July is , which raises awareness of mental health resources for and challenges experienced by BIPOC and QTBIPOC (Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous People of Color). This year, the Mental Health America (MHA) is highlighting alternative mental health supports created by and for BIPOC and QTBIPOC communities of color. These community-developed systems of support fill in gaps within traditional systems that may overlook cultural and historical factors that impede BIPOC and QTBIPOC mental health.

Examples include:

While mental health conditions do not discriminate based on race, color, gender or identity, these factors can make access to mental health treatment much more difficult. BIPOC are less likely to receive diagnosis and treatment for their mental illnesses, have less access to and availability of mental health services, and often receive a poorer quality of mental health care.

And, while chronic stress can have negative effects on everyone, pervasive exposure to racism and discrimination create additional daily stressors for BIPOC. The impact of racism-related events, chronic stress caused by institutional and socio-political inequities, and daily exposure to racism through micro-aggressions is significantly associated with higher risk factors related to poorer mental and physical health, depression and substance misuse.

Below are some ways to spread the word through awareness, support and advocacy. 

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RESOURCES

DCHS has collected information and resources dedicated to Multicultural Mental Health. Learn more about the challenges of and resources for BIPOC and people in LGBTQ+ communities below. 

Chronic stress can have negative side effects on everyone. Psycho-social factors, specifically, pervasive exposure to racism and discrimination, create an additional daily stressor for people of color. Research shows this to be particularly true for African-Americans (APA, 2016). The  web page contains a continually growing collection of resources for and information related to coping with racism and trauma on individual, interpersonal and family, community and national and global levels.

Spanish Language Materials

From the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services

Resources for Addressing Emotional and Psychological Needs in the LGBTQ Community

Although there have been great strides in the legal and civil rights of individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning, the LGBTQ population continue to experience worse health outcomes than their heterosexual counterparts. Due to factors like low rates of health insurance coverage, high rates of stress due to systematic harassment and discrimination, and a lack of cultural competency in the health care system, LGBT people are at a higher risk for cancer, mental illnesses, and other diseases, and are more likely to smoke, drink alcohol, use drugs, and engage in other risky behaviors.

Find out more:

Download The Toolkit

Source www.mhanational.org