Sahara Behavioral Health’s Post

Commemorating Juneteenth: Reflecting on Freedom and Mental Health Frederick Douglass once asked, “What to a slave is the Fourth of July?” Today, we ask ourselves how the legacy of slavery continues to impact mental health in Black communities. Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, but it also reminds us of the generational trauma that still echoes through time. As we honor Juneteenth, we must also acknowledge the ongoing systemic racism and discrimination that Black people and other people of color face in our society. Racism and discrimination have a significant impact on mental health, and it is essential to recognize and address this issue. Understanding this history helps us to break the cycles of trauma. By fostering open dialogues and educating ourselves, we can support the mental health of directly impacted individuals and their allies. Let’s honor this day by committing to being informed, compassionate, and proactive in promoting mental wellness. #Juneteenth #MentalHealth #FrederickDouglass #BreakingTrauma #NAMINYS #EndRacism

Let’s provide supports to allow an individual to learn how to manage their challenges, to choose mental wellness by taking advantage of programs or services available. You do not have to be sad or anxious all the time!

Dear All Please can I politely ask that if you don’t like what I post please unfollow me. It’s not easy for me to talk about my experiences of discrimination but I have to because I know it helps other people. Discrimination means that children and young people are not getting the support they need. Black males in particular are more likely to have mental health issue linked to their experiences of discrimination. I have 5 boys and sadly I’ve had to tell them that they’re only seen as ‘cute’ until they’re 10 then the way society sees them changes. You can find lots of research around this from lots of mental health charities such as Mind. ‘Black men are far more likely than others to be diagnosed with severe mental health problems. They're also more likely to be sectioned under the Mental Health Act. But until they're 11, Black boys don't have poorer mental health than other boys the same age’. -mind The National Autistic Society also has highlighted the issues that exist around intersectionality. ‘There is a lack of research about the experience of people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups. This means it can be even harder for autistic people in the BAME community to get the support they need. We need to understand the experiences of autistic people and families from different backgrounds and cultures and help create a society that works for all autistic people. For this to happen, we need decision makers, service providers and faith and community groups to listen to autistic people and families from BAME backgrounds and to produce culturally appropriate support.’ If you feel uncomfortable with me saying that, please think about how you can support those of us that put ourselves out of our comfort zones to highlight these issues. If discrimination didn’t exist we wouldn’t have to highlight it 🤷🏾♀️ Everyone deserves to live their life free of discrimination. You may not agree with my methods to highlight these issues but they’re working for me. Thank you https://lnkd.in/eCk2w62T https://lnkd.in/etijtg4z #discrimination #comfortzone #speakout #speakup #intersectionality #racism #disability

In summary, Black History Month and mental health are interconnected in various ways, and addressing mental health within the context of historical and present-day challenges is crucial for promoting overall well-being and resilience within the Black community. Initiatives that focus on awareness, education, access to care, and culturally competent mental health support contribute to a more equitable and inclusive approach to mental health. It's important to approach mental health discussions with sensitivity and an understanding of the diverse experiences within the Black community. Creating an open dialogue that respects individual experiences and fosters a supportive environment is crucial for promoting mental health and well-being during Black History Month and beyond. #blackhistorymonth #education #awareness #mentalwellness  #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #creativementalwellness

🖤 Honoring Juneteenth: Reflecting on Freedom and Mental Health 🖤 Today we celebrate Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. As we honor this pivotal moment in history, let's also recognize the ongoing impact of racial trauma on mental health within Black communities. ✨ Why Mental Health Matters on Juneteenth: -Historical & Intergenerational Trauma: The legacy of systemic racism and unaddressed intergenerational trauma continues to impact mental well-being. -Cultural Stigma & Access to Care: Disparities in healthcare access and cultural stigma prevent many from receiving the necessary care and support. 🌟 Ways to Support Mental Health Today: 1. Foster Conversations and Promote Mental Health Resources: Create safe spaces for open dialogue about mental health, and encourage others to seek help from culturally informed therapists. 2. Support Organizations: Donate to organizations supporting the mental health needs of Black communities, such as The Loveland Foundation. 💚 Let's honor Juneteenth by advocating for mental health awareness and equity. Together, we can create a future where everyone can access the care they need. #Juneteenth #MentalHealthMatters #BlackHealth #CommunitySupport #HealingTogether

