Prioritizing Mental Health in Diverse Communities: Why Minority Mental Health Awareness Month Matters

July is a time to bring attention to the unique mental health challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities in the United States. Established in 2008 to honor the legacy of author and advocate Bebe Moore Campbell, this month is dedicated to raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and promoting access to culturally competent mental health care.

The Reality of Mental Health Disparities

Mental health affects everyone, but access to care and the quality of support can look very different depending on your background. Systemic inequalities—such as poverty, discrimination, and historical trauma—have a direct impact on mental health outcomes in minority communities. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):

• Black adults are more likely to experience persistent symptoms of emotional distress, such as sadness and hopelessness.

• Latinx communities face higher rates of anxiety and depression but are less likely to seek treatment due to cultural stigma and language barriers.

• Asian American and Pacific Islander populations are the least likely racial group to seek mental health services.

• Indigenous communities face disproportionately high suicide rates and often lack access to adequate care on or near reservations.

These disparities aren’t just numbers—they reflect real people who may feel unseen, misunderstood, or unsupported.

The Power of Representation and Cultural Competence

One of the greatest barriers to mental health care for minorities is a lack of culturally competent providers—therapists and counselors who understand the cultural context of their clients’ lives. When someone doesn't feel safe, heard, or represented, they’re far less likely to open up or even seek help in the first place.

Promoting diversity among mental health professionals and encouraging culturally informed care helps bridge this gap. Language access, respect for cultural norms, and understanding of unique community stressors are not extras—they’re essentials.

Breaking the Silence

Stigma continues to be a powerful force. In many communities of color, mental illness is still seen as a sign of weakness, or worse, a source of shame. That’s why storytelling, education, and community conversations are so important.

Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to:

• Share personal stories that reduce stigma and normalize seeking help.

• Support organizations working to expand access to care.

• Promote mental wellness practices that resonate across cultures—like community healing, spiritual support, and traditional forms of care.

• Advocate for policies that fund mental health programs in underserved areas.

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How You Can Make a Difference

Here are a few ways to get involved this month:

1. Education: learn about the mental health experiences of different cultural groups.

2. Advocacy: when the topic of mental health comes up at neighborhood events, school, or during community activities, share what you know about the specific needs of minority groups.

3. Be an Ally: learn how to support someone in a crisis by understanding how to access emergency care and support, or volunteer for a crisis hotline, and learn crisis support skills you can use yourself

4. Share Your Story: if you have direct personal experience with mental illness and treatment, teach people in your community how to check-in on mental health, and help members of your community make mental health check-ins a regular part of daily life.

5. Show Up: participate actively in any community support groups, peer support groups, or public initiatives that promote minority mental health awareness.

   
   

Final Thoughts

Mental health is health, and everyone deserves the chance to heal, grow, and thrive, regardless of their race, culture, or background. This Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s commit to understanding, uplifting, and investing in the mental well-being of all communities.

Because mental health equity isn’t a luxury—it’s a right.

Finding Help: Minority-Specific Resources

• Blackline: Promotes social justice during crisis intervention.

  • Phone: 1-800-604-5841

  • Website: Call BlackLine—Crisis Call Line

• Naseeha: offers 24/7 mental health support for Muslim people.

  • Phone: 1-866-627-3342

  • Website: Naseeha Mental Health

• Hispanic Federation:

  • www.hispanicfederation.org/our-work/health/mental-health-resources/

Finding Help: General Resources

If you or someone you love needs mental health support, you can call us here at BACA for a free screening. In addition, you can find support through the following online resources:

• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Find a Professional

• The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Finding Treatment

• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Finding Help

• American Psychiatric Association (APA): Treatment Locator

• SAMHSA: Early Serious Mental Illness Treatment Locator

  
  

There is power in showing up for each other, whether it’s through shared meals, honest conversations, or helping hands. 

Mental Health America’s #BIPOCMentalHealth Toolkit has the resources you need to start building your community: mhanational.org/july

#BIPOCMentalHealth