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If you or someone you know needs help now, text or call 9-8-8, the National Crisis Line
an especially important time to reflect and celebrate the strength, resilience and excellence of the Black community. Race and racism, along with social disparity and inequity have been at the forefront of the American conversation in recent months. As we enter into the month dedicated to honoring Black lives, we stand in our commitment to supporting mental health services that best meet the needs of Black communities.
View this exhaustive lists of resources for this work, along with upcoming events, and offerings for your learning (and unlearning) of Black History.
"We Don't Do That" is a 1-minute film documenting cultural influence over mental health & wellness.
Conversations about race and racism can help children engage with these topics and combat the negative messages they learn from society.
#InclusionStartsWithI
#InclusionStartsWithI
Use this video to begin a discussion around the importance of a positive, inclusive campus environment.
Use this video to begin a discussion around the importance of a positive, inclusive campus environment.
This video demonstrates that bias can appear in both expected and unexpected ways—and that each of us has the power to make a difference.
This video demonstrates that bias can appear in both expected and unexpected ways—and that each of us has the power to make a difference.
Our culture, beliefs, sexual identity, values, race and language all affect how we perceive and experience mental health conditions. In fact, cultural differences can influence what treatments, coping mechanisms and supports work for us. It is therefore essential for culture and identity to be a part of the conversation as we discuss both mental health and mental health care.
Empower and educate communities on mental health and wellness. Through the community conversations, compelling content and outreach programs, we aim to normalize the conversation, peel back the layers of shame, eliminate the stigma and provide support for mental well-being.
In Crisis? Text "SILENCE" to 741741 🦋
Cohosted by Dr. Charles Barrett, chair of the Multicultural Affairs Committee of the National Association of School Psychologists, this webinar focuses on challenges students face regarding mental health, including how those challenges can vary depending on their intersecting identities. We also share examples of what schools and districts are doing to address these challenges. Watch this webinar on demand to learn about tools and strategies for your own classroom and school community.
An empathy to action film campaign breaking down the barriers to important conversations on mental health issues in communities of color.
An empathy to action film campaign breaking down the barriers to important conversations on mental health issues in communities of color.
Following teenagers in the POC community who are battling mental illness and how it affects them in their everyday life. This film is one of four short social-impact documentaries co-produced by GlobalGirl Media + Women’s Voices Now, summer 2018.
Pre-Film Reflection and Post-Film Discussion Questions are included.
MAS-SSF is the only dedicated Islamic organization offering social services with a focus on mental health
When you’re going through depression, it can be even more difficult to cope when your friends and family are unsupportive. It can even worsen symptoms when someone you’re close to makes cold or thoughtless comments or blames you for your symptoms. So, what do you do in this situation?
People often think of mental health as a very personal matter that has to do only with the individual. However, mental illnesses and mental health in general are affected by the combination of biological and genetic factors, psychology, and society. This intersectionality is important, but the heavy influence of societal factors often goes ignored. An interesting aspect of society is its diversity in cultures and backgrounds that affect an individual’s mental health related experiences.
Culture impacts whether or not you seek help, what type of help you seek and what support you have around you.
Culture impacts whether or not you seek help, what type of help you seek and what support you have around you.
Cultural stigma. Every culture has a different way of looking at mental health. For many, there is growing stigma around mental health, and mental health challenges are considered a weakness and something to hide. This can make it harder for those struggling to talk openly and ask for help.
Understanding symptoms. Culture can influence how people describe and feel about their symptoms. It can affect whether someone chooses to recognize and talk about only physical symptoms, only emotional symptoms or both.
Community Support. Cultural factors can determine how much support someone gets from their family and community when it comes to mental health. Because of existing stigma, minorities are sometimes left to find mental health treatment and support alone.
Resources. When looking for mental health treatment, you want to talk to someone who understands your specific experiences and concerns. It can sometimes be difficult or time-consuming to find resources and treatment options that take into account specific cultures factors and needs.
Mai's Story
Home was a scary place for Mai, and when she tried to get help to understand why she was feeling sad her family didn't support her. Surrounded by stigma related to her Asian culture, she was shamed by her family for her depression. Mai's Story
Share Mai's story with your NCHS Club and ask questions to facilitate discussion:
Mai said her home was a scary place. Describe what she looked like on the outside? to her friends and teachers? good grades, volunteered in the community, student body government)
What was Mai doing in private to cope with her feelings? (thoughts of suicide, self-harm, couldn't sleep, trouble concentrating at school)
What did her parents say about going to talk to someone? (Asian (Laos and Thailand) culture doesn't talk about their family business to others; selfish; didn't consider what was good for the family; they wouldn't drive her to appointments; they wouldn't let her take medicine for her depression or PTSD, it wasn't the Asian way of healing)
Mai's sister encouraged her to go to counseling. Did it matter MORE that a family member encouraged her to go? ( Yes... sister understood because of shared experiences and culture; No... she was doing it with or without encouragement from her sister )
How did Mai feel about the pressure from her parents? (Shame, misunderstood, judgement, she kept quiet so no one would yell at her)
What goals did her counselor suggest to help her? (be more independence, higher self-esteem, use better coping skills)
Do you agree with Mai's decision to go to counseling?
What would you do?
Walk In Our Shoes YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/WalkInRShoes
Mental health resources for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are essential today with the rise of hate and discrimination directed toward these communities.
Cultural Misconceptions About Mental Health
Cultural Misconceptions About Mental Health
It's important to approach these examples with cultural sensitivity and an understanding that individuals within any culture can have diverse perspectives on mental health. Addressing misconceptions and stigma requires a nuanced and culturally informed approach to promote open dialogue and support.
It's important to approach these examples with cultural sensitivity and an understanding that individuals within any culture can have diverse perspectives on mental health. Addressing misconceptions and stigma requires a nuanced and culturally informed approach to promote open dialogue and support.
IMPACT OF CULTURAL STIGMA
IMPACT OF CULTURAL STIGMA
Social Isolation
Social Isolation
Delayed Treatment
Delayed Treatment
Family & Relationship Strain
Family & Relationship Strain
Limited Access to Support
Limited Access to Support
Professional Discrimination
Professional Discrimination
Lack of Cultural Competence in Healthcare
Lack of Cultural Competence in Healthcare
South Asian Cultures
South Asian Cultures
Misconception: Mental health concerns may be linked to karma or past actions, leading to self-blame.
Impact: Individuals may internalize guilt and delay seeking professional help.
East Asian Cultures
East Asian Cultures
Misconception: Mental health issues are seen as a personal weakness, and seeking professional help is often stigmatized.
Impact: Individuals may avoid seeking help, leading to delayed or inadequate treatment.
African and Caribbean Cultures
African and Caribbean Cultures
Misconception: Mental health struggles are sometimes attributed to spiritual possession or curses.
Impact: This belief may hinder individuals from seeking mental health services and opting for spiritual remedies instead.
Middle Eastern Cultures
Middle Eastern Cultures
Misconception: Mental health challenges may be associated with shame, causing individuals to conceal their struggles.
Impact: Lack of open dialogue may lead to isolation and hinder access to support services.
Latino Cultures
Latino Cultures
Misconception: Mental health concerns may be viewed as a sign of family weakness, impacting the family's reputation.
Impact: Fear of judgment can prevent individuals from discussing or seeking help for mental health issues.
"Breaking Myths, Shaping Minds: Unveiling Cultural Truths in Mental Health Care"
Let's teach students the truth about cultural myths that can harm those seeking mental health care. We'll bust those myths with some fun and interactive activities that will engage and enlighten young minds!
CHOOSE ONE OR MORE OF THE ACTIVITY STATIONS OR CREATE YOUR OWN
MATERIALS
Signs were created on Canva (create your own signs with this template)
Poster boards or large paper sheets
Markers, colored pencils, and art supplies
Printed resources on mental health myths
Sticky notes
Small prizes or incentives for participation
Storytelling Circle (15 minutes):
Create a cozy storytelling area with cushions or chairs.
Invite students to share personal stories or experiences related to mental health myths, fostering empathy and understanding.
Myth vs. Reality Posters (20 minutes)
Instruct students to create posters that visually represent common mental health myths and the corresponding realities.
Encourage artistic expression and creativity in conveying the message.
Interactive Myth Wall (15 minutes)
Set up a large wall or board where students can place sticky notes sharing myths they've encountered or heard in their communities.
Encourage anonymous contributions to create a safe space for sharing.
Role-Playing Station (20 minutes)
Provide scenarios related to mental health myths and ask students to role-play how they would respond to someone expressing these misconceptions.
Facilitate discussions on effective communication strategies.
Myth Busters Quiz (15 minutes):
Develop a fun and informative quiz based on the myths presented.
Students can participate individually or in teams, with small prizes for correct answers.
Conclusion: Gather students together for a brief wrap-up. Discuss the insights gained from the activities and how dispelling myths contributes to a supportive community. Highlight available mental health resources and support services, emphasizing the importance of accurate information.
Follow-Up: Encourage students to take what they've learned into their broader communities, fostering conversations about mental health and dispelling myths. Consider creating a "Myth Busters" campaign with ongoing activities, workshops, or awareness initiatives throughout the school year.
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