What Can We Do?
Change starts with you, no matter how big and small. Whether or not you are directly affected by this issue or want to be an ally, its important that you take steps to make sure the topic of mental health can be normalized and talked about in everyday life. We need to diversify the mental health system to make BIPOCs more comfortable sharing their experiences and getting proper treatment. Below is going to list various organizations and resources to reach out to and find more information about mental health issues in the BIPOC community.
Reach Out for Help: Numbers of Hotlines
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
- The Trevor Project: 866-488-7386
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
- Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network: 800-656-4673
- National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
More global hotlines through this site.
BIPOC Friendly Organizations
- Inclusive Therapists - Organization that helps connect individuals to therapists who can work with their patient's intersectionalities.
- The National American Indian and Alaska Native MHTTC - Works with organizations to help provide mental health services to Native individuals and communities to get proper care.
- The Asian Mental Health Project - Adderessing mental health to the Asian community by providing resources and being a safe space for Asians to speak out on mental health.
- BEAM - Organization that focuses on removing the barriers of mental health care for the Black community through "education, training, advocacy, and the creative arts."
- NLBHA (National Latino Behavioral Health Association) - Brings attention to the disparities of what the Latin community faces in terms of mental health and substance abuse through funding and providing services
Find more organizations through this site.
Steps to Take Action!
Here's a list of things you can do to take part in making a change for mental health resources and services are available to the BIPOC community. This can help get rid of the stigmitation of mental health for not only BIPOC, but as a whole.
- Check in on your family and friends' mental health.
- Start a conversation with your family and friends about the importance of mental health and its misconceptions.
- Educate yourself on the importance of mental health by reading books or watching podcasts by BIPOC creators.
- Donate to your local BIPOC non-profit organization.
- Contact your local officials on policy issues relating to poverty issues and healthcare resources that can benefit impoverished communities.
- Sign a petition relating to BIPOC mental health and healthcare services and resources.