Contra Costa County Public Library: Strength In Communities: A Mindful Honoring Of BIPOC Mental Health

Press release from the Contra Costa County Public Library:

Submitted by CCCL_EDI

July 8, 2021

It is an understatement to say that this has been a rough year.

In a pandemic, we sheltered at home with our families, navigated virtual school, work, and socializing; we found ourselves out of work, not knowing where our next paycheck or meal would come from, while dealing with the ever-present ripple effects of racism, homophobia, hate and anger, and trying to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe and well. All this on top of the regular feelings of anxiety, sadness, and depression that we struggle with on a daily basis. We are all suffering, and we can all use some help. We’ve put together resources and programs in honor of BIPOC Mental Health Month, and invite you to join us.

"Created to bring awareness to the unique struggles that underrepresented groups face in regard to mental illness in the U.S.A.," BIPOC Mental Health Month honors author, journalist, teacher, and mental health advocate Bebe Moore Campbell "who worked tirelessly to shed light on the mental health needs of the Black community and other underrepresented communities."

This year's theme is Strength in Communities. You are our community, and we invite you to join us in a mindful honoring of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Mental Health. Browse our resources of organizations who are here to help you. Check out a book from our lists of titles that focus on mental health. Join us as we talk to Bay Area author, performer, and radio host Brian Copeland, who graciously opens up about his own struggles with depression and mental health, and how he "Beat the Demon." And come back to our libraries, which are fully open and looking forward to seeing you again.

We are not mental health professionals, but Contra Costa County Library staff exist to connect people with ideas and resources which we hope can help you navigate this terribly beautiful world we live in.

Take care and be well.

Mental Health Resources

• BIPOC Mental Health Month Booklist
• Mental Health & Wellness Blog & Booklists from May 2021 Mental Health Awareness Month
• Brian Copeland Presents Beating the Demon: How I Dealt With Depression in My Life – Live virtual program, July 13, 6pm, click to register
• John Muir Mobile Health Clinic-East Bay – FREE medical services for uninsured individuals and families
• National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) - Identity and Cultural Dimensions
• Filling our Cups: 4 Ways People of Color can Foster Mental Health and Practice Restorative Healing
• BEAM: Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective
• The Asian Mental Health Project
• National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network
• Inclusive Therapists
• The National American Indian and Alaska Native Mental Health Technology Transfer Center

This press release was produced by the Contra Costa County Public Library. The views expressed here are the author’s own.