Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community (World Health Organization).

Why this episode matters: Mental health awareness is crucial for black and brown communities because our communities are often subjected to systemic oppression, discrimination, and racism, which can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. As well as, more costly care, more hospitalizations, more torn relationships, more absenteeism at work, and more encounters with law enforcement.


Our TMI Takeaways for this episode:

1. Understand what mental health means and how it presents itself on a daily basis.
2. Representation matters: identify mental health in Black and Brown individuals and find access to Black and Brown therapists.
3. By combining your religious beliefs with taking your medications, talking about your problems with a professional, and learning to use coping mechanisms, you can
   1. Decrease your anxiety
   2. Understand how to function through your depression
   3. And learn the tools to support family members with bipolar, schizophrenia and PTSD

• There are various websites that allow you to narrow your search and find black providers in your area. Here are two we recommend:
  • https://locator.apa.org/results/1/20001,%20Washington,%20DC/25/
  • https://meetmonarch.com/therapists
• Here is a resource for clinicians who want to learn more:
  • American Psychological Association
  • https://www.apa.org/ed/ce
    • APA has a ton of resources including CEs
      • Apply CE reimbursement and ask administrator to cover costs for the staff
• Therapy for Black Girls https://therapyforblackgirls.com/
• The Boris Henson Foundation https://resourceguide.borislhensonfoundation.org/
• The Loveland Foundation https://thelovelandfoundation.org/

“In healthcare, there is often too much information and not enough time. Here at The Melanin Initiative, we avoid TMI by breaking things down into language you can understand, we create a safe space to ask your questions, and share our nursing perspective without taking too much of your time. Thanks for tuning in. Join us every week for TMI Tuesdays!”

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