Honoring Mental Health in Every Culture: July’s Call to End the Stigma
- STAR Program SUNY Downstate
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
Supporting Mental Health in Brooklyn’s Diverse Communities
Mental health isn’t one-size-fits-all. And in a borough as vibrant and diverse as Brooklyn, it’s time we talk about how our cultures, backgrounds, and experiences shape how we deal with emotional wellness.
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to spotlight the unique challenges communities of color face when it comes to mental health. From systemic barriers to deep-rooted cultural stigma, too many of our neighbors are struggling in silence. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Let’s change the story, together.
Mental Health Is About More Than a Diagnosis
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. It’s about how you cope, connect, feel, and function. And it’s constantly shifting—just like life.
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or sad is part of the human experience. But when these feelings start to affect your daily life, it may be time to talk to someone. That could be a licensed therapist, a primary care doctor, a community health worker, or even a trusted friend or elder.
Barriers in Our Communities
Here’s the truth: Black, Latino, Caribbean, and Asian American communities often face more hurdles in getting mental health care. Some of the biggest obstacles include:
Lack of access to quality or affordable care
Cultural stigma and fear of being judged
Language barriers
Mistrust of the medical system
Not enough providers who understand our backgrounds
In 2020, less than half of African American adults with mental health needs received care. And Asian Americans are significantly less likely to seek mental health treatment than white Americans. These numbers are more than statistics—they’re our neighbors, our friends, our families.
When Women Carry It All
Women—especially women of color—often carry invisible weight. Balancing work, caregiving, relationships, and community responsibilities can leave little room for self-care. Mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and postpartum depression are common—but not often talked about.
Let’s say this loud and clear: You don’t have to suffer in silence.
Common signs of mental health struggles include:
Pulling away from loved ones
Feeling hopeless or empty
Big changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Mood swings or constant fatigue
If these symptoms sound familiar, you’re not alone—and you deserve support.
Taking Care of Your Mind, Body, and Spirit
Your mental wellness is worth prioritizing. Small, intentional habits can make a big difference:
Rest is resistance: Get at least 7 hours of sleep when you can.
Move with love: Stretch, walk, or dance your stress away.
Nourish yourself: Eat meals that energize and hydrate you.
Talk it out: Whether with a professional or a friend—don’t keep it in.
Ask for help: Support is strength. Don’t wait for things to get worse.
Let’s Break the Stigma—Brooklyn Style
At the STAR Program, we’re proud to lead the STOP Mental Health Stigma campaign right here in Brooklyn. We’re working to make mental health conversations normal, accessible, and culturally rooted.
This month, we invite you to:
Start a conversation about mental health with your community.
Check in with yourself and your loved ones.
Explore local mental health resources.
Share this blog to spread awareness and encourage healing.
You Deserve to Feel Whole
Mental illness is not a weakness. It’s not a personal failure. It’s something that millions of people experience—and recover from—every day.
Let’s replace silence with support. Let’s choose compassion over shame. Let’s make mental wellness a community priority.
Need Help Now?📞 Call or text NYC Well at 988 — 24/7 free, confidential support🌐 Visit StopMentalHealthStigma.com for local resources, stories, and more.
Together, we can build a Brooklyn where healing in color is possible—and powerful.#MentalHealthMatters #BrooklynCares #StopStigma #HealingInColor #YouAreNotAlone