Honoring BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month
Dear Pacific Community,
July Is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month also known as BIPOC Mental Health Month. It was created to bring awareness to the unique struggles that marginalized groups face in regard to mental illness in the United States.
Bebe Moore Campbell was an American author, journalist, teacher and mental health advocate who worked tirelessly to shed light on the mental health needs of the Black community and other marginalized communities. Visit Mental Health America (MHA) to learn more.
We at the Student Counseling Center understand and acknowledge that the BIPOC community experiences significant stressors and emotional pain that impact their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. While there is so much strength and resilience in our BIPOC communities, it is important to acknowledge that this is not by choice, but rather a consequence of the oppression, persecution, and abuse experienced daily.
As humans, we need each other. As BIPOC Folx, we need our allies, our communities and we need time to get to know and honor ourselves and our needs. While it is important to focus on ongoing hardships to bring upon change, today we want to take a moment to pay special attention to ourselves:
- How are we feeling right now?
- What do we need?
- And who can support us?
The Student Counseling Center wants to send a shout out to all the BIPOC Folx in our Pacific Community. Below are some tips for our BIPOC Folx as we encourage you to take care of your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.
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We are stronger in community! We are more than just numbers. We are more than just news headlines. Find your people. Find those that you trust to hold the heaviness when you are tired and to listen without questioning you or trying to solve your problems. Your body will feel safe and inspired when you can be you with people you fully trust. Look out for this feeling.
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Remember that mother nature is there to take care of you. We are in a reciprocal relationship with nature. It takes care of us when we take care of it. Go out for walks, garden, have a bonfire, or set up a tent in the forest. Allow yourself to breathe some fresh air and remove yourself from the grind culture.
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Mindfulness. Meditation. Use the Breath. We want to expand what we mean by mindfulness and meditation. We mean find what calms your body. Sitting on the floor with your legs crossed may not sound relaxing to you, but you can mindfully listen to your favorite songs. You can mindfully dance to your favorite music. Don’t forget to breathe deeply throughout the day – sometimes the sense of urgency in our day to day gets in the way of us giving our body oxygen. Be intentional and present with what you love to do and take deep breaths along the way!
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Take care of your body. You are human before anything else. Treat yourself like you’d treat a loved one. Encourage yourself to rest when you need it, so you can wake up feeling stronger and energized. Nourish your body with food, water, movement, and love.
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Use resources that feel safe and comforting to you! Find support groups, community healing events, mentors, or therapy that feels congruent with your needs.
"Remember that this heavy system does not determine your worth, dignity and humanity. Keep taking care of yourself until you’re you again." -Lalah Delia
In solidarity always,
Dr. Daisy Bueno, EDI Outreach specialist, and the SCC team
Find us on Instagram for more resources @pacificuniversityscc
Reach out via email at counselingcenter@pacificu.edu, or by phone at 503-352-2191