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Minority Mental Health Month

According to the American Counseling Association (ACA) Minority, Mental Health Month is a nationwide effort developed by Mental Health America to “shed light on the multitude of mental health experiences within BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities and others that face disproportionate inequities due to systemic barriers and historical adversity.”

Marginalized, oppressed, and disenfranchised people have unique concerns, trauma, stress, obstacles, and challenges because of historical experiences, cultural differences, and social disparities. It is vital to have culturally competent professional counselors provide a safe and trusting environment and assist in eradicating minority stigma, bias, and mental health misdiagnoses.

Over the month of July, ACA is dedicated to bringing awareness to the barriers BIPOC and others experience in getting mental health care and the role professional counselors play in supporting them while also working to address and amend the issue.

We have all heard the daunting numbers of COVID cases and deaths, unemployment, children at risk of being hungry, domestic violence, and etc… How are you coping? What are the potential health hazards of stress and anxiety cause and how can we help soothe and eliminate the stress and anxiety?

First: stress and anxiety may cause:

Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can sometimes cause the following:

  • Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, your financial situation or job, or loss of support services you rely on.

  • Changes in sleep or eating patterns.

  • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.

  • Worsening of chronic health problems.

  • Worsening of mental health conditions.

  • Increased use of tobacco and/or alcohol and other substances.

Secondly: Get immediate help in a crisis

Third: Find a health care provider or treatment for substance use disorder and mental health

Fourth: Here are a few healthy ways to cope with stress and anxiety:

·      Know what to do if you are sick and are concerned about COVID-19. Contact a health professional before you start any self-treatment for COVID-19.

·      Know where and how to get treatment and other support services and resources, including counseling or therapy (in person or through telehealth services).

·      Take care of your emotional health. Taking care of your emotional health will help you think clearly and react to the urgent needs to protect yourself and your family. 

·      Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.

·      Take care of your body.

o   Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate;

o   Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals;

o   Exercise regularly. (walking and biking are excellent this includes stationary walking and biking);

o   Get plenty of sleep;

o   Avoid excessive alcohol and drug use;

o   Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy;

·      Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling;

·      Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations that feed your spirit and soul. While social distancing measures are in place, consider connecting online, through social media, or by phone or mail cards, letters, FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom with family and friend gatherings be creative (themes, cook together, dance party, and etc…) Many organizations offer online gatherings;

·      Volunteer or donate;

·      Daily journaling;

·      Know the facts to help reduce stress;

·      Daily Spiritual practices; Prayer, Meditation and Breathwork Click Here for more information;

·      Affirmations i.e. I am peaceful, I am creative, I am healthy, etc.. Click Here for more information on Affirmations;

·      Knowing the facts about COVID-19 and stopping the spread of rumors can help reduce stress and stigma. Understanding the risk to yourself and people you care about can help you connect with others and make an outbreak less stressful;

·      Read that book you’ve wanted to read;

·      Revisit hobbies and crafts you have put on hold because of your previous hectic schedules;

·      Dust off those business ideas;

·      Embrace the change and consider new ways of engaging with the things you love to do. Allow yourself to be creative. No healthy idea is outlandish;

·      Family time may include board games, dominoes, Jenga, Uno, cards, group interactive games;

·      Clean out the garage, closets, start a garden, or other home projects;

·      Write the book you have contemplated, attend an online course. There are a lot of FREE online courses, workshops, and etc..;

·      If you are in High-Stress environment due to being an essential worker (Hospital, Postal Worker, Grocery or Service industry, caring for an elderly parent, grandparent, ill child or family member or find now homeschooling) make sure you are taking time to unwind, pamper self with a hot bath, incense, special soaps, candles and etc… is one way to relax after a long day of work) For Online Support Groups Click Here.

Fifth: Take care of your mental health

Mental health is an important part of overall health and wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It may also affect how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices during an emergency.

People with pre-existing mental health conditions or substance use disorders may be particularly vulnerable in an emergency. Mental health conditions (such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia) affect a person’s thinking, feeling, mood or behavior in a way that influences their ability to relate to others and function each day. These conditions may be situational (short-term) or long-lasting (chronic). People with preexisting mental health conditions should continue with their treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms. If you think you have new or worse symptoms, call your healthcare provider.

Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row. Free and confidential resources can also help you or a loved one connect with a skilled, trained counselor in your area. 

These are only a few ideas that may take your mind off the intensity of stay at home and safe distancing.

Center of inPOWERmeant Inc. 501 c3 also offers coaching and counseling services and referrals; Groceries and personal hygiene supplies, gas cards for those needing to get to and from doctor appointments and etc...  monthly online support groups for Caregivers and Grief support along with a host of referral service providers. If you are in need do not hesitate to reach out and call us at 310-702-7592 or email us at info@inpowermeant.org  or if you can invest in a family during these difficult times no gift is too small. Your one time or monthly gift is appreciated.  Click Here  

We are building bridges of hope and solutions that go beyond survival for families in transitions!

Tools to support you during this times Click Here

Iris Jonesmental health, support groups, stress and anxiety1 Comment