National Minority Mental Health Month
National Minority Mental Health Month is observed in July as a nationwide effort developed by Mental Health America. It hopes to bring attention to the multitude of mental health experiences within BIPOC communities. The month also takes into consideration the unfair inequities such as systemic and historical barriers that negatively impact a person’s mental health. The concerns and traumas faced by the marginalized, oppressed, and disenfranchised people are unique and need to be addressed as such. It is important to have professional and empathetic mental health caregivers to help overcome mental health concerns and faulty diagnoses.
Help someone in need: If you feel someone needs mental health care and attention, encourage them to seek help from professionals. You can send resources their way.
Donate and volunteer: Mental healthcare facilities in minority communities are always in need of funds and volunteers. You can donate money or even volunteer your time to help out.
Be kind: Empathy and kindness go a long way in helping those with mental illnesses. Lend an ear to a friend and let them know that you care about their well-being.
Advocate: Raise awareness of the challenges that affect the mental health of racial and ethnic minority groups.
WHY NATIONAL MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH IS IMPORTANT
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month saves hundreds of vulnerable lives every year with timely help and a supportive network of allies.
This initiative was started with the genuine hope of making the world a better and more inclusive place for everyone, especially those who have been historically neglected.
There’s a lot of prejudice and stigma surrounding mental health issues. This month aims to fight misinformation so that those who are struggling don’t feel left out.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the present moment, without judgment or distraction. It involves paying attention to your thoughts, emotions, and sensations in a non-judgmental way, while also being aware of your surroundings.
The goal of mindfulness is to cultivate a sense of calm and inner peace, by focusing on the present moment and letting go of worries or distractions. This can be done through a variety of techniques, such as meditation, breathing exercises, or simply paying attention to your thoughts and feelings as they arise.
One of the key benefits of mindfulness is that it can help reduce stress and anxiety, by helping you to stay centered and focused on the present moment. It can also help improve your overall well-being, by promoting a sense of calm and inner peace.
There are many different ways to practice mindfulness, and what works best for one person may not work as well for another. Some people find it helpful to meditate regularly, while others prefer to engage in mindful activities like yoga or walking in nature. The important thing is to find a practice that works for you, and to make it a regular part of your routine.
Free Mental Health Resources in Cibola:
New Mexico Crisis and Access Line | www.nmcrisisline.com Crisis and Access Line | 1-855-NMCRISIS | 1-855-662-7474 Peer-to-Peer Warmline | 1-855-4NM-7100 | 1-855-466-7100 NMConnect smartphone app helps you easily access support in the moment you need it. Call or Text 988 for quick, free, mental health support.
Village of Milan Police Department has a chaplain program that supports first responders in need. Understanding the wide community need for mental health support, MPD’s chaplain program can also serve the wider public, visit MPD at 619 Uranium Avenue, Milan, New Mexico, 87021.
MPD has a YANA Program to help those feeling lonely or depressed. People in the program will receive a free, daily phone call and will get the opportunity to chat. Visit https://www.villageofmilan. com/y.a.n.a._registration/ index.php for more information.