San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center’s Post

Our global community bears the deep scars of racial trauma, a testament to the understanding and compassion that are needed for healing. And in our journey toward wellness, it's vital to acknowledge that while self-care is an essential tool, it's not the cure-all for the deep-seated wounds of racial trauma. Now as individuals, what are the steps that we need to take? Here are some points that I'd like to share as a therapist. 👉🏽 Understanding Our Reality: The truth is that racial trauma is pervasive and perpetual, a reality that many of us face day in and day out. It's a reminder that some battles are ongoing so we have to navigate it with grace and power. For example, within our vibrant Latinx community, we often face the dual shadows of cultural misrepresentation and language discrimination. Consider the moments when our accents are mocked or our rich linguistic heritage is dismissed in favor of 'proper' English. However, we can take pride in our bilingualism by creating spaces where our language and culture are celebrated. 👉🏽 Finding Your Power: I encourage us to look beyond the confines of our struggles, to find those places where we feel powerful, where our voice matters and our actions have an impact. Take, for instance, the power of mentorship within our BIPOC neighborhoods, guiding the young to navigate and overcome racial barriers. 👉🏽 Let's Start a Conversation: By identifying where we can make a difference, we combat feelings of helplessness. It’s not about facing racism in its entirety but finding manageable ways to assert our dignity, claim our spaces, and celebrate our power to influence change. By coming together, we can start changes that help us face racial trauma and build a stronger, more supportive community. https://lnkd.in/gnUW_ExU

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! At RSAA, we recognize that mental health is a crucial part of our journey toward healing and justice. As we work towards Black reparations in Asheville and Buncombe County, we understand that addressing the trauma caused by systemic racism is essential for our community's well-being. Historical Trauma: Generations of Black individuals have faced the devastating impacts of slavery, segregation, and systemic racism. This collective trauma has deeply affected mental health across our community. Restorative Justice: Reparations aren't just about financial compensation—they're about restoring dignity, acknowledging past harms, and providing the resources needed for holistic healing. Community Healing: By prioritizing mental health in our reparations work, we aim to create safe spaces where Black voices are heard, and mental well-being is supported. Access to mental health services, community support, and educational programs are all vital components. Solidarity and Support: We call on our SpaceShifters (allies) to join us in advocating for mental health resources tailored to the needs of Black communities. Together, we can break the stigma surrounding mental health and champion policies that promote equity and healing. This month, let's amplify the conversation about mental health and reparations. Share your stories, support one another, and continue pushing for justice and equity. Remember: Healing is a form of resistance, and our mental well-being is a priority. #RsaAsheville #RSAA #Reparations #BlackAsheville #Asheville #RacialJustice #ReparativeJustice #SpaceShifters #BlackJoy #liberation #mentalhealthawareness

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

🌟 In July, we pause to acknowledge and honor Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) Mental Health Month, a time when our nation collectively raises awareness about the distinct challenges that persist in obtaining equitable mental health care. 🌼 👩🏾⚖️ BIPOC Mental Health Month was officially recognized in 2008, thanks to the tireless efforts and unwavering dedication of Bebe Moore Campbell. Bebe, an esteemed author, journalist, activist, and a compassionate mother to a child with psychiatric needs, understood the pressing need for addressing mental health disparities within marginalized communities. 🌍 🤝 This month, it is vital for each of us to take action against the barriers that impede access to proper mental health care, institutional racism, the lasting impacts of trauma, and the disparities that disproportionately affect BIPOC communities. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for every individual seeking mental well-being. 💪🏽 🌺 Let us unite in ensuring that mental health care is accessible, affordable, and culturally competent for everyone. By promoting inclusivity, understanding, and empathy, we can bring about positive change that empowers BIPOC individuals in their pursuit of overall mental wellness. 🌈 #BIPOCMentalHealthMonth #MentalHealthAwareness #EquitableCare #Inclusion #EmpoweringCommunities

