With a global pandemic, climate crisis, and continuing incidents of police brutality, it has never been more important to take care of our mental health.
Images of the violence against the environment, Black, and Trans bodies continue to inundate our new stream. So much so, that simply keeping up to date and informed is a work of huge emotional labor. Unfortunately, vital social distancing measures have created obstacles to connecting with communities and services that historically provided life-saving support and connection.
In light of that, it's important to be aware of the resources, charities, and organizations that are there to give mental health support to those in need. Here are some places that are there to help.
Join a support group
Anxiety or anxiety-related disorder are isolating but even in a pandemic, you aren't alone. Forty million adults in the United States have an anxiety disorder, and many are turning to online support groups to help them navigate this time. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America has a database of groups that you can join digitally and for free.
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.
Black Mental Wellness
It's Black Mental Wellness provides information and resources on mental health and behavioral health topics from a black perspective. The organization offers training opportunities for students and professionals interested in mental health and wellness.
It's The Safe Place
It's The Safe Place is a mental health app for the black community. Available for iPhone and Android users, it brings awareness and education to users and mental health professionals. The app features black mental health statistics, videos, podcasts, articles, self-care tips, and open forum discussions.
Ethel’s Club
Ethel’s Club is a social and wellness organization celebrating people of color through conversation, wellness, and creativity. The physical "Club" space is usually dedicated to events geared towards uplifting the community and overall health; it is currently closed due to the coronavirus. You can, however, still participate in virtual events and take advantage of free mental health resources.
Dive in Well
Dive in Well is currently hosting digital events ranging from therapy sessions to breathwork classes, specifically designed to center self-care. Moving forward in 2020, the organization plans to continue the expansion of its dinner series while simultaneously offering additional online and offline experiences empowering those who believe in soul-centered wellness.
The Nap Ministry
The Nap Ministry believes rest is a form of resistance and reparations. With a mission to provide safe spaces for the community to rest together, the organization hosts immersive workshops and performance art demonstrations centered around rest as a tool for healing.
Melanin & Mental Health
Melanin & Mental Health connects clients with therapists serving the mental health needs of black and Latinx/Hispanic communities through its website, online directory, and monthly events.
Dear Black Women
With Dear Black Women, founder Florence Noel provides black women with intentional safe places, encouraging complete expression. The organization aids in finding therapists and crisis support, offers mind and body tips, and shares curated selections of books and podcasts that will both inspire and inform.
Liberate
Liberate is a go-to meditation app for the BIPOC community. Designed to support individual pathways to healing, the subscription-based service includes practices and talks made specifically for BIPOC, led by more than 40 BIPOC teachers.
The Conscious Kid
The Conscious Kid partners with organizations, children’s museums, schools, and families to provide access to children’s books on underrepresented and oppressed groups. Centered around education, research, and policy, the institution aims to reduce bias and promote positive identity development in youth.
Inclusive Therapists
Inclusive Therapists aids in finding the right help for all identities in all bodies, with a focus placed on equal access to quality, culturally responsive care. This mental health community consists of allies, advocates, and activists that firmly believe in anti-discrimination, anti-oppression, anti-stigma, anti-racist, and anti-ablest.
