A key part of The Wellness Coalition’s services includes helping individuals take charge of their health. We accomplish this through wellness education, one-on-one coaching, goal-setting, and more. Our trained wellness navigators also understand the impact mental and emotional wellness can have on a person’s ability to apply lessons learned to their daily lives. Unfortunately, mental health issues continue to affect communities of color at a higher rate than other communities, especially three years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Mental Health America in Montgomery, sadness, fear, worry, and other emotions can affect us during or after tough situations, including and especially the COVID-19 pandemic. Dealing with these issues can weigh heavily on our mental health and affect our daily lives. Additionally, feeling strong emotions or being stressed for extended periods of time can have negative effects on overall health.
July Is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is observed each July to bring awareness to the unique struggles that racial and ethnic minority communities face regarding mental illness in the United States. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it harder for racial and ethnic minority groups to get access to mental health and substance-use treatment services.
Throughout the month, the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health (OMH) will focus on promoting tools and resources addressing the stigma about mental health among racial and ethnic minority populations, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. OMH encourages state, tribal, and local leaders, community-based organizations, faith leaders, healthcare providers and individuals to educate your communities regarding mental health stigma.
What Is Mental and Behavioral Health
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Behavioral health has more to do with the specific actions people take. It is about how people respond in various scenarios. Behavioral health can be influenced by an individual’s mental health. For example, someone struggling with mental health issues may not have the capacity to take care of their physical health, whether that means eating healthy foods or taking their prescription medication as instructed.
Resources for Support
The Wellness Coalition and other agencies throughout the River Region are aware of these issues, and are prepared to help individuals, their families, or their caretakers access resources that can make life better. Visit these links to get started: