New Morning Star Baptist Church

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is observed every July to raise awareness of the mental health challenges faced by racial and ethnic minority groups. It is also known as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Mental Health Awareness Month and is formally named the Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. The month honors the legacy of author, advocate, and trailblazer Bebe Moore Campbell, whose work helped to break down systemic barriers in underserved communities and shift mental health culture.

It is estimated that only 39 percent of Black or African American adults, 25 percent of Asian adults, and 36 percent of Hispanic/Latino adults with any mental illness were treated, compared to 52 percent of non-Hispanic white adults. 

Mental health includes emotional, mental, and social well-being. Mental health impacts how a person thinks and feels. It also affects how you act, manage stress, and make choices. When you take care of your mental health, you are better able to cope with stress or challenges. 

Some common symptoms of mental illness can include:

• · Pulling away from people and usual activities
• · Appetite or weight changes
• · Ongoing sadness or feelings of hopelessness
• · Intense changes in eating or sleeping habits.
• · Clear changes in mood, energy level, or appetite

If you have noticed a change in thoughts, behaviors, or moods that disrupt your life, talk to your health care provider.

Here are a few ways to manage your mental health overall:

• · Get enough sleep each night (at least 7 hours)
• · Engage in healthy habits, like exercising and eating well.
• · Stick to a treatment plan given by your health care provider.
• · Find a support group and seek out your health care provider for support.

For more information click links below:

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/knowledge-and-news-women-owh-blog/national-minority-mental-health-awareness-month

https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/bebe-moore-campbell-national-minority-mental-health-awareness-month/

https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/mental-and-behavioral-health-blackafrican-americans

988 Helpline: Call 988 https://988lifeline.org/get-help/