Black College Students
There are a variety of different factors that contribute to negative mental health within the Black community. Lack of access to care, racial discrimination, and historical trauma are a few. And because there are few medical professionals that have the resources to treat African Americans, many refuse to seek help. We have found some of the best resources for people of the Black community. These are meant to help individuals find support and care for mental health when they need it.
Addiction & Mental Health Support
For years, Black people have been forced to watch media coverage of their peers and loved ones being brutally killed. This trend experienced a severe incline during the first months of 2020. Almost a year later, there were a record 6 police killings in 24 hours, showing a terrifying increase in discrimination and hate. The collective anger, fear, and helplessness that Black people feel have a significant impact on their mental health. Now more than ever, we must prioritize mental health, self-care, and overall well-being.
In the United States, 13.4% of the population identifies as Black, and about 16% of those individuals struggle with mental illness. There are a variety of different causes of declining mental health within this community. One of the most critical causes comes from the overwhelming over-representation of Black people in the prison system. 40% of the prison population consists of Black and African American people. Not only are there not enough Black professionals providing mental health care, but there is not enough cultural support. These people have unique needs and resources are limited. Below is a compilation of different resources that are culturally specific to the needs of Black and African American people.
Organizations and Foundations
An organization dedicated to the mental health and emotional well-being of students of color through crisis response and financial assistance.
A nonprofit organization that works to improve awareness of mental health issues among Black girls.
An organization that works with teenagers and young adults to raise awareness about mental health and help POC support and improve the mental health of themselves and their families.
A mental health and recovery organization, they work to increase awareness of mental health issues and promote openness about the issue and share holistic ways of improving mental health conditions.
This is a QTPOC community organization that provides helpful resources for LGBTQ people of color that are struggling with mental health issues.
TWLOHA’s Treatment & Recovery Scholarships
An acronym for To Write Love On Her Arms, this organization provides help and support to anyone struggling with depression, substance abuse, and self harm.
The Black Emotional And Mental Health Collective work to decrease the stigma of mental illness in the Black community while also providing helpful recovery resources.
This organization works to improve the access to resources and community services for Black sororities and fraternities across America.
Online Platforms and Communities
The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds
A free, online educational resource dedicated to improving and supporting the mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being of children, teens, and young adults.
A community platform that works to improve awareness of mental health issues among Black communities, while also providing solutions and actionable steps to improve mental health among both individuals and communities.
Supported by The Steve Fund, this online forum is dedicated to improving the mental wellbeing of students of color.
A blog site for QTPOC by QTPOC that shares testimonials, fiction, and works of fiction that highlight the experience of QTPOC in America today.
Podcasts
Several podcasts that are aimed at continuing the conversation about racial equality for Black students and Black people in America include:
Celebrates the lives and vulnerabilities of Black men through the open discussion of mental health and social topics that have traditionally been stigmatized among the Black community.
Therapy for Black Girls Podcast
Focuses on the overall well-being of Black girls, covering any and everything that falls under holistic care.
Discusses unique and thought-provoking subject matter that can range anywhere from existentialism and the presence of aliens to white guilt – run by two Black women with some refreshing points of view.
A podcast for Black girls by Black girls, the conversations focus on practicing positive self-care habits and improving overall wellness.
Hosted by entrepreneur Nicaila Matthews Okome, who offers advice and tips for starting a successful business, podcast, or side hustle of any kind.
Discusses topics of Black professionalism, offering tips to help young people achieve career success.
Videos
Ted Talks with Nadine Burke Harris: How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across a Lifetime
Ted Talks with Luvvie Ajayi Jones: Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
What Trauma Taught Me About Resilience by Charles Hunt at TEDxCharlotte
Articles
A few informative and enlightening articles that encourage and promote active and positive mental healthcare for Black people and Black students include:
Social Media Follows
Saddie Baddie
An Instagram that highlights BIPOC stories in an attempt to destigmatize mental health and promote community healing.
Sad Girls Club
A nonprofit committed to improving awareness about mental health issues among Black women and providing helpful resources for recovery.
Transparent Black Girl & Transparent Black Guy
Both organizations work to help Black women and Black men improve and support their own mental health.
Between Sessions
A podcast from the organization Melanin and Mental Health that addresses the everyday mental health obstacles that Black people face and offers advice from Black therapists.
Black and Embodied
An Instagram page by licensed mental health therapist Alishia McCullough, this page promotes mental health among all BIPOC.
The Nap Ministry
A platform that promotes rest as a form of resistance and reparations.
Black Nutritionist
Run by Dr. Kera Nyemb-Diop, this page encourages eating without guilt, respect for diet and health, and embracing your culture.
Austin Channing
A writer and Black advocate, her Instagram page promotes Black wellness including physical, emotional, and mental aspects.