2026 BIPOC Mental Health Month Recap
- The Miles Hall Foundation
- Jul 29
- 3 min read
We learned. We chatted. We cared.
As the month comes to a close, we want to highlight the unique strengths and challenges that Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) face when it comes to mental health. This year for BIPOC Mental Health Month, we took care of ourselves. Learned new things. Started conversations. The ones that happen at the kitchen table, at the family cookout, and in the group chat. The ones that matter most in our communities.
Let’s take a look back…
What is BIPOC Mental Health Month and its origin story?
Each July, Mental Health America recognizes Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month (also referred to as BIPOC Mental Health Month). Named in honor of teacher, author, advocate, and journalist Bebe Moore Campbell. While supporting her daughter through mental illness, Bebe Moore Campbell encountered barriers within the mental health system. Determined to create change, she founded NAMI-Inglewood, providing a safe space for Black individuals and families to discuss mental health and seek support.
Campbell’s advocacy sparked national attention and conversation about the mental health needs of Black communities and other historically underrepresented groups. In 2008, Congress formally recognized Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month to raise awareness about the unique mental health challenges faced by underrepresented communities in the United States.
The Miles Hall Foundation stands by this effort.
Fact Checking Our Mental Health
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Black adults are more likely than white adults to experience persistent emotional distress — including sadness and the feeling that everyday tasks are a struggle. Black adults living below the poverty line are more than twice as likely to report serious psychological distress. Yet despite this, only 1 in 3 Black adults with mental illness receive treatment (Source: NAMI).
In 2024, Black/African American adults were 11% less likely than U.S. adults overall to report having a mental illness in the past year (Source: U.S. Office of Minority Health).
In 2024, Black/African American adults were 36% less likely than U.S. adults overall to have received mental health treatment in the past year (Source: U.S. Office of Minority Health).
In 2023, Black/African American high school students were 8% more likely than students nationwide to report attempting suicide in the past year (Source: U.S. Office of Minority Health).
In 2022, Black/African Americans were 37% less likely to die by suicide than the U.S. population overall (Source: U.S. Office of Minority Health).
Mental health is about how we think, feel, and connect with others. It shapes how we handle stress, make decisions, and move through daily life. When we're mentally well, we're better equipped to meet our responsibilities and enjoy life. When we're not, it can affect our physical health, self-esteem, and relationships (Source: U.S. Office of Minority Health).
Some people experience symptoms severe enough to indicate a diagnosable condition — such as anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, or schizophrenia. Others may not have a diagnosis but still struggle with stress, feeling overwhelmed, or emotional distress. Both experiences are valid. To learn more about specific mental illnesses, visit Mental Health America.
Insights with Dr. Gabrielle Jones
We interviewed licensed psychologist Dr. Gabrielle Jones, Ph.D. — Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at The Miles Hall Foundation — to offer her professional take on how we perceive people who have varying mental health illnesses in the Black community and advice on how to care for ourselves, families, and friends. Watch part 1 of this four part series on YouTube!
Resources
Researching mental health resources and education can be overwhelming. Need a place to start? Below is a list of our partner organizations and peers with valuable and trusted information, including mental health toolkits, service directories, and treatment options.
Closing
You don’t have to wait for a crisis to check in on your mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
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