July: Minority Mental Health Month (BIPOC Mental Health Month)
Thursday, July 8, 2021 at 8:55PM 
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