Emphasizing Mental Health Awareness in Communities of Color: A Call to Action

By Sydney Royes, Behavioral Health Practitioner at HEALing Community Health

As we transition from Mental Health Awareness Month in May to Men’s Health Month (with an emphasis on men’s mental wellbeing) in June, and now into Minority Mental Health Month this July, it’s clear that mental health is a topic that demands our attention. One quarter of our health awareness months focus on this vital issue, prompting organizations and practitioners to prioritize mental well-being.

For far too long, mental health concerns have been stigmatized and hidden, forcing so many in communities of color to suffer in silence. Generational patterns of unresolved mental health issues, such as depression, often go unrecognized until they manifest in today’s families.

The current political and social climate exacerbates these challenges, normalizing hate and marginalization. This intentionally creates a heightened sense of stress for many of us, degrading our health and our ability to be productive, loving and fulfilled.

In my practice at HEALing Community Health, I witness the impact of this climate daily, underscoring the need for mental wellness, kindness, community support, and yes, sometimes professional therapy as integral parts of survival.

Here are three actionable steps I share with my clients to enhance and protect their mental health, even as we are working through deeper issues:

1. Cultivate Peace and Joy: Everyone deserves to experience joy. Find small ways to create peace in your life—whether it’s a walk in nature or practicing mindfulness by noticing the beauty all around us, for a few moments each day. This may seem trivial, but it can have a profound effect of reminding you what is truly important in life.
2. Reach Out for Help: So many of us are caught up in leaning on our own strength that we can push ourselves beyond our ability to cope in healthy ways. Asking for, and accepting help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Your voice is powerful, and you deserve support from friends, family, and mental health professionals.
3. Build a Supportive Community: Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and encourage you. Creating a network of support can buffer against the stresses of daily life.

As we all continue to navigate disturbing times that are almost guaranteed to become more disruptive, it’s incumbent upon employers, providers and professionals to prioritize our own mental health. Then, we have the responsibility to share what we know to be true with our friends, families and communities. Everyone is worthy of love and joy, and collectively, our mental well-being matters every bit as much as our physical health.