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The importance and meaning of Juneteenth cannot be distilled into a single social media caption, but there are a few salient points to get you started 🌟 What is Juneteenth? 🌟Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally informed of their freedom, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day is a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality, equity, and justice. You can honor this historic day by educating yourself and others on Black history, supporting local Black-owned businesses in your area, attending local Juneteenth events, and uplifting Black voices. 💡 It's important to acknowledge that Juneteenth can bring up various mental health issues for some, such as feelings of grief, anger, and trauma. If you're experiencing these emotions, know that you're not alone and we are here to support you. If you are wishing to specifically work with and support the work of a black healer and yoga therapist, Dr. Gail Parker, a renowned psychologist, offers valuable resources on her website to help navigate these complex feelings: https://lnkd.in/emVh6H8t. Let's stand together and support each other on this significant day. ✊🏽🖤 #Juneteenth #BlackHistory #SupportBlackBusinesses #MentalHealthMatters

📌As a black woman, I've carried the weight of my past trauma and cultural norms for years. It wasn't until my mid-thirties that I took the courageous step to address my mental health challenges. 📌Our childhood experiences shape us, but sometimes they can hinder our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Talking about #therapy often meets resistance within our black communities. 🚫We fear being labelled weak or sensitive. Yet, many among us project their unexplored trauma and insecurities masked with superficial strength. 🤷🏾♀️Why? Because, sadly, black people are statistically less likely to seek help for mental health issues. The fear of judgement and misunderstanding keeps us silent. Through my work in the mental health field and as a coach, I've witnessed the pain that silence inflicts. Many individuals from black communities feel ashamed and embarrassed to talk about their mental health. 🚀One thing I have come to learn is there’s power in sharing stories. When we open up, we humanise our experiences, fostering compassion and understanding. For me, seeking therapy wasn't a way to erase my past; it was a means to empower my future. A means to change the trajectory of my life so that I am not passing on generational trauma to my children. 🎯So, dear black people, as we celebrate Black History, let's also celebrate our mental health and break the silence on our challenges. 🗣Let's break the stigma around mental health. Share your story or thoughts in the comments #worldmentalhealthday #mentalhealth #suicideprevention #blackmentalhealth

The importance and meaning of Juneteenth cannot be distilled into a single social media caption, but there are a few salient points to get you started 🌟 What is Juneteenth? 🌟Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally informed of their freedom, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day is a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality, equity, and justice. You can honor this historic day by educating yourself and others on Black history, supporting local Black-owned businesses in your area, attending local Juneteenth events, and uplifting Black voices. 💡 It's important to acknowledge that Juneteenth can bring up various mental health issues for some, such as feelings of grief, anger, and trauma. If you're experiencing these emotions, know that you're not alone and we are here to support you. If you are wishing to specifically work with and support the work of a black healer and yoga therapist, Dr. Gail Parker, a renowned psychologist, offers valuable resources on her website to help navigate these complex feelings: https://lnkd.in/eqewqctX. Let's stand together and support each other on this significant day. ✊🏽🖤 #Juneteenth #BlackHistory #SupportBlackBusinesses #MentalHealthMatters

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, serving as a powerful reminder of the progress made and the challenges that remain in pursuit of true equity for all. This Juneteenth, let's celebrate the strength and resilience of Black Americans while acknowledging the distinct mental health obstacles they face. ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽 Here are three concrete ways you can take action: 👂🏾 Listen & Learn — Engage with Black stories and perspectives. One unique way to do this: Join the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture's Meditation Mondays to explore Black history through mindfulness. Sign up here for the June 24 event: https://lnkd.in/eDk-Netn 🗣️ Amplify Black Voices — Share resources from Black mental health experts. One of our favorites is Dr. Mariel Buqué, author of “Break the Cycle: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma." Check out her free writing prompts for healing: https://lnkd.in/ehz7p7VW 🤝🏿 Break the Stigma in the Black community — Initiate open conversations about mental health and offer judgment-free support. Not sure how to get talking? Talk Away the Dark offers tips on starting a #RealConvo: https://lnkd.in/exmxQtgm Whether you're part of the Black community or an ally, you have a role to play in championing Black mental health. To learn more about the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities and potential solutions, check out our latest blog post: https://lnkd.in/envA-GnJ #Juneteenth #BlackMentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters

