5 Mental Health Accounts for People of Color to Follow

July is National Minority Mental Health Month, and now, more than ever, mental health is a necessary topic of discussion. Before the month ends, we thought it would be helpful to shed light on some important resources. With an ongoing pandemic, constant police and vigilante violence, and consistent unsettling news, it’s imperative that we take care of ourselves.

For Your Information

For background, National Minority Mental Health Month was first recognized in 2008 and founded by author, journalist and mental health advocate, Bebe Moore Campbell. Subsequently, Moore Campbell worked to address the psychological needs of Black communities and communities of color.

It can be assumed that one of the reasons Campbell pursued this work is because people of color, including Black, Latinx, Asian and Indigenous communities, have higher rates of mental health disorders. This is due to the lack of access to services for generations. The National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities says African Americans are 20 percent more likely to suffer from psychological distress than white Americans. And according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, only 1 in 3 Black adults with mental illness receive treatment.

Not only that, but Black people and people of color are more likely to face socioeconomic disparities. This includes historical lack of heath, education, social and economic resources, which manifests worse outcomes overall. Thankfully, over the past decade, several organizations have made their resources available on social media for easier access.

Here are five mental health accounts for people of color to follow:

Note: These resources are not meant to replace the expertise of a licensed therapist.

1. Therapy for Black Girls (@therapyforblackgirls)

Founded by licensed psychologist Dr. Joy Harden Bradford in 2014, Therapy for Black Girls has aided in the wellness of millions. The organization works to shed light on mental health issues and to make resources easily available to Black women. The Therapy for Black Girls podcast produces weekly episodes, and includes important conversations with licensed therapists, artists, educators, and others with vital perspectives on mental health and wellness.

2.  Decolonizing Therapy (@decolonizingtherapy)

Decolonizing Therapy was founded by Dr. Jennifer Mullan to “shift the mental health paradigm” and “reclaim ancestral practices.” The collective serves as a guide for people of color to learn about helpful practices and  address generational traumas.

3. Latinx Therapists Network (@latinxtherapy)

Just as the website mentions, the Latinx Therapists Network is a bilingual podcast, a national directory to find a Latinx Therapist, and a collective where Latinx mental health professionals can receive consultation, support & create community.

4. Asian Mental Health Collective (@asianmentalhealthcollective)

The Asian Mental Health Collective was created to serve as a community for Asian mental health support by making resources more accessible. The account uplifts different perspectives from the Asian community on often discussed wellness topics. And their website provides links to register for a community support group, a Asian mental health Facebook page, and more.

5. Black Mental Health Alliance (@bmhaofficial)

The Black Mental Health Alliance is the veteran of the list, having been around for four decades. The organization develops culturally-relevant educational forums, trainings and referral services that aid in the well-being of Black communities. According to their website, BMHA’s initiatives center around historical and race-based trauma and structural racism.

While social media accounts alone cannot alleviate the tensions and stress of every day life, they can certainly serve as a starting point and aid in the process.