Samantha Grant’s Post

Today, on World Mental Health Day, we reflect not only on the importance of mental health but also on the deep, often overlooked trauma that systemic injustice inflicts on Black communities. Black people in the U.S. are three times more likely to be killed by police than their white counterparts, according to the 2020 Census. This statistic isn’t just a number—it represents real lives, families, and communities left shattered. We remember Otis French, Jr., a 32-year-old Black man whose life was tragically taken during a traffic stop by the Bay Minette Police Department in Bay Minette, Alabama. His story is not just a headline—it’s a reflection of the persistent fear and trauma that Black people face in interactions with law enforcement. This trauma impacts mental well-being in ways that can’t be measured, but must be acknowledged. On this World Mental Health Day, we honor the lives lost and the mental health challenges faced by those left behind. We are committed to seeking justice and demand accountability, not just for Otis French, Jr., but for every Black life impacted by injustice. Justice is the only path to healing, and at May Jung, we will never stop fighting for it. On this day, let’s not just talk about mental health—let’s talk about the systems that are breaking it down, and let’s fight for justice that heals. https://lnkd.in/eDNef6Rj #WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthMatters #JusticeForOtisFrenchJr #JusticeForOJ #BlackLivesMatter #EndPoliceBrutality #JusticeIsHealing #CivilRightsLawyers #FightForJustice #MayJungLaw #CommunityHealing #JusticeForOurPeopleIsPersonal

📢 Call-out for lived experience of poor mental health and racism – Black Mental Health Manifesto 📢 Black people in the UK are both more likely to experience poor mental health and more likely to face barriers in getting the right support, with racism being a driving force behind these inequalities. Despite various reforms and initiatives, we are not seeing the meaningful change that is needed, and racism continues to hold Black people back and harm their mental health. In response, activists, campaigners, grassroots organisations, individuals and race equity leads have been working on a Black Mental Health Manifesto, setting out a clear vision and practical steps towards a just UK society, where Black people thrive, and their mental health is supported in a way that puts their needs at the centre. The manifesto is Black-led and promotes the views of grassroots organisations working in their local communities. The manifesto will soon be launching, and we are now looking for people who would be willing to share their experiences of racial discrimination and how this has impacted their mental health. For example, you may have had a negative experience while detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act; struggled to access therapy that was culturally appropriate through the NHS; or experienced racism in the workplace that impacted your mental health. In terms of how you could support the manifesto, this might include providing a short quote about your experiences for social media, or talking to journalists about your experiences for news stories. You’ll be fully supported by the team behind the manifesto. You could also share your experiences anonymously under a changed name, if this would make you feel more comfortable. 👉 If you’re interested in sharing your experiences, please email media@rethink.org with a few sentences about your experiences of racism and mental ill-health, and a member of the team will be in touch shortly Rethink Mental Illness Nisa Chisipochinyi #BMHM #BlackMentalHealthManifesto #MentalHealth #RaceEquity

𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥-𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐦 – Black Mental Health Manifesto. Black people in the UK are both more likely to experience poor mental health and more likely to face barriers in getting the right support, with racism being a driving force behind these inequalities. Despite various reforms and initiatives, we are not seeing the meaningful change that is needed, and racism continues to hold Black people back and harm their mental health. In response, activists, campaigners, grassroots organisations, individuals and race equity leads have been working on a Black Mental Health Manifesto, setting out a clear vision and practical steps towards a just UK society, where Black people thrive, and their mental health is supported in a way that puts their needs at the centre. The manifesto is Black-led and promotes the views of grassroots organisations working in their local communities. The manifesto will soon be launching, and we are now looking for people who would be willing to share their experiences of racial discrimination and how this has impacted their mental health. For example, you may have had a negative experience while detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act; struggled to access therapy that was culturally appropriate through the NHS; or experienced racism in the workplace that impacted your mental health. In terms of how you could support the manifesto, this might include providing a short quote about your experiences for social media, or talking to journalists about your experiences for news stories. You’ll be fully supported by the team behind the manifesto. You could also share your experiences anonymously under a changed name, if this would make you feel more comfortable. If you’re interested in sharing your experiences, please email media@rethink.org with a few sentences about your experiences of racism and mental ill-health, and a member of the team will be in touch shortly. #blackmentalhealth #ProtectBlackMentalHealth #livedexperience #healthinequalities

Canopy Mental Health & Consulting is hosting a therapy group for Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color working professionals ages 25+ who have experienced Racialized Work Trauma. Join us for two sessions where we define and explore “racial work trauma” and how white dominant culture has perpetuated racial stereotypes, discrimination, and racist practices in the workplace. Our hope is to create a space where BIPOC professionals can show up as themselves and openly discuss the harm and trauma that takes place at work. We will center the voices and experiences of Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color as we identify and discover pathways to collective healing. We invite working professionals in the helping fields, such as medical or mental health professionals, social workers, case managers, crisis workers, or those individuals who have faced micro/macro aggressions at work. The cost for this group is $40 per session. A $20 deposit is due with registration, and remaining payment will be collected at the time of service. Learn more and register at: canopymhc.com/groups. #blackmentalhealth #racismatwork #racialtrauma #mentalhealth

