Shades of Blue Project’s Post

FREEDOM TO HEAL – To celebrate Juneteenth while acknowledging the meaningful work that lies ahead, BOLD (Delta Air Lines Black Community Business Resource Group) aired its “Freedom to Heal: A Black Women’s Mental Health Summit” town hall, sharing it with all employees worldwide. This conversation, moderated by two Black women licensed therapists, is the second installment of a series that aims to discuss the current state of mental health within the Black community and raise awareness of resources, this year with a targeted focus on Black women. The vision for this was brought to life by Andrea M. Thomas, MBA (BOLD Vice President) and Alecia Benson, both of whom put their heart & passion into this project. I am so thankful for their leadership. Despite slavery ending generations ago, the traumatic effects of enslavement has had longstanding impact on the Black community. As a result, Black Americans have often navigated psychological & emotional injuries and adopted survival strategies to cope. Unfortunately, research has shown, however, that Black Americans underutilize therapeutic services for mental health. BOLD’s goal is simple – create space for dialogue & healing while encouraging Delta employees to utilize wellbeing resources available through Delta. As we reflect on the historical meaning of Juneteenth, let us all acknowledge the meaningful work that lies ahead to create a more equitable world. We ALL play a role in creating a better tomorrow. #DeltaProud #BeBOLD #Juneteenth

As we reflect on the significance of Juneteenth, it is essential to recognize the impact of systemic racism on mental health. Historical and ongoing injustices have profound effects on the mental well-being of Black individuals and communities. Experiencing and witnessing racial discrimination can lead to increased stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Together, we can honor Juneteenth by acknowledging its importance and supporting the mental health of our Black colleagues, clients and communities. Let’s use this day as a catalyst for continued learning, growth, and collective action toward a more just and equitable society. Here are a few suggestions: Learn and Reflect: Take time to educate yourself about Juneteenth and its significance. Reflect on how historical events continue to impact mental health and well-being today. Show Support: Attend local Juneteenth celebrations and support Black-owned businesses and organizations. Promote Inclusivity: Be an ally by fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels seen and heard. #juneteenth #mentalhealth #eatingdisorderrecovery #edrecovery

Did you know that Black Americans are less likely to receive guideline-consistent care, be included in research, and utilize mental health services? The MHTTC Network is committed to addressing these needs and improving mental health services for Black communities. In recognition of February being Black History Month, we're sharing a list of resources for mental health professionals, the community, and allies to support the Black community. View the resources here: https://lnkd.in/gGect_gU #blackhistorymonth #mentalhealthresources #mentalhealthsupport #MHTTC #mentalhealthawareness #mentalwellness #mentalwellbeing

Today, I want to talk about something close to my heart - transforming our understanding of mental health into vocal advocacy. It’s a journey from silence to action, from passivity to empowerment. In my experience working with Black women facing mental health challenges, I’ve realized that understanding is the first step towards meaningful change. It’s about shifting our perspectives and challenging the norms that have long silenced discussions about mental health. There are three truths about mental health that I’ve found particularly transformative: 1. Mental health issues are more common than we think. 2. Stigma often prevents people from seeking help. 3. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes. Knowing these truths is crucial, but acting on them is where the real change happens. It’s about using our voices to advocate for better mental health awareness, services, and support in our communities and workplaces. On my journey, I’ve learned that being vocal isn’t just about speaking out; it’s also about creating spaces where others feel safe to share their stories. It’s about being an active listener, an empathetic ally, and a passionate advocate. And that's precisely why I founded Reecee's Reach to give black women with mental health challenges a safe space to share their stories. I urge each of you to find your voice in this advocacy. Whether sharing your story, supporting someone else’s, or championing mental health initiatives in your organization, every action counts. Please, let’s not underestimate the power of our collective voices in transforming the narrative around mental health. Let’s stand together as advocates for change, compassion, and understanding.

