Black Mental Health Day – March 7, 2022
Black Mental Health Day is a day to raise awareness about the harms of anti-Black racism on mental health in Black communities, and the need to action systemic change.
Racism and mental health are connected in many ways and the effects of racism can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD and/or physical health issues.
Stigma is something that has historically and presently still affects the Black community. Stigma (including self-stigma) can prevent people in Black communities from discussing or seeking support for their mental health. This fear and the resulting discrimination discourages individuals and their families from getting the help they need. If mental illness has always been a taboo topic in one’s family or community, it can be even more daunting to break the mold and start a conversation.
PARENT ENGAGEMENT NIGHT
Join us for a virtual conversation, Tuesday March 1 at 7 pm where we will discuss supporting the mental health of Black youth and their families. Speakers will address the importance of having mental health discussions, the importance of a systems approach to supporting Black students, how we are supporting Black students learning and mental health and how to support your children and your mental health.
Event Poster here
Register here
RESOURCES TO SUPPORT BLACK MENTAL HEALTH:
Shining a Light on Mental Health in Black Communities
Racial Stress and Self-care: Parent Tip Tool
Across Boundaries provides a dynamic range of mental health support and services and works within Anti-Racism/Anti-Black racism and Anti-Oppression frameworks. These frameworks address the negative impact of racism and discrimination on mental health and well-being.
Black Youth Helpline – Black Youth Helpline serves all youth and specifically responds to the need for a Black youth specific service, positioned and resourced to promote access to professional, culturally appropriate support for youth, families and schools.
The Black Health Alliance is a community-led registered charity working to improve the health and well-being of Black communities in Canada.
CAFCAN | Caribbean African Canadian Social Services are able to provide services during regular business hours: M-F: 9 am – 4:30 pm. For more information, call 416.740.1056.
To find a black therapist https://www.healingincolour.com/
CAMH – Substance use program for African Canadian Caribbean Youth – provides support to youth with substance use and mental health struggles
NACCA offers a Mental Health program that will provide weekly culturally relevant support group sessions, ongoing subsidized individual counselling and monthly workshops for youth, parents and caregivers in York Region’s Black communities.
https://parentsofblackchildren.org/mental-health/ The Parents of Black Children Mental Health Fund partners with mental health clinicians to make sure that families can get the support they need.
Taibu Community Health Centre provides comprehensive primary health care and also offers counselling services and mental health workshops. See website for monthly calendars of events.
Tropicana Community Services provides individual and family counselling as well as life skills programs.