BIPOC Mental Health Month
I always say that mental health is for everyone and I truly believe it. I believe access to resources, therapy, and support should be universally available. Recent events, along with Black, Indigenous People, and People of Color (BIPOC) Month, have really opened my eyes to how that is easier said than done. I’ve learned that every community has their own stigmas about mental health. Cultural and language barriers make it harder to find a good therapist or doctor and history has a large impact on the mental health of many of these communities.
As someone trying to be a better ally, I’ve read through several resources and articles that explain why mental health resources are harder to find for POC and watched countless TEDTalks to better inform myself. I’ve done this to know how to respond more appropriately if anyone in my life were to reach out to me in a time of crisis. I wholeheartedly believe education is key to suicide prevention and educating yourself on the barriers for POC will only make you a better gatekeeper.
If you are like me and want to educate yourself on these topics, here are some phenomenal resources and videos to start with:
Websites:
Podcasts:
Mental Illness Happy Hour
Black Girl Therapy
The Nod
Code Switch
Videos:
