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Weekly Wrap-Up
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May is Mental Health Month!
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The Link Between Experiences of Racism and Stress and Anxiety for Black Americans: A Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Coping Approach
Within the Black community, we generally acknowledge and discuss experiences of racism and the detrimental impact of racism on equitable access to resources (including education, housing, health care, etc.). We less frequently discuss the detrimental impact racism often has on our mental health. In this article, we draw attention to the link between experiences of racism and mental health, with a specific focus on anxiety disorders and symptoms, which are among the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders in the United States.
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Anti-Asian Racism Is Taking a Mental and Emotional Toll on Me
While watching the new PBS documentary series Asian Americans, I started bawling. I enjoyed participating in the documentary and talking about classic Hollywood actors in the first episode. The topic fit perfectly into my wheelhouse as a sociologist studying actors of color. But the series also documents the discrimination Asian Americans have faced for generations. Seeing the history of racism against Asian Americans depicted onscreen triggered trauma that I was holding in.
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How Racism, Trauma And Mental Health Are Linked
Research shows African-Americans are less likely to access treatment for mental illness
Cultural norms and the stigma associated with having a mental illness are partly to blame, according to Shardé Smith, assistant professor of human development and family studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
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A Response to COVID-19 Xenophobia
SSG Research & Evaluation, CRDP API Technical Assistance Provider
It has now been almost two months since Governor Newsom issued the State order to "shelter in place" and stay home except for essential needs. While we are "flattening the curve" of COVID-19 infection, we know that incidents connected to xenophobia and ignorance are on the rise in Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities.
We are living in unprecedented times, full of uncertainty and fear, but we find comfort in knowing that we will get through this by choosing solidarity, not stigma nor blame.
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Filling our Cups: 4 Ways People of Color can Foster Mental Health and Practice Restorative Healing
The strong, Black woman. The Asian "model minority." "¡No soy loco!" These tropes, expressions, and labels are often used to demonstrate (and even celebrate) the "resiliency" of people of color. But it's a trap. These stereotypes may seem empowering, but beneath the surface, they are damaging. By denying our humanity, we downplay the mental-health effects of racial trauma. We perpetuate the stigma of mental illness in our communities. And we ignore our own pain and suffering.
Mental illness does not discriminate on the basis of identity or background. Why, then, are people of color often silenced, ignored, and excluded from the discussion?
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People of Color
A weekly supportive group to discuss issues, coping strategies, and resources relevant to people of color in our community, particularly during the crisis of COVID-19.
- Peer facilitated
- Drop-in group
- No long term commitment
- No advanced registration
Every Monday: 10:30 a.m to 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time
For any support group questions, contact Lisa-Sun: lisa-
[email protected] or (415) 341-9502
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African American Family Outreach Support Group
Before the Shelter in Place Order, the African American Family Support Group met in-person at the MHAAC main office. The support group now meets via conference call on the 4th Tuesday of every month (except December) from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm. The call-in number is (425) 436-6325 and the access code is 388582#
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Friday, May 29, 2020
4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time - Recurring Event!
Virtual Talking Circle for Teens (14-18)
An open forum aimed at providing a space for teens to sort through life's challenges, learn through sharing, and establish a peer support system. This group seeks to meet youth where they are at - participants will be empowered to choose discussion topics relevant to their life/reality - from the stress of quarantine to healthy relationships, let's tackle it together.
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Friday, May 29, 2020
5:00 p.m. Pacific Time
LBGTQ+ Communities and Mental Health A Discussion of Existing Challenges & Available Resources
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Thursday, June 3, 2020
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Confronting the Devastation of COVID-19 in The African American Community: Utilizing Faith Based Approaches - Webinar
This webinar will discuss the negative impact of the COVID-19 Virus and the intersectionality of historical racism, inequities and disparities, and the role that faith and spirituality play in the lives of African Americans.
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