As we commemorate Juneteenth, let’s honor the resilience and strength of Black communities while also prioritizing mental health. 🌟🖤 This day marks a significant step towards freedom and equality, but the journey continues. The fight for racial justice is ongoing, and it's essential to recognize the impact it has on mental health. Here are some ways to support mental well-being today and every day: Acknowledge the Struggle: Understanding the historical and present-day struggles faced by Black communities is crucial. Acknowledge the trauma and the strength it takes to overcome it. Celebrate Culture: Engage in the rich cultural heritage and traditions that Juneteenth celebrates. Embrace music, food, art, and stories that uplift and inspire. Promote Self-Care: Encourage self-care practices that nourish the mind, body, and soul. Whether it's through meditation, exercise, or simply taking a break, prioritize mental health. Support Black Therapists: If you're seeking mental health support, consider connecting with Black therapists who understand the unique experiences and challenges faced by Black individuals. Educate and Advocate: Use your platform to educate others about Juneteenth and the importance of mental health. Advocate for policies and practices that support mental health resources in Black communities. Let’s make Juneteenth not just a day of remembrance, but also a day of healing and hope. Together, we can build a future where everyone thrives. ✊🏽💚 #Juneteenth #MentalHealthMatters #BlackMentalHealth #CelebrateFreedom #CommunityHealing #SelfCareSunday #BehavioralHealth #EnvisionWellnessWNY #Buffalove #BuffaloBehavioralHealth #BehavioralHealthMatters

🌟 Exploring the Crucial "Material Connection" in the Lives of Black Men 🌟 In the field of mental health, understanding and addressing the material factors impacting the lives of Black men is not just a profession for me; it's deeply personal. I grew up in a low-income Black family that struggled to pay rent and afford food. Both of my parents had full-time jobs, and still, financial struggles were a constant presence in our lives. My family relied on public transportation 🚌, the Goodwill thrift store 🛍️, and TV dinners & instant ramen 🍽️. These were not just financial choices; they were daily realities. I also grew up on free and reduced lunch at school 🏫, a lifeline that I know many Black children and their families depend on. 📚🍎 These personal experiences have shaped my perspective and my commitment to this work as a therapist. I understand that material challenges, such as poverty and its associated stresses, are not abstract concepts but tangible hardships that impact the mental health of Black men and their families. 🤝🌆 🔹 Ethical Principles for Empowering Black Men 🔹 Three pivotal ethical principles, influenced by my own experiences, guide my approach to rectifying material imbalances for Black men: 1.      Propriety: I understand the unique circumstances and needs of Black men, given our own personal experiences with economic hardship. I provide care that not only acknowledges material challenges but also maintains awareness of Black and African-centered roots. 🌍🤲 2.      Reciprocity: Collaboration and partnership are not just words; they are the foundation of my practice. I work alongside Black men, fostering their empowerment and agency in their mental health journey. 🙌🤝 3.      Justice: My commitment to social justice is fueled by the experiences of our own families and communities. 🌍💚 Understanding and addressing the "Material Connection" in the lives of Black men is not just a professional mission; it's my personal responsibility I carry. Let's work together to improve the mental health and well-being of Black men 💪🌍💙 #MaterialConnection #BlackMen #MentalHealth #EthicalPractice #PersonalExperience #AfricanCenteredTherapy #HolisticHealing #MentalHealthMatters #BlackMenMentalHealth

