July is Minority Mental Health Month in the United States. The campaign for 2019 is #DepthOfMyIdentity. In 2008, July was chosen as the Minority Mental Health Awareness Month to bring recognition and understanding to the various mental health struggles experienced by under represented groups in the United States.
When most people hear the phrase minority, they likely think of racial and cultural groups. However, minority in this context refers to the sociological definition of a group that is simply smaller than the dominant population. As such, minority mental health month explores mental health issues faced by a wide variety of minority groups including, but not limited to, the LGBTQ+ community, refugees, immigrants, religious groups, racial and cultural groups, and many others.
The reality is, any individual in a minority group can face mental health conditions. Feelings of exclusion alone can result in a wide variety of stress related issues. The 2019 theme of #DepthOfMyIdentity strives to explore the various mental health issues experienced by the wide range of the unique identities of people in the US.
All of us have a unique identity. However, this identity isn’t just formed by what we think is true, but also from the perception of the people around us. It is essential for us to work as a community towards debunking common stereotypes and misconceptions. Not just to ensure the wellbeing of the people in our communities, but also to help them evolve as individuals.
This year’s theme is all about celebrating our uniqueness. We must challenge biases and preconceived notions. Together, as we celebrate our individuality, and the depths of our identities, we can live happier lives. By embracing who we are, instead of shunning those who are different, we can heal mental and emotional wounds of the present, and try to prevent them for future generations.
To learn more about Minority Mental Health Month and how you can celebrate and get involved, visit these resources: