Back to School is an exciting time for young people, filled with new opportunities and fresh beginnings. However, it can also bring stress, anxiety, and fear of the unknown and for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and girls, these feelings can be even more intense. Questions about acceptance and belonging may weigh heavily on your mind. Whether you are starting school for the first time, transitioning to a new school, or moving away from home, these challenges are real and unique. New friendships need to be formed, and old ones might be left behind and the pressure of exams and finals can add to the anxiety.
Our Head In The Game – Back To School campaign is dedicated to addressing these concerns. We aim to explain, champion, and support teens through a series of social media resources, posts, and collaborator stories. Our mission is to champion young people’s mental well-being during this critical period in their lives while also helping parents and caregivers with the tools they need to support young people.
Joe is a multi-talented individual who has successfully navigated a career in the NFL, emerged as a passionate mental health advocate, and unexpectedly found himself delving into the realms of comedy and music. We asked Joe some searching questions about his experiences growing up and how his journey through school and life has shaped his perspective on mental health.
‘The biggest piece of advice I have is that we don’t know what tomorrow holds until we get there. Oftentimes, we tell ourselves a story about the future that rarely, if ever, happens the way we think it will. I myself have fallen victim to this time and time again. So, I say we should live one day at a time. Not in the past or the future, but in the moment, doing what we can now and addressing tomorrow when it comes.‘
Do you have any top tips for young people to help them cope with uncertainties?
‘I think having a strong sense of identity is crucial when dealing with uncertainty. Knowing who you are helps establish your personal beliefs so that when trials and troubles arise, you are shaken but not crushed. I’d also suggest journaling. Sometimes things happen to us that we want to talk to people about, but we don’t know how to put it into words. Working these thoughts out in your quiet time helps you communicate them better when you want to talk to someone you love and trust, without feeling misunderstood or unheard.
Accepting that all of life is uncertain is also important. We can make the best plans for our lives, but then one thing can throw everything off. Learning to roll with the punches and realizing that your response to things that happen will serve you better than making plans that may fall through.
Mike Tyson once said that everyone has a plan until they get hit in the mouth. Life will hit you in the mouth at times, but the key to overcoming is your attitude and response to what happens.’
‘The sad reality of life is that not everyone is going to like you, and there is nothing you can do to control that. I can’t tell you how many times I’m surprised that people didn’t like those I look up to. Jimi Hendrix, for example, was one of the coolest people ever, but some people didn’t like him. You shouldn’t spend your time focusing on people who don’t like or accept you because at that point, you’re focusing on things you can’t control. What you can do is find a community of people who do accept you for who you are, who give you the love and help you need, and pour into them the way they pour into you. There will always be people who don’t like you, but there will also always be people who do. Not to mention, nine times out of ten, the most popular person in school is the most miserable anyway.’
‘Think of it as looking for stars in the sky; there is a lot of darkness at night, but that makes it easier to see the stars shine. Pay more attention to the stars.‘
What are some of your top tips for handling the pressure of exams and finals?
‘Study early and often. Many people wait until it’s too late to prepare and then stress out trying to cram and pray for a miracle rather than managing their time wisely leading up to the exams and being prepared. Proper preparation prevents poor performance. This means you may have to skip a party or event here or there to ensure you are properly prepared, but you’ll thank yourself later when you do well. Not many people adhere to delayed gratification these days, but that doesn’t mean you need to be one of them. When the tests and exams come, remind yourself of all the work and preparation you’ve done to get to that point. Doing this and having success will build confidence in the process for the next time you need to prepare for a final or exam.’
By not forcing it. You can’t be friends with everyone. Once you identify the people you trust and want to give time to, focus on those relationships. As more people come along and more opportunities present themselves, remind yourself that you can’t be friends with everyone. This takes the pressure off feeling like every single friendship has to work. The ones that are meant to be will grow and develop organically.
Friendships are like plants; some grow and thrive, while others die. Don’t spend time not watering the plants that are growing because you’re sad about the ones that died. Water the plants that are growing and don’t beat yourself up about the ones that die.
