Why Minority Mental Health Month Matters

July is Minority Mental Health Month — a time where we bring awareness to the mental health struggles that people of color face, and also the work that still needs to be done to make mental health resources accessible to everyone. Minority Mental Health Month was founded by author and advocate Bebe Moore Campbell in support of her daughter, who battled with mental illness while fighting a system that prevented her from getting the help and support she needed.

Understanding the Disparities

Mental health affects everyone, but not everyone has the same access to care. Communities of color often face a complex web of challenges, including:

• Lack of access to affordable care

• Language barriers

• Mistrust of the healthcare system

• Underdiagnosis/misdiagnosis of mental health conditions

As a result, this leads to people of color being misrepresented and suffering in silence.

What You Can Do

Some may think they have to be a mental health expert to support mental health causes and initiatives, but this is far from the truth. Here are a few ways you can help:

• Speak up about the lack of mental health resources in your community

• Advocate for new policies that increase access to culturally competent care

• Educate yourself about the unique experiences of people of color

Moving Forward, Together

At MM Therapy, we are here to support. We have created a culturally inclusive space where our clients can feel seen and heard by therapists who look like them and understand their experiences.