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Minority Mental Health Month: Resource Kit

Author :- Nimisha March 1, 2021, 7:33 p.m.
Minority Mental Health Month: Resource Kit

July is the Minority Mental Health Month, and this resource kit could not be more needed.

Quoting Office of Minority Health,

  • In 2017, 10.5% (3.5 million) of young adults age 18 to 25 had serious thoughts of suicide including 8.3% of non-Hispanic blacks and 9.2% of Hispanics.
  • In 2017, 7.5% (2.5 million) of young adults age 18 to 25 had a serious mental illness including 7.6% of non-Hispanic Asians, 5.7% of Hispanics, and 4.6% of non-Hispanic blacks.
  • Feelings of anxiety and other signs of stress may become more pronounced during a global pandemic.
  • People in some racial and ethnic minority groups may respond more strongly to the stress of a pandemic or crisis.
    (Source: minorityhealth)

Why does it matter?

The way people experience mental wellness differs from person to person. However, it has been ascertained very well, that structural disparities based on ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, work, health, etc. exacerbate mental health issues for individuals.

While Mental Health practice as such is based on non-judgment and empathy, it happens that people with issues based on such structural disparities feel safer in communities and professionals dedicated to their experiences, with the possible connection of professionals having experienced it too.

I know this for a fact, because I had much trouble going for therapy with people who did not associate to my discrimination and background. With the right resources, I could finally find therapy that helped my specific issues.

This list is the best of what we could combine in our capacities, and we would love for people to add to these resources!

Mental Health Helplines

-Mental Health America
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24-hour crisis center or text MHA to 741741 at the Crisis Text Line.

-Mental health and wellness - Get online counseling
www.kaleidoscope.in/mental/counseling

-Safe helpline; Need someone to talk to? 
https://safehelpline.org/?gclid=CjwKCAjwjLD4BRAiEiwAg5NBFnElwWHa8qH3RM94XIZ9SS04Dmu--XOnkYPTjlB8zxQjB10LvKmpsRoCbucQAvD_BwE

-NNLM Reading Club: Mental Health
https://nnlm.gov/all-of-us/nnlm-reading-club/mental-health/resources

-Mental Health Hotline | 24 Hour Psychiatric & Mental Illness Helpline https://www.psychguides.com/guides/mental-health-hotline/

-Connect with a Therapist now - Download & join our family
https://www.foamstherapy.com/home
About - Faith of A Mustard Seed (FOAMS) is a safe space initiative that helps connect its members with resources to find support groups, therapists, counselors, etc., to assist them in how to deal with and identify signs/symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health issues.

-Call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-NAMI
Or in a crisis, text "NAMI" to 741741
https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/NAMI-HelpLine/Top-HelpLine-Resources 

-Confidential Counselling on the go!
We know it takes courage to make that first call. TickTalkTo is your safe space to access professional help conveniently. Our therapists and counselors have experience of helping people just like you. Talk therapy is proven to help many people deal with problems they find difficult or painful so that they can live their lives more fully. Often talking in a secure environment and in confidence can provide a way back to leading a contented and fulfilling life.
https://ticktalkto.com/

-BHAVA Therapy Group - Therapy for You in Midtown
We meet you where you are and create a personalized plan for self-growth and personal change.
https://bhavatherapygroup.com

Resources specifically for black people

-Black Virtual Therapist Network — BEAM
https://www.beam.community/bvtn 

-Black Mental Health Alliance
Offering community based mental health services, as well as connecting you to therapists
https://blackmentalhealth.com/

-Black Female Therapists
This platform was created to promote, inspire, and elevate other black female therapists and create a safe space for black mental health. BFT gives mental health therapists a chance to show their #blackgirlmagic and makes it easier to connect with individuals nationwide. Not only is it a place to connect but also a safe place for black women to discuss their mental health and wellness journey and learn new strategies to live a better life.
https://www.blackfemaletherapists.com/

-The Loveland Foundation
Loveland Foundation is committed to showing up for communities of color in unique and powerful ways, with a particular focus on Black women and girls. The resources and initiatives are collaborative and they prioritize opportunity, access, validation, and healing.
https://thelovelandfoundation.org/