Celebrate Black History Month with us! As we honor the past, we encourage you to treasure your health in every capacity. Being an organization focused on mental health, we encourage you to take a deep look at where your mental health stands right now and seek help if you need it. Did you know that mental health conditions occur in Black and African American (B/AA) people in America at about the same or less frequency than in White Americans. However, the historical Black and African American experience in America has and continues to be characterized by trauma and violence more often than for their White counterparts and impacts emotional and mental health of both youth and adults. Historical dehumanization, oppression, and violence against Black and African American people has evolved into present day racism - structural, institutional, and individual – and cultivates a uniquely mistrustful and less affluent community experience, characterized by a myriad of disparities including inadequate access to and delivery of care in the health system. Processing and dealing with layers of individual trauma on top of new mass traumas from COVID-19 (uncertainty, isolation, grief from financial or human losses), police brutality and its fetishization in news media, and divisive political rhetoric adds compounding layers of complexity for individuals to responsibly manage. (Mental Health America) These facts are not as astounding as one might think. As a former educator, I saw how much my students and their families struggled with mental health issues. They were too afraid to seek help because they were unsure of who and what were their safe spaces. If you are currently struggling, know that we are here for you and are more than happy to provide you with resources to help you regain control of your life. Feel free to reach out to us or to SAMHSA by dialing #988. We love you and we need you with us! We are all we got! #blackhistory #mentalhealthmatters #988lifeline

Since it's Black History month here’s some food for thought on our black men and their mental health as it's important to recognize the diversity within the black community, and that individual experiences with mental health can vary widely. Initiatives that are culturally competent, community-driven, and holistic in their approach are essential for supporting the mental health of black men and all members of the black community. Stigma surrounding mental health issues can be particularly strong in the black community. There may be a reluctance to seek help due to fears of being perceived as weak or "crazy." This stigma can be a barrier to accessing support and treatment. Cultural factors such as the strong emphasis on self-reliance can make it challenging for black men to openly discuss their mental health struggles. It's important to recognize that seeking help and expressing vulnerability are SIGNS OF STRENGTH, not weakness. Black men may face a range of social and economic inequalities that can contribute to mental health challenges. These can include experiences of racism, discrimination, and systemic barriers to education and employment. Other aspects of their identity, such as sexuality or gender identity, which may present additional complexities and challenges. Promoting mental health awareness and providing culturally sensitive mental health services are essential for addressing these issues. This includes training mental health professionals to be culturally competent and creating safe spaces for open discussions. Words of encouragement and creating a safe place for our loved ones goes a long way so always check on your father, brother, son, cousins, friends, friends-friend and colleagues. https://lnkd.in/e5wsHceC #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackMen #MentalHealth #BlackCommunity

On this #Juneteenth, we commemorate the end of slavery in the United States and honor the resilience and strength of Black communities. As we celebrate this pivotal moment in history, it's crucial to acknowledge the enduring legacy of slavery and systemic racism and how they manifest in the present through both the lasting legacy of racism and intergenerational trauma. Intergenerational trauma refers to the psychological effects that the experiences of trauma have on subsequent generations. The horrors of slavery, systemic racism, and ongoing discrimination have left deep scars that are not confined to the past. They continue to affect the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of descendants today. Research in epigenetics has shown that trauma can leave a biological imprint on DNA, potentially altering the way genes are expressed. This means that the stress and trauma experienced by enslaved individuals can have tangible, lasting impacts on their descendants. These changes can influence susceptibility to various health conditions, stress responses, and even behavioral tendencies Understanding these concepts is vital as we work towards true equity and healing. Recognizing the profound and long-lasting impacts of historical injustices helps us address the root causes of disparities and create more informed, compassionate approaches to policy and community support. As we reflect on Juneteenth, let us commit to acknowledging the lasting trauma of slavery and institutional racism and supporting the health and well-being of Black communities. Let's honor the past by forging a future where justice and healing prevail with #traumainformed workplaces as a tool for doing so. #TraumaInformedWorkplaces #IntergenerationalTrauma #hrcommunity #BlackHistory #Resilience 

Black History Month, celebrated in February each year, is a time to recognize the central role Black and African Americans have played in the United States in both the past and the present and to recognize and celebrate their achievements. Mental illness affects one in four Americans. However, Black Americans are disproportionately more likely to experience mental health issues and social stigma. Historical adversity, which includes slavery, sharecropping, and race-based exclusion from health, educational, social, and economic resources, translates into socioeconomic disparities experienced by Black Americans today. Learning about the history of systemic racism during Black History Month - and all year - in the mental health system and movement and how it harms Black communities in the US and around the world is key to creating a mentally healthier world. Mental Health America has put together a non-exhaustive list of Black and African mental health resources: https://lnkd.in/gamQmaj #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackMentalHealthMatters