“I am because we are. Our collective health and wellness depend on how we show up for each other.” — Bebe Moore Campbell

Let’s start this article with a moment of inner reflection. If possible, sit comfortably, close your eyes, rest your hands in your lap and take three deep breaths in and out through your nose. Now bring to your mind a memory of when you have experienced a challenging moment, whether mentally or emotionally, a moment when you did not feel the most supported. It wasn’t a comforting experience, was it?

Now, connect back to that moment once again, but this time imagine having close family, friends and community standing behind you, offering support, encouragement, love and understanding. How does that feel? Perhaps it feels inspiring, hopeful or supportive? 

That sense of support and love that you just experienced is something everyone deserves, without stigma, judgement and shame. As a community, we all carry the responsibility to give this to one another. This begins with the community collectively advocating for mental health, and bringing deep awareness to the idea that there is no separation; what affects one, affects all. 

Research suggests that the adult Black community is 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems, such as Major Depressive Disorder or Generalized Anxiety Disorder (“Addressing Mental Health,” 2019). Unfortunately, many suffer in silence. For too long, there has been a long-standing history of stigma surrounding mental health in the Black and Brown communities. While the impact and the depth of stigmas experienced may differ amongst families, I believe it is safe to say it has undeniably caused more harm than good to both individuals and the collective. We are now at a critical point in our collective journey where we must not only address and repair the damage this lack of advocacy has inflicted on the fabric of our communities but also recognize the importance of mental health advocacy. It is important that we implement programs and initiatives within our communities to better serve those who continue to suffer in silence.

 Why advocating for mental health is important?

Address and Reduce the Stigma

Addressing and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health is an important first step. Stigma often silences individuals, preventing them from seeking the help they need. Through our actions of advocating for mental health, we normalize conversations around it, making it easier for people to reach out for support without feeling the burden of shame.

 Shine a Light

Advocacy shines a light on the mental health care disparities faced by BIPOC communities. Our actions of advocacy drive systemic changes that promote equal access to quality mental health services. Advocacy also plays a key role in influencing public policies, securing funding and ensuring that mental health services are accessible to all.

Raise Awareness

Advocacy helps raise awareness about recognizing the early signs and symptoms of mental health challenges. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes, as individuals are more likely to receive the support they need before their condition worsens.

Prevention

Ultimately, advocacy can prevent severe and tragic outcomes often associated with mental health challenges, such as substance abuse, poor quality of life and suicide. Ensuring that everyone receives the necessary support is vital to avoiding these outcomes.

 Advocating for mental health doesn’t have to be overwhelming; even the smallest actions can have a significant impact. The key is to take action. Here are a few simple ways you can start advocating for mental health right now.

How can you contribute to and support mental health in our community?

  • Take the time to learn about mental health and the stigmas surrounding it. As you gain knowledge, share what you’ve learned with your family, friends and community.
  •  Get involved with local mental health organizations by volunteering, donating, and participating in their events. Use your social media platforms to advocate for and promote organizations that support mental health.
  • Start open discussions about mental health challenges. Ask your friends and family how they are doing mentally and emotionally and offer your support. Also, share your own mental and emotional well-being with trusted friends and family.
  •  Connect with local representatives to advocate for improvements in mental health policies that better serve our communities and support mental health education in schools.

The power to create change starts with you. Together, we share the responsibility to advocate for mental health in our community.

 

Addressing mental health in the Black Community. Columbia University Department of Psychiatry. (2019, February 8). https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/news/addressing-mental-health-black-community