Bebe Moore Campbell sparked a transformative movement for mental health awareness within the Black Community. Recognizing her impact, in 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives declared July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. It is crucial to recognize and address the unique challenges faced by historically marginalized communities. By doing so, we can decrease #stigma, foster understanding, and prioritize #mentalhealthliteracy (MHL) for all. MHL is not a single program or one-time training. MHL is a flexible educational framework that can be tailored to be culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate for any community. Throughout this month, we will be sharing MHL-related resources for Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month from a number of our community partners. Please help us circulate these critical materials to ensure equitable access to accurate, appropriate mental health information and support for everyone. But first, with gratitude to our partners NAMI and Mental Health America for highlighting Campbell’s legacy, here's a glimpse of her profound influence: https://lnkd.in/gRrVAvh https://lnkd.in/gZ4uyc5e https://lnkd.in/eMMHSkPq https://lnkd.in/e5iSYkWp #MMHAM #bebemoorecampbell #mentalhealth #equity #advocacy

⭐Breaking the silence on anti-Black racism is crucial. It impacts mental health, yet access to support remains limited. Let's raise awareness together and work together to create a more inclusive and supportive environment! 🌟This year’s theme, “Growth and Reflection: The Year of Sankofa” is of particular relevance to the City of Toronto’s commemoration of the last year of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent (opens in new window) (UN IDPAD). This theme encourages Black communities to enhance mental health and wellness through the understanding and application of the principles of the international decade – Recognition, Justice, and Development. A commitment to addressing these principles can make public spaces more supportive of restoration and the de-stigmatization of racialized myths of mental illness. (Source: https://loom.ly/JTjHOy0) #EndRacism #MentalHealthAwareness

July is Minority Mental Health Month. With that being said, Historically in the Black Community there's a stigma around seeking professional mental health treatment or services. Stimming from distrust of practitioners, lack of resources, and the fear of being viewed as "crazy" or "weak". These misconceptions have been passed on to generations and so has the trauma. Studies have shown that 65% of Black youth have traumatic experiences before the age of 18 and only 25% of Black Adults seek mental health treatment. This has to shift. I'm grateful to work for a company like Lenovo where they value, encourage, and provide Mental Health Resources. While so many may not have access, it's still our mission to help break the stigma and the cycle by encouraging one another to focus on our mental health, discover resources, and lead our peers and loved ones to therapist who look like them so that they feel safe, valued, and heard. So I challenge you, to have the hard conversations, be kind, and honor your mind. Happy Minority Mental Health Month! #mentalhealth #wearelenovo

Acknowledging Mental Health Awareness Month aligns seamlessly with our organization's mission to advocate on behalf of Black women and girls, promoting leadership development and gender equity in health education and economic empowerment. By addressing mental health within our advocacy framework, we not only recognize the holistic well-being of those we serve but also challenge the structures and systems that perpetuate disparities in mental health care access and support. In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, we encourage each of you to prioritize your mental health and well-being. During the week of May 12 - 18, 2024, the National Mental Health Committee would like for you to practice one of the four Meditation techniques. #NC100BWINC #NCBWHealth #FreeYourMind

🌟 April is National Minority Health Month and Stress Awareness Month! 🌟 Did you know that many minority individuals struggle to find mental health professionals who understand their cultural experiences? It's time to bridge the gap and prioritize inclusive care. Here are some resources to find Minority Mental Health Professionals: 1. Therapy for Black Girls: therapyforblackgirls.com 2. Therapy for Black Men: therapyforblackmen.org 3. Latinx Therapy: latinxtherapy.com 4. Asian Mental Health Collective: asianmhc.org 5. National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network: nqttcn.com 6. Clinicians of Color: cliniciansofcolor.org 7. Black Female Therapists: blackfemaletherapists.com Let's ensure everyone has access to the support they need! 💙 #MinorityHealthMonth #StressAwarenessMonth