July was designated as Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in 2008 to bring awareness to the unique struggles that underrepresented groups face in regard to mental illness in the United States (US).
While the term ‘minority’ is traditionally associated with racial, ethnic, or cultural minorities within the US, Mental Health America (MHA) is focused on expanding this term to include individuals from a wide-range of marginalized and underserved communities, including those who may identify as part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum, refugee and immigrant groups, religious groups, and others who are often overlooked. By making this term more inclusive, the organization seeks to broaden people’s way of thinking and reinforcing the need to address mental health issues with a unique lens while integrating the varied needs of diverse communities. Through these efforts they aim to shed light on the multitude of mental health experiences within these communities.
Throughout the month of July, they are asking you to share content (a video, pictures, a series of videos, a poem, notes, or even GIFs) responding to the Guiding Questions provided below. These questions were developed to help you think about your experience and your story. We ask that you use these questions as prompts as you develop and share content.
Guiding Questions #DepthOfMyIdentity:
- What labels would you use to describe yourself?
- How have the perceptions of others impacted you and your mental health?
- What advice would you give to others to protect their wellbeing and overall mental health if they encounter similar challenges?
Help them and others understand your lived experience and how we can all do better to address stereotypes, negative preconceptions, and bias to improve our overall mental health.
Answer these questions and share a photo of yourself on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with the hashtag #DepthOfMyIdentity.
Read the full article here: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/minority-mental-health-month
Citation: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/minority-mental-health-month