In the past few months, social media has flooded with conversations about racial disparities and inequalities faced by various communities across the U.S. Some new terminologies and phrases have become more prevalent, and one of those is - BIPOC.
Started in 2008, every July is recognized as the BIPOC month - Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color. It’s an opportunity for understanding and creating awareness about the various struggles faced by this community. It’s an opportunity to destigmatize conversations about mental health and substance use disorders and direct them toward appropriate resources. But how was the acronym BIPOC coined?
The phrase ‘people of color’ (POC) was first cited in The Oxford English Dictionary with the word “Colour” spelled in the British way. The other two words, “Black” and “Indigenous,” were added to include the Black and Native communities making the group more inclusive. The goal was to include the voices of underrepresented groups that went unheard. Hence, the acronym BIPOC was coined, which stands for - Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color.
The causes of mental illnesses are many, but a few contributing reasons are - barriers to quality medical care and health insurance, income disparities, racism, bias, and much more. These topics are usually brushed under the rug with the BIPOC community since they are considered a sign of weakness.
“I wish people knew that mental health isn’t something happening in your head. It’s very real. You can reach out for seeking professional help, and acquire resources. And it certainly does not make you weak”, says Ella, a NoStigmas Community Member.
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The on-going COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated some of these challenges. About 60% of the black community has been struggling to get tested and treated for COVID-19. It’s become more important than ever to provide a way for the BIPOC community to share their journeys and acquire resources to combat mental illnesses.
Some BIPOC individuals may find it overwhelming and embarrassing to seek professional help outside of their community. That’s why we rounded up ten organizations to help people learn and build conversations about seeking therapy, wellness, and personal growth.
Founded by Eliza Boquin and Eboni Harris of Houston, Melanin and Mental Health connect individuals from Black, Latinx/Hispanic communities with culturally competent clinicians. Their website provides additional resources for self-help via podcasts, hosting monthly events, and newsletters.
Vladimire Calixte grew up without a father and yearned for that connection. After seeing the bond between her husband and kids, she felt the need to create a platform for men and boys of color to seek professional help. She wants to create awareness among men from the Black community that they aren’t alone in their journey, and it’s ok to seek help when needed.
The grief of losing a best friend was a lot to take in for Brandie Carlos. When she didn’t find adequate resources to get over her pain and heal herself mentally, she decided to start Therapy for Latinx. The organization serves to alleviate frustrations and stigmas associated with mental health to help individuals of her community who have lost their loved ones or marginalized for belonging to LGBTQ, undocumented, veterans groups.
The Loveland Foundation was founded by Rachel Cargle to provide financial support and assistance to Black women and girls. They continuously aim to bring healing opportunities through fellowships, residency programs, and listening tours accessible at all times, even during COVID-19.
One Sky Center is dedicated to prevent and provide treatment for mental health and substance use disorders among native communities. Their goal is to identify and adopt culturally appropriate practices and disseminate them across people who need them.
The Borris Lawson Henson Foundation
Taraji P. Henson founded this organization and named it after her father, who dealt with various mental illnesses after serving in the Vietnam War. The foundation works towards changing the perception of mental illness within the community, along with making it more accessible to urban and public schools. Currently, they offer five free sessions to the Black Americans dealing with life-altering situations due to coronavirus via the COVID-19 Free Virtual Therapy Support Campaign.
Through a series of bilingual podcasts, Latinx therapy aims to break the stigma of mental health within their community. They teach self-help techniques to support themselves and their loved ones and create a cultural competency for providers working with Latinx communities.
The Asian Mental Health Project
The Asian Mental Health Project wants to eliminate the guilt and fear associated with mental illness among Asian communities where the signs of mental illness are considered “invisible” or a sign of weakness. By initiating dialogue and storytelling techniques, the organization wants to help spread support and resources to make Asian individuals open to the idea of mental health treatment.
People of color find it extremely hard to find a good therapist. It’s also not their priority to get one because therapy is expensive despite having a good insurance plan. That’s when Joy Harden Bradford founded Therapy for Black Girls. Through podcasts, blogs, and an extensive social media network, Therapy for Black Girls is a one-stop-shop for all Black people of any gender to find resources and a therapist right for them.
Brown Girl Therapy via a strong social media network aims to encourage South Asian women and women of color to share their stories and discuss taboo topics about mental health and wellness.
Crisis Support
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please text ALLY to 741-741 or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255).