Black Mental Health Matters
Going into year 2020, nobody expected for the world to literally stop when the pandemic hit. The effects of the global pandemic have played a major part in the loss of loved ones, layoffs on jobs, and not to mention the recent events involving police brutality and injustice in our community. I read a post online that stated “The ups and downs of this year have made me realize I am way stronger than I’ve ever given myself credit for” which I can agree when it comes to my personal life but I also know that therapy may be more prevalent now than anything.
We are often taught in our community that being strong is to get through the obstacles and never let your enemies see your weaknesses. However, this year alone has tested every little crevasse of our being as black people. Whether it’s the ascending COVID numbers that continue to plague the country or the countless protests and plea to ARREST THE COPS THAT KILLED BREONNA TAYLOR, we are literally fighting every day for peace. Even hearing our former First Lady, Michelle Obama, admitting that she suffers from low grade depression shows us that it is normal to have mental blocks because it can happen to anyone at anytime and it is okay to seek help.
This is why I think it is important to share resources that will help maintain our mental health during this trying time. Through my research, I’ve found that the main cause that makes most black people veer away from getting therapy is due to the lack of insurance coverage for these pricey therapy sessions. Therefore, I have complied a list of counseling/therapy resources that not only focuses on supporting black mental health but provides free and low cost therapy sessions to help you regain your peace of mind.
Please check out the resources below:
Black Emotional and Mental Health (BEAM) Collective
https://www.beam.community/
Black Girls Smile
https://www.blackgirlssmile.org/
Black Mental Health Alliance
https://blackmentalhealth.com/
My Brother’s Keeper
https://www.obama.org/mbka/
National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network
https://www.nqttcn.com/
The Safe Place App
Check App store (iOS)
Therapy for Black Girls
https://therapyforblackgirls.com/
Boris L. Henson Foundation
https://borislhensonfoundation.org/
