“While everyone – all colors – everyone is affected by stigma – no one wants to say ‘I’m not in control of my mind.’ No one wants to say, ‘The person I love is not in control of [their] mind.’ But people of color really don’t want to say it because we already feel stigmatized by virtue of skin color or eye shape or accent and we don’t want any more reasons for anyone to say, ‘You’re not good enough.'” – Bebe Moore Campbell
July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Month and was established in 2008 to improve access to mental health services and promote awareness of mental health challenges among Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC).
Moore Campbell was a New York Times bestselling author, mental health advocate and co-founder of NAMI Urban Los Angeles. Recognizing the unique challenges experienced by the Black community and other underrepresented communities, Moore Campbell crafted powerful and inspiring stories to educate and inspire resilience and hope. Two of her published works, the children’s book “Sometimes My Mommy Gets Angry” and the novel “72 Hour Hold,” tackle the emotions and experiences of relating to and coping with bipolar disorder.
Mental health conditions can impact anyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or identity. However, background and identity can create barriers to accessing mental health treatment and services.
Some barriers to services include language, access to care, stigma, cultural insensitivities, racism, bias and discrimination. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Black and Latinx communities receive mental health care at a lower rate than white people, at 31% and 33% receiving the help they need. Asian Pacific Islanders are the least likely to get help, with about 25% receiving counseling or therapy.
Pacific Clinics is committed to providing research-based, culturally relevant and trauma-informed care. Learn about some of our exceptional programs that meet the unique needs of our communities.
Learn more about health disparities.
