substance use, suicide, mental health disorders, and violence (fatal and non-fatal) are disproportionately higher in American Indian and Alaska Native communities than in the rest of the U.S. population. This results in 2.5 times more AI/AN people reporting severe psychological distress than the rest of the U.S. population in the span of one month's time.
July Is Also Social Wellness Month!
Get out and meet new people, make new memories, and take ALL the pictures (#doitforthegram). Social connection is so important for our overall health and well-being because it provides opportunities for us to not only learn about others, but more importantly to learn about ourselves. If you put yourself out there, you might learn that you enjoy activities or hobbies that you never dreamed of. Do something at excites you. Do something that scares you or makes you uncomfortable in an inspiring-kind-of way.
When we feel connected with others our sense of belonging is strengthened. We feel cared for, valued, loved, and appreciated by those who support us. Social connection can enhance emotion regulation skills and decrease the risk of violent or suicidal behaviors. Learn more about the power of social wellness here or click on the links below for tips on how to establish and maintain social relationships.
Check Out This Month's Book Recommendation!
"In this groundbreaking book, psychiatrist and neuroscientist Amir Levine and psychologist Rachel S. F. Heller reveal how an understanding of attachment theory-the most advanced relationship science in existence today-can help us find and sustain love. Attachment theory forms the basis for many bestselling books on the parent/child relationship, but there has yet to be an accessible guide to what this fascinating science has to tell us about adult romantic relationships-until now."
Learn MoreBenefits of Group Therapy
Groups provide support. Hearing from others with similar issues helps you see that you’re not alone in having challenges, whether you're grappling with panic attacks, depression, or another mental health issue. Many people experience a sense of relief.
Groups provide a sounding board. If, for example, you talk about a fight you had with your partner, group members can see things in the way you present it that you don’t. Hearing from other people about how you come across can be very powerful. You get a wider range of perspectives on your situation, and that can help you deal with your problems better.
Groups can propel you forward. Hearing how other members successfully overcame their fear of flying or how they confronted a family member over drug abuse can be very encouraging. Patients often push themselves harder when they see what others are doing.
Groups promote social skills. Groups not only help to ease that sense of isolation, but also give the opportunity to practice re-engaging with people. By participating in a group, you see that you can get along with others.
Group therapy costs less than individual counseling. Some people believe that, because group therapy costs less, it’s not as good, but that's not the case at all. Group therapy can be incredibly powerful.
Groups teach you about yourself. Every person in the group holds up a mirror and you get to see yourself through their eyes. It’s a way of uncovering the blind spots that may be blocking your ability to overcome your issues.
Try these steps to maximize group therapy:
Take a pledge. Each group should have participants sign a contract that spells out what’s expected of them. Knowing this can help you overcome any fears about participating.
Participate. You might have days when you don’t feel like talking, and that’s fine, Cox says, but the more you contribute, the more you'll get out of it.
Share. Your experiences might be meaningful to someone else, and you'll find that helping others helps you, too.
Learn More