-Sad Girls Club
Community based mental health support group for women of color
https://www.instagram.com/sadgirlsclub/

-Sista Afya
Focusing on low-cost mental health services, especially for black women
https://linktr.ee/sistaafya

-The Black Feminist Vegan
A community for Black Vegan non-binary people
https://www.instagram.com/theblackfemveg/?hl=en

-Black Virtual Therapist Network
A collective of advocates, yoga teachers, artists, therapists, lawyers, religious leaders, teachers, psychologists and activists committed to the emotional/mental health and healing of Black communities.
https://www.beam.community/bvtnnj

-Therapy for Queer People of Colour
https://therapyforqpoc.com/qpoc-therapist-directory-1#!directory

-Ethel's Club
A Black-owned social and wellness club designed to celebrate people of color, online and in person.
https://msha.ke/ethelsclub/

Resources specifically for Muslims in North America

-Resource for Muslim Mental Healthcare Advocates
https://www.ispu.org/mental-health/#resources

-Institute for Muslim Mental Health
The Institute for Muslim Mental Health is committed to optimizing the Muslim community’s emotional health and well being by mobilizing a network of mental health professionals to ensure all American Muslims have access to high-quality resources. Contact them for lead to therapists.
https://muslimmentalhealth.com/

-Muslims Thrive
Various resources and helpline leads for substance abuse, marriage counselling, therapy, domestic violence, disability support, eating disorders, etc.
https://www.muslimsthrive.org/get-help

-Mental Health 4 Muslims
https://mentalhealth4muslims.com/

Resources specifically for queer people in North America

-Top Health Issues for LGBT Populations Information & Resource Kit https://npin.cdc.gov/publication/top-health-issues-lgbt-populations-information-resource-kit

-Mental Health/Health - LGBTQ-TA-Center.org
http://lgbtq-ta-center.org/resource/?wpv_post_search&wpv-topic=mental-health-health

-Resources for LGBTQ Youth Health | YTH - Youth Tech Health
https://yth.org/resources/lgbtq-youth-health/

-Dr. Lee Phillips for Psychotherapy
Dr. Lee Phillips is a renowned psychotherapist with over 12 years of experience in dealing with sex and relationship issues, and also issues faced by LGBTQIAP+ people.

-The Trevor Project
Focus on queer teens
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/trvr_support_center/mental-health/

Resources specifically for indigenous people

-Indigenous Story Studio
creates illustrations, posters, videos, and comic books on health and social issues for youth (Canada-based)
https://istorystudio.com/

-StrongHearts Native Helpline
The StrongHearts Native Helpline (1-844-762-8483) is a confidential and anonymous culturally-appropriate domestic violence and dating violence helpline for Native Americans, available every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT. 
https://www.strongheartshelpline.org/

-WeRNative
A comprehensive health resource for Native youth by Native youth, promoting holistic health and positive growth in local communities and nation at large
https://www.wernative.org/

Resources specifically for sex-workers in North America

-Sex Worker Health Resources — Lola Davina
https://www.loladavina.com/health-resources

New online toolkit on prevention of HIV/AIDS for sex workers
https://www.who.int/3by5/mediacentre/news28/en/

SWOP Helpline for Sex Workers
(312) 252-3880
For current and former sex workers, activists, organizers, and allies.
http://www.swop-chicago.org/

Mental Wellness Books

-Mental Health Book Store
https://bookstore.gpo.gov/catalog/mental-health

-Thriving in Sex Work - Lola Davina 
A Mental Health and Wellness book for sex workers

-Psychological Self-Help Tools
https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/psychological-self-tools-online-self-help-book/

-Free Self-Help Books, E-Books and Workbooks
https://www.healthyplace.com/self-help/self-help-information/get-free-self-help-books-ebooks-and-workbooks

-Receive a free copy of Jessica Kingsley Publishers' latest Social Work & Mental Health Catalogue
http://www.jkp.com/jkpblog/2019/04/social-work-mental-health-catalogue/


This list is by no means exhaustive, and we are actively looking for more resources to add, especially for disabled people. If you have anything to recommend, please e-mail social@tickle.life

Photo by Dan Meyers on Unsplash