BIPOC Mental Health Month: Restore Black Joy
Myra McNair
July is BIPOC Mental Health Month, a time to recognize the importance of building awareness, breaking down stigma, and building up practices that approach therapy with cultural humility and sensitivity for Black and brown people. It’s also the perfect time to introduce a concept especially meaningful to me: Restoring Black Joy. Taking care of yourself does not have to be complicated but it is necessary so that you can thrive in your life.
Why is there a BIPOC Mental Health Month?
You may already have a good idea as to why, but here’s a little history. Officially recognized starting in 2008, the group Mental Health America (MHA) created BIPOC Mental Health Month, or Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month as it’s more formally known, to raise awareness of the unique struggles underrepresented groups face when it comes to mental illness in the United States.
Bebe Moore Campbell was an American author, journalist, teacher, and mental health advocate who focused on publicizing the mental health needs of the Black community and other underrepresented communities. Each year, MHA develops a public education campaign dedicated to addressing the mental health needs of the BIPOC community in honor of the visionary work Campbell carried out in her lifetime.
The theme for 2022 is “Beyond the Numbers,” recognizing the struggles and challenges go beyond statistics and have deeper histories. There is pain but there is also strength, and every single individual has a unique experience and perspective.
Increasing access to mental health care services and finding ways to diversify the provider pool will be key to a mentally healthy future for BIPOC folks. We also need to share our stories of the good times and the bad times, keep an open dialogue about mental health and trauma, and find ways to support one another.
Restore Black Joy
Here’s my big dream for you: I want you to remind yourself you are human and you need joy and peace in your life. I want you to Restore Black Joy, a concept I first introduced on an episode of “Why Race Matters” with Angela Fitzgerald.
What do I mean by Restore Black Joy? Find what lights you up, invest in yourself, and take time for self care. Take a step back occasionally from the stressors and complications of the larger world and reignite yourself. It’s okay to have days where you can’t put your “happy face” on.
Restoring Black Joy is finding your inner self and showing them some love.
Our community is experiencing chronic stress around racism and the pandemic. Chronic stress contributes to decreased telomeres which leads to advanced aging and numerous health risks. However, there are healthy ways to mitigate negative stress and its effects on your body.
Some ideas from the Restore Black Joy toolkit:
Take social media breaks: There are pros and cons to using social media, so balance is key. Stay conscious of how often you’re online and how you’re feeling. Put the phone down or shut the laptop and do something not screen-related from time to time.
Find positive social media accounts to follow: If you are going to spend time scrolling Insta or getting lost in TikTok, aim for following accounts that are motivational and have positive messaging. Definitely unfollow any accounts that make you feel bad about yourself.
Get out into nature: Spending time in nature has undeniable benefits and is proven to contribute to our overall well being, both physically and mentally. There are plenty of ways to experience nature: walking, hiking, biking, kayaking, birding–even reading or enjoying a cup of coffee on your porch.
Try new things: Get out of your comfort zone and try an activity that is new to you. Ask a friend or family member to join! You never know when you’re going to find a new favorite thing. Here are some groups around Madison that might be a good starting point:
Outdoor Afro Wisconsin/Iowa – “a community that reconnects African-Americans with natural spaces and one another through recreational activities such as camping, hiking, biking, birding, fishing, gardening, skiing — and more!”
Madison Climbers of Color – organizes meetups for BIPOC rock climbers in the area
BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin – “a community of people of color who love the outdoors and the birds and beauty of natural Wisconsin and wish to connect with others who share the same passion. Our field trips and events are open to BIPOC birders and allies of all skill levels and interests.”
Throw a dance party in your kitchen: You know what to do.
Sing: Whether it’s into a hairbrush in your living room, blasting your pipes in the car, or letting loose at a karaoke night, singing brings joy. Pull down that wall of vulnerability and sing your heart out.
Find what brings you peace: Whether it’s practicing mindfulness, meditating, yoga, walking in nature, journaling, or just taking a few minutes to pause and reflect, it’s important to find a daily practice that can help you relax and reset.
Play with your kids: I know you’re tired. But one of the most revolutionary things you can do is play with your kids. Let them witness your joy, and learn how to experience joy with you by their side. Spending quality time with your kids is a great way to create change and restore joy.
Most importantly, take up space in whatever ways feel authentic and restorative to you. There’s no doubt the last few years have been especially heavy. But we can find ways to pick ourselves up and do the inner work so that we’re ready to advocate to the outside world when the time is right.
At Anesis Therapy, we believe everyone deserves to be seen and honored fully–not only as dynamic and nuanced individuals, but also as people who are shaped by, and are shaping, their communities, cultures, faiths and families. We meet our clients where they are, and together chart a course for healing that is supportive, accessible, creative and joyous!
Get to know our team and connect with us. We’re here to answer your questions and start your therapy journey with you.