By: Christy Maeder
“While everyone – all colors – everyone is affected by stigma – no one wants to say ‘I’m not in control of my mind.’ No one wants to say, ‘The person I love is not in control of [their] mind.’ But people of color really don’t want to say it because we already feel stigmatized by virtue of skin color or eye shape or accent and we don’t want any more reasons for anyone to say, ‘You’re not good enough.'” – Bebe Moore Campbell.
July is BIPOC/Minority Mental Health Month, a period dedicated to raising awareness about the unique mental health challenges faced by BIPOC communities. This observance was established in 2008 to honor the legacy of Bebe Moore Campbel, who was an American author, journalist, teacher, and mental health advocate who worked tirelessly to shed light on the mental health needs of the Black community and other underrepresented communities.
Congress formally recognized Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month to bring awareness to the unique struggles that underrepresented groups face regarding mental illness in the US.
Culture, ethnicity, and race all play a role in the way that each person experiences the world. These factors, among others, have profound effects on mental health, especially for Black,
Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC).
BIPOC communities often experience disparities in mental health care due to a cultural stigma, socioeconomic barriers, and a lack of culturally competent care providers. These barriers can lead to higher rates of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, remaining untreated or inadequately treated.
Cultural Stigma
In many cultures, mental health issues are often viewed as a personal weakness or a source of shame, deterring individuals from seeking help. This cultural stigma can be a significant barrier to accessing mental health services, leading to prolonged suffering and worsening symptoms. In some BIPOC communities, talking about mental health can be considered taboo. Some of these messages come from a place of real fear as BIPOC populations have historically often been harmed by the mental health and health care systems. BIPOC individuals have often sought out different means of support, such as traditional healers, doulas, or peer advocates. Seeking out therapy or other mental health services can support and supplement traditional methods.
Lack of Culturally Competent and Responsive Care
Culturally responsive care is the intentional and consistent decision mental health care providers make to see, respect, and celebrate the aspects that make each person unique. It’s an acknowledgment of their intersectional existence in the world and how this shapes their experiences. Mental health care providers who are not culturally competent and responsive may fail to understand the unique experiences and needs of BIPOC clients. This can result in misdiagnosis, ineffective treatment plans, and a lack of trust between the client and provider.
The Role of BIPOC/Minority Mental Health Month
BIPOC/Minority Mental Health Month serves several critical purposes:
Raising Awareness: By highlighting the mental health issues faced by BIPOC communities, this month encourages public discourse and education, helping to break down stigma and Misconceptions.
Advocating for Change: This month also serves as a call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and community leaders to address the systemic issues contributing to mental health disparities.
Promoting Resources: BIPOC/Minority Mental Health Month helps to disseminate information about available resources, including culturally competent/responsive care providers, support groups, and educational materials.
Celebrating Diversity: Recognizing the diverse backgrounds and experiences of BIPOC/minority communities can lead to more personalized and effective mental health care.
Local Resources in Oregon
For those in Oregon, several local resources are available to support BIPOC/minority mental health:
Lines for Life: A regional nonprofit dedicated to preventing substance abuse and suicide, offering a Racial Equity Support line specifically for young people of color. Visit Lines for Life or call 1-877-968-8491.
Portland Black PFLAG: This organization provides support and resources to the Black LGBTQ+
community and their families. Visit Portland Black PFLAG.
NAMI Oregon: The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Oregon provides various programs, including support groups and educational programs tailored to minority communities. Visit NAMI Oregon or call 1-800-343-6264.
Asian Health & Service Center: This center offers culturally and linguistically appropriate health services, including mental health counseling, to the Asian community in Oregon. Visit Asian Health & Service Center or call 503-872-8822.
Centro Latino Americano: Providing mental health services to the Latino community in Eugene and surrounding areas. Visit Centro Latino Americano or call 541-687-2667.
Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest (NARA): NARA offers comprehensive mental health services to Native Americans in the Portland area. Visit NARA Northwest or call 503-224-1044.
How to Get Involved
There are several ways individuals, providers and organizations can participate in BIPOC/Minority Mental Health Month.
Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the mental health challenges faced by minority communities and share this knowledge within your networks. Actively engage in anti- oppressive practice, which takes into account power imbalances to create relationships in an equitable environment.
Support Advocacy Efforts: Join or support organizations that advocate for mental health equity and culturally competent care.
Promote Mental Health Resources: Share information about mental health resources that are accessible to minority communities.
Encourage Open Conversations: Create safe spaces for discussions about mental health, aiming to reduce stigma and promote understanding. Engage in discussions with client’s about all dimensions of their culture and how their experiences have shaped them.
Download Mental Health America’s BIPOC Mental Health Toolkit:
Mental Health America’s 2024 BIPOC Mental Health Toolkit provides free, practical resources to help navigate mental health stigma, bridge generational differences, dismantle mental health myths, and encourage meaningful conversations.
References
1.National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
2.American Psychiatric Association.. Retrieved from American Psychiatric Association
3.Mental Health America. (2024).
4.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (
5.National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2019). Racial/Ethnic Differences in Mental Health Service Use among Adults. Retrieved from NIMH