‘Some of the greatest people in the world never fit in, and that is what made them great in the end. Take it from someone who never fitted in at school; it may seem like the end of the world now, but that’s just a story you’re telling yourself. In reality, there is a big world full of billions of people outside of and beyond school.
There’s nothing wrong with being an individual, and I’m sure some of the people you look up to didn’t fit in at school either, but they still got to a point where people like you look up to them.
School is not your whole life; it’s just part of your life. Find the people you do fit in with and spend time fostering those relationships rather than trying to make sure you fit in with everyone or the wrong people.’
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Disclaimer: This website offers general information and is not a substitute for professional advice. We are not clinicians or trained professionals; this information should not replace seeking help from a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
When Laverne Cox was asked to tell a crowd at Harvard University about herself as she gained success for her role in Orange Is The New Black she asked, “what do you want to know about me?”
Her answer was very intentional.
“I sit here this afternoon a proud transgender woman, an African American transgender woman from a working-class background, raised by a single mother,” Cox said. “I sit here an artist and an actress, a sister and a daughter. And I believe it’s important to name the various intersecting components of my multiple identities because I’m not just one thing.”
Cox’s words highlight the essence of intersectionality, a term coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw. Intersectionality is about understanding how different aspects of a person’s identity—such as race, gender, sexuality, class, and more — combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and privilege.
This concept plays out in many ways throughout our day — in our schools, sports teams, and communities. Let’s consider the experiences of Ian.
Ian hoped doing theater and dance would help express and communicate who they were. And while it did in some ways, Ian was often given gendered roles they didn’t feel comfortable with. Because they are also neurodivergent, it was difficult to explain why that was so frustrating.
“I have struggled with loving myself and caring for myself, largely because the world has told me that I’m broken — because I’m trans, because I’m neurodivergent, and because I happen to be both,” the teen says. “I explain to them why they’re wrong, but my communication issues often make it hard to articulate exactly how my gender identity feels even when people are very accepting and validating of me, so it’s even harder when they’re not.”
For Ian, being transgender and neurodivergent are both important parts of how they identify.
“These things make me different, and they definitely present big challenges in my life, but they don’t make me less than anybody else,” Ian explains.
To better understand the situations that people like Ian find themselves in, it is important to explore their identity through the lens of intersectionality.
Think of it like a web where each strand represents a different part of your identity. The more strands you have, the more unique and complex your experiences are.
For Ian, that means being a white, transgender, neurodivergent teen from North Carolina. Intersectionality helps us understand how different aspects of a person’s identity combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and privilege.
When Crenshaw first wrote about the idea of intersectionality she was exploring in a paper the way that courts handled three specific cases that involved both racial and sexual discrimination. Crenshaw wrote, she believed, the courts used a narrow perspective, by only thinking about one of those issues, not both. She said she believed that ignored the fact that Black women are both Black and female, so they can face discrimination because of their race, their gender, and often both at the same time. Over time, that concept and lens gained traction, and taking on larger and more varied views of complex identities.
When we look at the mental health of struggling teens, it is important to see all of the different factors that can contribute to making their journey more difficult.
Let’s explore how the first day of school would be different for a variety of teens based on their complex identities:
When we consider intersectionality, we see how multiple factors can affect mental health, making it harder for teens to fit in or feel safe discussing their feelings. These compounded challenges can lead to higher rates of anxiety, depression, or suicide among marginalized groups.
Sawyer Dowd knows the statistics well. He rattles them off as part of a Tedx Talk he is giving.
He adds: “For autistic youth, they’re three times more likely to attempt suicide, which jumps up to eight times when you consider only female autistics.”
“LGBTQ youth are three times more likely to self-harm and four times more likely to attempt suicide when compared to their non-LGBTQ peers,” he explains. “About 35% of Native American youth in the last six months have seriously considered suicide. Which is 25% higher than the national average.”
And then, a harrowing gut punch: “Now, where does that leave me? As a gay, autistic, 20-year-old Native American male?”
