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July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This observance, also known as BIPOC Mental Health Month, is named after Moore Campbell for bringing awareness to the mental health needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. Erlinda Delacruz, MA, Director of Community Programs for The Jed Foundation (JED), pictured at right, shared insight into the importance of the month and how the organization is working to promote understanding and offer support.

Q: Why is it important to recognize Minority Mental Health Awareness Month?

A: Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us to continually learn so we can help our communities. It calls on us to become more supportive of mental health, and to dismantle barriers to care. Understanding  and addressing the unique mental health challenges that each community faces is crucial. Remember, we are not all the same; each community and each person has their own unique needs and experiences.

Q: How does JED address mental health equity?

A: We understand that addressing emotional distress and suicidality isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Young people are not only at a critical time in their development but also grappling with very real challenges different from previous generations. At the same time, BIPOC teens and young adults are disproportionately impacted, often because of historical and systemic issues. To ensure we support as many people as possible, we design programs that keep in mind communities most in need.

Q: Are there any specific initiatives or ongoing efforts to note?

A: Our JED Campus program reaches more than 6 million students across nearly 500 colleges and universities. The program is currently being updated to better serve all our schools and certain school demographics, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

We have created toolkits to help schools, such as the Equity in Mental Health Framework, Proud & Thriving Framework, and Improving Mental Health of Student Parents: A Framework for Higher Education.

Q: What role does cultural competency play?

A: A person’s culture and background impact how they see the world and themselves. For example, a culturally competent therapist who understands the context in which you live may encourage you to speak freely without having to explain your situation, whether they share your identity or not. That can be a huge weight off a person’s shoulders, because it allows them to relax and feel heard and seen, and it means they do not have to explain who they are because the therapist already understands. It also increases their sense of belonging. A culturally competent therapist will have the ability to understand and respect values, attitudes, and other differences across cultures.

Q: What can people from BIPOC communities do to improve their mental health?

A: Rest. Many people in our BIPOC communities face shame and guilt. They bear the weight of the world, fight for their families, and carry their families’ dreams. We sometimes forget to rest and take care of ourselves. It’s critical to be able to say no sometimes or to say, “Not now, but later.” We are all resilient people, and we’re continually reminded to push through and to care for ourselves and our health. We also must remember to rest and do things that are restorative for us, whatever that may be for each person.

Q: How can people navigate stigmas associated with mental health care?

A: When I have worked with students and talked about seeing someone professionally, many of them have responded with, “I’ve seen a therapist before, and I didn’t like it,” or “My friend or cousin saw a therapist, and they had a very bad experience.” I remind them that clinicians are not all the same. You need to do some research and find the clinician who works best for you, because it takes time to find someone you can trust and with whom you can feel safe. Give it at least three sessions, and if it does not feel like a good fit, look for another therapist.

If someone is worried about people judging them for going to therapy, I talk to them about how a car gets regular maintenance. The same logic applies to therapy: It is regular maintenance to ensure you are operating optimally to support yourself and the people around you.

Q: Do you have any advice for someone who is struggling with mental health to broach the subject with their family or friends?

A: Use language your friends and family use that makes sense to them. Misperceptions about mental health challenges exist because people don’t understand. For example, talk about the symptoms you’ve been experiencing and what you’ve learned about the importance of opening up to someone (whether a family member or a friend, depending on the circumstances). Tell them it would be helpful if they listened to you before coming up with solutions. Everyone has struggles in their life. Without addressing them and talking to people about them, they can pile up and lead to problems down the road.

The JED Mental Health Resource Center also provides essential information about managing emotional health, coping with challenges, and supporting the people in your life.

Erlinda joined The Jed Foundation (JED) in February 2020. Erlinda is a dedicated advocate for promoting mental health equity, particularly for marginalized and underserved student populations. With a background in higher education and a focus on the intersection of equity and well-being, Erlinda brings a wealth of expertise to her role as Director of Community Programs at JED. She brings a uniquely broad perspective shaped by her upbringing in Chicago, Houston, and Phoenix, and her educational journey in Boston. That diverse background has imbued her with a deep appreciation for different communities and an understanding of varied experiences. Her commitment to equitable access to treatment, destigmatization, and cultural competency is evident in her work, which is underscored by her completed degrees: a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Boston College and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a Minor in Film Studies from the same institution. Erlinda is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Adler University.