We Are Not OK: Mental Health Resources for BIPOC Communities

Among the myriad of issues and system breakdowns exposed by our national COVID-19 problem, the mental health of our citizens hovers near the top of the list. Add in the current social and political unrest and a daily struggle with generational trauma, and you’ll uncover that our Black, Indigenous, and PoC communities have had an extra helping of stress and strife on their collective plates.

Before the pandemic, I often struggled with leaving the house. Now? Fuggedabouit. I have to literally only have crumbs and memories in the fridge before I step out to buy groceries, and I know I'm not alone. Watching half the country politicize wearing a mask or just being a decent human being hasn't helped. It was time to seek out help.

From Mental Health America: Formally recognized in June 2008, Bebe Moore Campbell National BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed each July and was created to bring awareness to the unique struggles that underrepresented groups face regarding mental illness in the United States. Bebe Moore Campbell was an American author, journalist, teacher, and mental health advocate who worked tirelessly to shed light on the mental health needs of the Black community and other underrepresented communities.

And although we’re in the last week of July, it’s important to note that the work needed to be done isn’t confined to one month; it’s every month, pandemic or not. If you or someone you know is in a fight for their mental wellness, however big or small, please know that there is help.

It could be something as simple as learning better ways to nourish your body in our virtual nutrition workshop; or a class on communicating effectively with your doctors; or even having a mindful moment during our Friday yoga classes.

Or maybe you're the type who needs to read up on the different facets of mental health within the BIPOC community; here’s a small selection of books available at the library:

The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health by Rheeda Walker
An exploration of the Black mental health crisis—and a comprehensive road map to getting the care you deserve in an unequal system.

(Don't) Call Me Crazy: 33 Voices Start the Conversation about Mental Health edited by Kelly Jensen
This collection explores a wide range of topics, from the authors' personal experiences with mental illness and understanding how our brains are wired, to exploring the do's and don'ts of talking about mental health.

I'm Telling the Truth, But I'm Lying by Bassey Ikpi
Ikpi explores her life—as a Nigerian-American immigrant, a black woman, a slam poet, a mother, a daughter, an artist—through the lens of her mental health and diagnosis of bipolar II and anxiety.

Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We're Not Hurting byTerrie M. Williams
This book identifies emotional pain—uniquely and profoundly affecting the Black experience—as the root of lashing out through desperate acts. 

And for more information on some of the mental health services available to our BIPOC communities, like Therapy for Black Girls and the National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network, visit Mental Health America and download their BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month toolkit.

We recognize the diverse communities that make our libraries great and want to ensure that we all have what we need to live happy, fulfilled lives.

Be well, my loves!