July: Minority Mental Health Month (BIPOC Mental Health Month)

July is Minority Mental Health Month (now known as BIPOC Mental Health Month) - a nationwide effort developed by Mental Health America to “shed light on the multitude of mental health experiences within BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities and others that face disproportionate inequities due to systemic barriers and historical adversity.”

COVID-19 and the racial injustices have increased mental health distress and the need for mental health services. As an individual who identifies as a person of color and works in the field of counseling, I know I need to take better care of my mental health. These times have taken a toll on my wellbeing. I know I need to take some time to heal, connect with family, and rest more so I can better support others. As a mother, I do not always practice wellness, and wonder if the messages I received as a child in my immigrant Asian Indian household to “keep going” and “work harder” have been internalized and make it challenging for me to take care of myself more. I know as a mother, my wellbeing impacts my son. Here is an interview I did with Parent Lab on self-care during COVID-19. I provide simple tips on ways to practice self-care as a parent. As a working mother to a multiracial son, I have been practicing many of the tips provided, because I know my wellbeing impacts my son and his mental health. I hope it helps you to explore some ways to take care of yourself during these times. We know that self-care can help slow us down, reduce anxiety, and feel better about ourselves.

At a collectively level, I am helping to break down the stigma in receiving mental health and counseling. There should be no shame in going outside your family and social circle to get some professional help. If we take care of ourselves, then we can take better care of the people we love. I am also advocating at a local and national level on how we can increase the number of counselors and marriage and family therapists, and also shed light on how BIPOC’s are not getting access to health and behavioral care during COVID-19. Right now, our communities of color have the least access to mental health care.

This month, I will continue to share tips, ideas, and thoughts on ways to explore mental health needs of our community.

Be well, and take care of yourself.

Ulash

BIPOC/Minority Mental Health Month - Using Integrative Approaches For Wellness

July is Minority Mental Health Month (now known as BIPOC Mental Health Month) - a nationwide effort developed by Mental Health America to shed light on the multitude of mental health experiences within BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities and others that face disproportionate inequities due to systemic barriers and historical adversity.

My international experiences and upbringing have influenced my approach to mental health and wellness. I am an Asian Indian woman who lives in San Francisco, United States. I was born and raised in London, England and my parents were born in Africa with Indian ancestry. I have been influenced by each countries approach to wellness, and how we need to take an integrative approach to mental health. What I mean by an integrative approach is how therapists need to help their client’s explore numerous approaches to mental health. Talk therapy is important, but also other approaches need to be explored. An integrative approach to mental health includes exploring your cultural practices, what you eat and drink to nourish the body, the importance of movement (i.e. walking), the role of religion and spiritual practices, and your social support. For Minority Mental Health Month, I want honor the non-traditional western approaches that may be helpful to your wellness – prayer, using herbs, and movement. When you take care of your body, it helps your mind and spirit.

I have been inspired by a certification training I took on integrative health for mental health professionals. I am now a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider! Growing up in an Indian household, my aunties and mum always talked about the use of herbs to help with ailments and health. This past weekend, I was so inspired by my family and integrating what I learned in my course, my son and I made mint and verbena tea. For years, I have been growing herbs in my garden but never put them to good use, because I didn't know the power of herbs in taking care of my mental health. The course taught me verbena is good for the mind in relieving stress and nervousness. Mint is good to help relieve anxiety and stress.

I love tea, so my son and I decided to make tea! We enjoyed the process of picking the verbena and mint tea leaves. Being out in my garden on a foggy San Francisco day enjoying the fresh air was relaxing. I enjoyed the whole process and sharing it with my son. And I felt very relaxed after my cuppa mint and verbena tea!

Wellness is a process and includes what you eat and drink, touch, and being connected with others. I hope you will explore ways to take care of your mental health during these times, keeping it easy and simple.

This month, I will continue to share tips, ideas, and thoughts on ways to explore mental health needs of our community.

Please take care during COVID-19.

Ulash