Today is the start of Black Mental Health week. A week to come together as a community to learn and take action towards creating a more equitable and just society, and raise awareness to the effects of systemic racism on mental health and wellness. Dike, our implementation support specialist, says that having these discussion is important because people who exist in the world as visible minorities have difference experiences that can drastically affect their mental health. Without people who understand these experiences, these groups may not get the help or support they need. Here at Waypoint, we are continuing our work towards providing equitable care to all our patients who identify as a visible minority. Our work in Equity, Diversity and Inclusions has lead us to developing toolkits for staff and community partners so everyone can ensure they are directing people to the best resources and support for them. Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion plan was informed and developed by the Black Health Plan for Ontario. As Dike says, let’s keep the conversations going. #BlackMentalHealth #WhatMattersToYouMattersToUs #KeepTheConversationGoing

https://lnkd.in/gs_3_XTD NTTAC Event: Black 365: Supporting H.E.R. (Healing Empowerment and Restoration): A Mental Health Discussion for Black Women Date & Time Mar 28, 2024 10:00 AM  in  Pacific Time (US and Canada) Description Post-COVID mental health has increasingly been centered in conversations about social issues and marginalized communities. Particularly, conversations around mental health have become more acceptable and even normalized in many spaces of Blackness. However, as cornerstones of the community, Black women still face unique challenges and barriers to receiving financially accessible and culturally appropriate healthcare to address the complex and toxic stress, trauma, and alienation that have become an intimate part of our identities and day-to-day experiences. Supporting H.E.R. is an interactive, discussion-based learning event to explore and address these challenges in a way that reinforces the critical nature of ongoing recovery, connection, and peer support to address the wide range of mental health needs for all Black women.

I am grateful to celebrate Black Everydayness during Black History Month. Listen, Black Excellence is a huge contributor to the community, to the culture, and to American society as a whole. 💯 And… we don’t need to be “excellent” every day to matter (especially to the people in our lives). When that is always the bar, a lot of good stuff – the stuff of everyday existing, living, learning, caring, taking a break, succeeding, failing, resting, working, connecting, seeking quiet, providing – feels like it’s not enough. Like you’re not enough. Here’s the thing: you are enough. And you are needed. And you are loved. And if you are struggling, there are resources. This is important, because sometimes shame, fear, pride, doubt and unrealistic expectations can get in the way of people getting the help they need. This is especially true in the Black community. Even if you think your struggle doesn’t deserve attention, that it doesn’t rise to the level of needing help, recognize that’s an unrealistic expectation talking to you -- an expectation of needing to be perfect, flawless, always on all the time, of needing to be on top of everything. Needing to be excellent. Don’t listen to that. Listen to me and reach out. Check in. Just let one of us know, “I need some help.” Some resources that may be able to help: The Loveland Foundation and their Therapy Fund works to close access and affordability gaps for Black women and girls seeking therapy nationally: https://lnkd.in/e_8XCrUV American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has a new resource focused on suicide prevention in Black and African American communities: https://lnkd.in/eyWNba5z Call or text 988 if you’re in a crisis. Talk to someone you know and trust if you’re afraid to try one of the above. And remember. Today. This week. This month. All 365 days a year. You are great just the way you are. #BlackEverydayness #BlackHistoryMonth ❤️

This week is Black Mental Health Week. There is a spotlight on the intersection between anti-Black racism, workplace microaggressions, and the mental health of Black employees. When addressing anti-Black racism, we tend to work actively to address the problem, reduce the behaviors, and educate the community. However, too often, we forget about the individuals that have been on the receiving end and mental toll it takes. In line with this year’s theme of Growth and Reflection, we should look at our progress thus far and actively work to make changes in the future. Unfortunately, the stigma related to mental health services for Black individuals is still strong. We need to work together to remove this stigma, support our communities, and end the behaviors that lead to these mental health issues. Only through this collaboration will we be able to improve the well-being of the Black community. 

Please take the time to read an important series in the Lancet. Ensuring Black voices, perspectives, guidance and leadership is essential to addressing Black mental health. As we funders consider and review grants from universities, hospitals and large community organizations, let's make sure to look for evidence of Black leadership and inclusion in Black mental health programs and research. #BlackMentalHealth #SocialJustice #HealthEquity

Our Family Advocate program doubled its impact in 2023! Check out our latest issue of Wellness Wednesday, which includes the full article about our Family Advocate Program, Black History Month, an exciting announcement about Rise, and much more! https://lnkd.in/dA9cxtVD