I don’t even know how to start this post. So I’ll just get to it. Trigger warning: hate, residential schools, mental health. I support the No Space For Hate counter-protests encouraging love and acceptance in the face of explicit hate and harm towards the 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities. Everyone, especially young people, deserve our unwavering acceptance of their self-defined gender identities and expression including how they wish to be addressed. The fact that this even needs to be said is shocking to me. My heart is heavier in wake of the announcement from the Stó:lo Nation whose traditional territory I grew-up on. So far they have identified 158 children died at residential schools and historical segregated hospitals. It makes me physically sick reading and hearing accounts of the horrific and inhumane way Indigenous children were treated. At the very least, records should be made more easily available and ample resources provided to communities to facilitate this heart-wrenching process of closure and healing for families, communities, and nations. Mental health awareness week took place last week in Aotearoa New Zealand. Bringing awareness is such an important step for individual and collective well-being. I saw lots of organizations posting which is wonderful. I also read a lot of posts that seemed rather surface level and a bit performative. I know it’s an overwhelming topic as we’re all coming at it from different angles. I encourage organizations in the wake of the week to really reflect deeply on how you can show-up with tangible research-based information and organizational practices that provide nuanced specific supports and education for your staff and the public. And for individuals, I encourage your well-being exploration to be curious and courageous as you move to build an expansive foundation that brings you transformative strength, self-awareness, and growth. September 30th is the third National Truth and Reconciliation Day in what is known as Canada. I will be observing it again this year from a distance in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Despite the physical distance my heart is always with my friends and chosen family across Turtle Island. Love to all my relations past, present and future.

I wonder how many people are aware of the fact that there is an International Day of the Boy Child? Perhaps we are all obsessed with protecting our daughters that our focuses have always been on the “girl child”. But there is an International Day of the Boy Child. It is the 16th of May every year. It was officially adopted by the United Nations in 2018. The pioneer in the struggle to focus attention on the boy child is DR. Jerome Teelucksingh. The International Day of the Boy Child should remind us of our collective guilt in neglecting the boy child, which led us to the spate of insecurity plaguing the nation from all angles and in all directions. As we celebrate the International Day of the Boy Child this year, let us reflect on the dangers of neglecting the boy child. Let us look towards taking definite actions to addressing the neglect of the boy child. This year, the spotlight is on something crucial: the mental health and well-being of boys. As we celebrate the International Day of the Boy Child, let us dive into this important theme.

#ProjectSoulStride week 31 update. Official launch of the NEW Project Soul Stride Linkedin page to capture the work being done behind the scenes. This is a labor of love which l'd like to share with you so I invite you to follow the page for the latest updates. The 3 objectives are as follows:- 🎯1. 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 on the issue of suicide prevention in the UK Black community. 🎯2. 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 in policies, practices, and resources dedicated to addressing mental health within the UK Black community. 🎯3. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 with key stakeholders, including industry leaders, community organizations, and mental health professionals, to collaborate on solutions and amplify the impact of Project Soul Stride. #suicideprevention #coproduction #livedexperience #linkedinpage #blackmentalhealth https://lnkd.in/evQEXJVS

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

Celebrating Juneteenth: Embracing Freedom and Mental Wellness Today, we honor Juneteenth, a pivotal day in American history marking the end of slavery. On June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth is more than a historical milestone; it’s a celebration of resilience, strength, and the enduring spirit of Black communities. It reminds us of the ongoing journey towards equality and justice. The legacy of slavery and systemic racism has profound effects on mental health. Recognizing and understanding this history is essential for healing and growth. As we celebrate Juneteenth, we are committed to supporting mental health initiatives and continuing the fight against systemic inequalities. Together, we can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone. #Juneteenth #MentalHealthMatters #BlackHistory #FreedomDay #CommunityWellness #EndTheStigma #InclusiveWorkplace

Earlier this month, I was invited to MH360 - a mental health festival organised by The Red Door. In our youth-led panel, "Pride X: The Personal is the Political," we, the young people, talked about our lived experiences and how intersectional marginalisation impacts our emotional, psychological and physical well-being. Mental health and the therapeutic space are inherently political. Being queer and autistic impacts all walks of my life, and my fundamental right to live with safety and dignity. So, we can't divorce mental health from politics. Further, our trauma and distress are individualised and pathologised by society, and the bio-medical model, and ultimately, the burden to heal and navigate systemic exclusion falls on us, which further isolates us. As vulnerable and marginalised individuals, our exclusion is due to the barriers in society, not due to inadequacies within us. Ideally, diversity should be celebrated; people shouldn't be punished for being different and forced to conform, which leads to more trauma. As social beings, everyone deserves support and care, so do queer and disabled people. This collective care can only be co-created with each other. When we come from a place of marginalisation with a traumatic past, we will hurt each other, but how we transform that pain and grow together to build solidarities is the important work that needs to be done. For this, we have to humanise each other, and practice self as well as mutual accountability. Unless we build strands of solidarity amongst us, we can't fight systemic issues by individualising them and putting the onus on marginalised folks. We can't achieve collective liberation in isolation. None of us are free, until all of us are free. #CommunityBuilding #Conversations #Neuroqueerness #Queerness #Diversity #QueerRights #DisabilityRights #DisabilityInclusion #IntersectionalFeminism Oxfam in Asia Asia Centre Atypical Dikkatein: A Conversation Podcast