The truths that linger in the shadows: suicide, self-harm, domestic violence, and substance abuse. This is where we dare to speak, where we shine a light on the invisible struggles woven into the fabric of our lives. 💔 Recent studies show that deaths linked to alcohol, drugs, and self-harm among Black Americans have surpassed those among whites. Additionally, domestic violence remains a pervasive issue, often hidden behind closed doors, exacerbating the cycle of despair. 🙇🏽♂️ In this powerful panel discussion, we're diving deep into the multifaceted challenges that contribute to the disproportionate rates of these crises among Black people. We're exposing the harsh realities of systemic inequalities, the weight of stigma, and the scarcity of mental health resources that too often leave us feeling isolated and unheard. Our extraordinary panelists, Dr Alfiee Breland-Noble, Kali Hobson, MD, Jeff Menzise, Ph.D., and Shanti Das will illuminate our path forward. 💪🏾💡 Together, we are shattering the silence that has held us captive for far too long. We're creating spaces where each and every one of us feels seen, valued, and empowered to seek help and access those resources that are rightfully ours—all without the weight of judgment or stigma. 💯 We’d love to have you join the conversation at BLHF’s Can We Talk? Symposium May 30th & 31st. 🧡 Your presence is needed, and your voice is vital. Tickets are available: https://lnkd.in/eqeX9AzX #CWT2024 #CanWeTalk #BLHF #BlackMentalHealth #HealthyMind #JoinTheConversation #JoyIsOurNorthStar

Today we launch new research, sharing key insights from our Young Changemakers programme: involving young Black people in the design of mental health services and policies can make support more effective, break down barriers, and reduce mental health stigma. The Young Changemakers programme, a collaboration between the Centre, The Diana Award and UK Youth, has been supporting young Black people to create social action projects addressing the links between racial injustice and poor mental health. Project focuses included addressing hair discrimination faced by young Black women, tackling racist micro-aggressions in schools, and creating cultural awareness training for GPs and mental health practitioners. Through their projects, Young Changemakers have effected real change – shaping the policy agenda, reducing stigma, building community education and, ultimately, promoting better mental health for young Black people. Two months after racist and Islamophobic riots swept across the UK, and more than four years since the murder of George Floyd, young Black people continue to face disproportionate threats to their mental health. This report calls for a comprehensive cross-government strategy to tackle racism; coproduced solutions to young people’s mental health problems; and more culturally competent support for young Black people: https://lnkd.in/etTUaaWx #ASpaceToBeMe #BlackHistoryMonth #ReclaimingNarratives

Wondering where the main parties stand on mental health and racial equity in the upcoming election? Here's a break down of key asks from the Black Mental Health Manifesto contrasted with Labour, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, and Green Party promises. Make an informed decision for a fair, just and equitable mental health system. Learn more about the Black Mental Health Manifesto here: https://lnkd.in/e2Kid_ZC #Election2024 #MentalHealthEquity #ProtectBlackMentalHealth

Interested to canvas thoughts and opinions on this. The mental health crisis among Black communities is a stark paradox. Research indicates that Black adults are more likely to experience mental health challenges but are the least likely to receive treatment. The reasons are multifaceted, but one glaring hurdle stands out: Cost. In navigating mental health provisions myself, I've encountered a painful irony. While seeking support from ethnic minority professionals – a choice driven by the need for understanding and cultural empathy – I was confronted with the high cost of therapy. This isn't just about pounds and pence; it's about access and equity. If poverty exacerbates mental health issues and yet the cost of therapy remains a towering barrier, how do we break this cycle? How do we ensure that mental health professionals (particularly those from minority communities) are fairly compensated without making mental health support an unaffordable luxury for those who need it most? It's a massive elephant in the room that I'd love to hear more discussion on. #MentalHealthAwareness #HealthcareEquity #EconomicInclusion

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

Addressing the Interplay Between Violence and Mental Health in the USA Recent studies have shed light on the profound impact that violence has on mental health, particularly within vulnerable communities. As we strive for a healthier and more equitable society, understanding these dynamics is crucial. 🔍 Children and Adolescents: Exposure to violence in neighborhoods can drastically affect brain development in young people. Research highlights changes in the cerebral cortex, which is vital for behavior, cognition, and emotion. Such alterations can lead to long-term mental health challenges (NIH NIMH) (American Psychological Association). 🔍 Gun Violence and Suicide Risk: For Black Americans, the correlation between gun violence and suicidal ideation is alarming. Those exposed to gun violence, whether personally or through their community, face heightened risks of suicide. Addressing this issue requires not only reducing violence but also ensuring accessible mental health care free from stigma and cultural barriers (The Trace). 🔍 Mental Illness and Violence: The relationship between mental illness and violence is complex. While there can be associations, it's essential to approach this topic with nuance and compassion, recognizing the role of effective treatment and destigmatization (American Psychological Association). As we continue to explore these connections, the goal must be to implement policies and interventions that protect mental health and support those affected by violence. By doing so, we can pave the way for a safer and healthier future for all. #MentalHealth #ViolencePrevention #PublicHealth #CommunityCare #BlackMentalHealth