Accessible mental health resources are important for everyone, but especially for minorities, who struggle with getting proper mental health services and treatments. Low-quality health care, cultural stigmas, incorrect information, and discrimination all contribute to the inequalities people of color face when searching for a way to feel better.
Here are eight mental health resources specifically geared towards people of color:
Books
1. The Color of Hope: People of Color Mental Health Narrative by Vanessa Hazzard and Iresha Picot M.Ed
The Color of Hope: People of Color Mental Health Narrative/Amazon.com
This is a collection of stories written by people of color about their experience with mental health in an attempt to get rid of the cultural stigmas and stereotypes attached to mental health. The writers are of African, Asian, and Latinx descent, and are all either people diagnosed with or touched by loved ones with an array of mental illnesses including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, etc.
The Color of Hope is a great book to read if you’re feeling alone with your experiences as a person of color affected by mental health. But it’s also a great choice for people wanting to learn more about the experiences of others.
2. The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health: Navigate an Unequal System, Learn Tools for Emotional Wellness, and Get the Help you Deserve by Rheeda Walker PhD
The title of this book pretty much speaks for itself! This piece acknowledges the mental health crisis in the Black community and how important addressing in an informed and emotionally informed manner is. Inequality and racism still actively play a huge part in the American health system. The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health informs its readers about how Black communities are being oppressed by the lack of available mental health services.
This book also offers solutions and suggestions, including tips to help readers understand and spot mental and emotional health problems in themselves and in loved ones. It’s been incredibly well-received by critics and is definitely a must-read.
Podcasts
1. The Melanated Social Work Podcast by Josh McNeil, Marvin Toliver, Michael Grinnell and Jesse Wiltey
The Melanated Social Work Podcast is hosted by social workers who work with BIPOC. Their professions give them a deeper insight on the difficulties and trauma BIPOC people face, and what needs to be done to change these generational injustices. The podcast recognizes that racism plays a huge role in the mental health of BIPOC, and to ignore the discrimination that many individuals face daily is to ignore a huge part of the problem. They also provide solutions and suggestions to help listeners live a little healthier and happier day-to-day.
2. All My Relations by Matika Wilbur and Desi Small-Rodriguez
All My Relations is hosted by two Indigenous women and discusses the ever-present colonialist mindset in the United States and how that affects the mental health of modern-day Native-Americans. It’s a wonderful podcast for indigenous listeners but also for those wanting to learn and enjoy listening to the perspectives of people they might not often get the chance to listen to. Every episode also features a guest, so there’s always something new to look forward to.
Websites
1. Inclusive Therapists
Inclusive Therapists is a site that helps connect patients with therapists for a variety of services including but not limited to reduced fee therapy, teenager therapy, relationship therapy, child therapy, and family therapy. It’s a safe place for POC, members of the LGBTQ community, and people with disabilities to ask for help and know they won’t face any discrimination from a mental health professional. The website is easy to navigate and will help prospective patients get matched with a suitable therapist in almost all 50 states, as well as in a couple international locations.
2. National Alliance for Hispanic Health
The National Alliance for Hispanic Health is an easy-to-navigate and accessible way for Hispanic people of all ages to get correct information and services regarding their mental and physical wellbeing. It offers information and help for physical health problems like COVID and diabetes, but also has a helpline and information about depression. There are also a few resources and communities to join so people never have to feel alone with their struggles.
3. Asians Do Therapy
Asians Do Therapy is an organization that works to normalize Asians going to therapy and getting rid of the stigma attached to asking for help. There are plenty of resources available on their site, including discussions on why the Asian American community would benefit from a more open discussion about mental health. There’s also detailed information on how to get into therapy, including which questions to ask and what to expect to pay for it.
Apps
1. Shine: Calm Anxiety and Stress
The Shine: Calm Anxiety and Stress app is free but also has a premium membership option available. There are New Daily Shine meditations released each weekday by mental health experts. Meditation topics include discussions about AAPI and Mental Black Health, along with more general mental health topics. The app is a self-described inclusive community and was awarded the ‘Best of 2020 by App Store’ and the ‘2019 Webby Award Winner for Best Lifestyle App.’
Take Care of Yourself
It’s not always easy to ask for help, but it’s the most important first step to getting help. Your mind is just as important as your body, so don’t forget to treat it with the love and respect it deserves.
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