Each July, Minority Mental Health Awareness Month helps shine a spotlight on specific considerations regarding mental health among racial and ethnic groups that may often experience unjust treatment. This month, and all year, AFSP is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and improving access to quality care for people of color facing unique challenges with mental health.

Markita Madden lost her father and two of her brothers to suicide. In an article for AFSP's Real Stories blog, Markita shared what these losses have helped her realize about mental health in the African American community:

"There can also be a general sense, within our culture, that African Americans are a 'strong people' because we have endured so much in our past. Surely, we must be better able to endure the emotional hardships of this life than others. This sort of thinking, sometimes on an unconscious level, can discourage individuals from seeking help when they most need it."

Markita's story is just one example of the unique mental health struggles faced by people of color. Here are just a few ways you can help address those struggles:

• Visit AFSP's Diverse Communities Resource Guide to learn more about mental health and suicide prevention among people from racial and ethnic groups –– including but not limited to Black, Native, and Indigenous people –– who experience unjust treatment, and to connect to culturally competent crisis and support resources for marginalized communities.
• Register to attend the virtual panel discussion, “A Conversation About Mental Health in the Black Community,” at 2pm ET, July 27th, at facebook.com/afspnational.
• Read our Diverse, Underserved, and Disproportionately Impacted Communities and Populations page to learn how AFSP fights against discriminatory policies and seeks to promote mental health and prevent suicide in underserved areas.
• Listen to diverse perspectives. We recently asked on social media: “How do you support mental health and suicide prevention among racial or ethnic groups that experience unjust treatment? Or, if you're a member of a racial or ethnic group that experiences unjust treatment, what helps when you’re having a tough time with mental health?” Here is a roundup of how people responded in our Real Stories blog.
• Speak out about your support for the mental health and well-being of people in historically overlooked communities by sharing these graphics on social media.

This July and beyond, we have the power to listen, learn, deepen our understanding, and help prevent suicide among marginalized racial and ethnic groups. We hope you'll join our efforts.