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Hope is Within Reach
"During my years of volunteer work, I have been constantly reminded that I’m not alone. After struggling on my own and feeling helpless for a long time, I now know that there are so many people experiencing similar struggles." -
Mental Health Matters for All Students
The Steve Fund focuses on promoting mental health for students of color on college and university campuses. Read an interview between the organization’s Executive Director, Dr. Terri Wright, and two students about their experiences with mental health on campus.
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Disparities Within Minority Mental Health Care
The mental health system is flawed. We all know that and many of us have experienced it personally. But all mental health advocates should band together in improving the status quo for those who are the least likely to both seek and receive treatment. Those who are most vulnerable to the systemic disparities of getting help. Those who only get the spotlight for one month out of the year. -
The Strengths and Stigmas of My Culture
"The Cuban 'machismo' culture can prevent individuals from seeking help. Our powerful sense of masculine pride can interfere with the insight and acceptance of help. But I believe diverse communities experience unique challenges and strengths when it comes to mental health." -
AKA and NAMI: Building Bridges in the African-American Community
Part of our mission at NAMI is to empower people to break cultural barriers and fight stigma within their own communities. But we can’t do this alone. That’s why we're so thankful Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) helps us build bridges into the African-American community. -
An Important Conversation with My Mom
"Don't be afraid to tell others how you are really feeling the next time someone asks, 'How are you?' It makes all the difference in the world if you have someone who you know genuinely cares. Try to be that person for someone else and see what a difference it will make in your life." -
Seeking Help When You Need It
"Statistics show that many minority groups do not seek psychological treatment when needed. There are a variety of reasons why this is, but I believe one of the reasons is the tendency to keep issues 'in the family.' And this cultural standard made sense to me until the age of 21…"
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There is No Shame: The Power to End Mental Health Stigma Begins with Me
"Becoming a mental health advocate and motivational speaker was not an easy journey, especially with the mental illness stigma being so strong in my community, but I defied cultural traditions, faced community stigma and became stronger for it. And so can you." -
I Remember When Worry Was a Friend
"Stigma around mental illness and therapy is deeply rooted in my culture. It’s seen as a weakness or a 'made up' ailment and going to therapy is a luxury reserved for those of white privilege. But by the time I reached adulthood, I realized I had to do something." -
Breaking Tradition
"I was raised in a rowdy Puerto Rican family. We spoke our minds about anything and everything under the sun. If we had an opinion, we had it at the top of our lungs. We took pride in our strong emotions. But pain was the exception to the rule. Pain was something you kept quietly under wraps."
