If there’s one thing we can all agree on right now, it is that 2020 has been a challenging year in a many ways. The coronavirus pandemic has brought a great deal of uncertainty and stress for many, but for those with mental illness, it might have deepened feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
Connect with Others During Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) promotes several events throughout the year to raise awareness about mental health conditions, including Mental Health Month in May. This month (July), the alliance is encouraging all communities to come together to recognize Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Mental Health Conditions Affect Many
As NAMI says, “mental health conditions do not discriminate based on race, color, gender or identity.” National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 2008 to help make progress toward ensuring people of all backgrounds can get the treatment they need for mental health conditions. In many communities, NAMI states, challenges like health coverage, lower-quality care, and the cultural stigma associated with mental illness exacerbate the typical problem of access to treatment.
The NAMI CEO recently said “the effect of racism and racial trauma on mental health is real and cannot be ignored.” NAMI offers a list of mental health resources available for people of color and encourages people to embrace self-care during this time and always. Learn more.
Get Involved During Minority Mental Health Month
Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness and stop stigma among those in minority communities. NAMI offers lots of great suggestions on how to get involved with grassroots efforts for spreading awareness, seeking help, and encouraging friends, classmates, or loved ones with mental illness to seek help.
At FRCC, You Are Not Alone
According to NAMI:
- 1 in 5 American adults experiences some form of mental illness in any given year.
- 1 in every 25 adults is living with a serious mental health condition such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or long-term recurring major depression.
- 17% of youth (6-17 years) experience a mental health disorder.
At FRCC, we know that uncertain times can trigger many people to feel even more alone, scared, worried, sad, and withdrawn. We are proud to honor this month and want to encourage anyone within our community to reach out for help when they need to. No one should be alienated or judged for mental illness, and our goal this month and all year long is to ensure our students and community feel safe and accepted.
A first important step is to learn more about what mental illness looks like. The National Alliance on Mental Illness has excellent resources and information throughout their website about Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and more.
Join FRCC Live on Instagram July 16
FRCC is having an Instagram live discussion about the topic of mentall illness during Minority Mental Health Awareness Month starting at 4 p.m. July 16. Be sure to join and follow FRCC’s Westminster Campus on Instagram for more information about how the college is promoting Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. You could win a three-credit scholarship, Fitbit, or FRCC gear bundle.
