The Crisis and suicide hotline is available 24/7 for free counseling in an emergency
If you need to talk CALL: 205-323-7777
Or
DIAL 988
IT’S NOT TOO LATE!
July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, and as it comes to a close, it is not too late to improve awareness, knowledge, and treatment of mental health. Now is a great time to encourage your brothers and sisters to seek help.
Did you know?
- African Americans are less likely to be offered treatment for mental health care
- Only one in 3 African Americans who need mental health services receive them
- Mental health issues are more likely to be stigmatized in minority communities
- People of color are more likely to suffer from addiction and not seek help
Unfortunately, too many people in minority communities are suffering in silence.
What can I do?
- Adopt healthy habits. Getting enough sleep, seeing the sun every day, staying active, and eating right are all ways to promote your own mental health
- Black Women’s Mental Health Initiative Is an organization promoting the awareness mental health issues women of color face and dedicated to supporting the holistic well being of women and girls of color
- Brother Let’s Talk is an organization promoting mental health awareness specific to men of color through Barbershop talks.
- Encourage friends and family to seek counseling.
Healthy Coping vs. Unhealthy Coping
Everybody’s got stress and issues to deal with. Think about how you cope with the stress of your daily life. An important part of mental health awareness is using healthy coping habits instead of those that actually hurt you.
HEALTHY COPING
- Exercising
- Talking to friends, family, or a counselor
- Joining a support group or barbershop talk
- Going to community-building events like church, local community day, food drives, or other charitable organization
- Meditating
UNHEALTHY COPING
- Smoking or Drinking
- Overeating
- Avoiding people and social situations
- Taking out your frustrations on your friends/family
- Doing Drugs
MedsPLUS offers health screening and lifestyle coaching. Contact Us to schedule an appointment either in-person or through telehealth
References:https://www.samhsa.gov
ADCES Guidelines for Healthy Coping