Sawyer says he is one of the lucky ones with a supportive family. But that’s not often the case.
For others like him, it’s important to understand how Native Americans often have less access to health care. For males, it has historically been frowned upon to seek help, even if it were available. And for those who may be autistic, social isolation may exacerbate that, he explains.
“If I can tell you anything about having autism it’s that it makes it incredibly hard to relate to the people around you,” Sawyer explains. “At best, you can mask and adapt to how people think you should be. At worst, you can spiral and feel more lonely than you think anyone in the world can.”
While he knows there is no one easy solution to help the most vulnerable, even as a teen Sawyer knows he could have an impact. And that starts with recognizing there is an issue that exists.
“Do your best to educate yourselves about these issues even further to make the world a better place for everyone on it,” Sawyer says.
He notes the stakes are high if we don’t.
“At the end of the day, the last thing we all want to become is another statistic,” he says.
Disclaimer: This website offers general information and is not a substitute for professional advice. We are not clinicians or trained professionals; this information should not replace seeking help from a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
For high school student Kay, who identifies as queer, those moments of feeling understood by others meant everything to him.
“When someone uses he/him pronouns for me it’s like a surprising little jolt of like support and understanding that not a lot of people give me,” he said.
Kay – High School Student
Put simply, being an ally means using your privilege and power in solidarity with marginalized groups to challenge and change the systemic barriers that impede their rights and opportunities.
16-year-old Rena found an ally in her teacher who allowed black students to come up with a lesson plan to educate their peers, including topics like cultural appropriation.
“I just thought that was really cool and impactful because that really takes the whole meaning on the student becoming the teacher,” the high school student from Seattle said. “Though my teacher may not have realized it, she gave a whole bunch of students a voice that may not have had that voice had she not done that.”
Okay, so now you know a little bit of the huge impact you can have as an ally. But you may be wondering where or how to get started. We’ve got you covered.
Let’s start with the basics: Being an ally means stepping up to ensure everyone is treated with respect and dignity, no matter their race, gender, or sexual orientation.
For teens and their parents, this is about more than just being fair—it’s about actively participating in making a difference. It involves listening well, communicating openly, and taking meaningful actions.
Shalini Kasida, Chair of the Board at Doc Wayne Youth Services, Inc., and a Consultant for the Champions Network®, emphasized that being an ally means more than just voicing or feeling support.
“It’s about listening, learning, and taking meaningful action,” Kasida says. “True allyship involves acknowledgment and understanding of diverse experiences.”
For young people, this might mean speaking up when you see injustice or learning more about cultures different from your own. For parents, educators, and coaches it’s about guiding these efforts and helping unlearn biases that we all might carry.
18-year-old McKenzie says it was the acknowledgment from a white teacher that gave her a glimpse of what that looks like. McKenzie, a high school student from Ohio, said she had found it frustrating how limiting conversations on the black experience were in her school – as if all black people felt the same way.
But her teacher showed this, by admitting that as a white woman, she could not be as knowledgeable about how life has been for black people throughout history because she had not experienced it herself.
“It’s so important as Black women that we continue to take the time to celebrate ourselves. To be able to share our stories and inspire the next generation – that’s what it’s all about. It’s an amazing feeling to be able to know your a part of something and where your family comes from.”
“She understood that she wouldn’t understand racism and discrimination like some of her students would,” McKenzie said.
McKenzie – High School Student from Ohio
That’s a common theme around allyship – the willingness to admit what you don’t know and to seek ways to educate yourself, including bringing more perspectives to the table.
In fact, many teens don’t expect you to have the answers right now – but have shared they see an ally as someone who stands by you no matter what your identity is and supports you even if they don’t understand it from the beginning.
It’s about how you show up for someone in their life, and how they show up for you.
It’s also about looking at yourself.
Sam Zurn, Director of Learning at Doc Wayne, one of our Head In The Game Expert Partners, elaborates on his journey as a White ally to Black communities, focusing on self-awareness and continuous education.
“When I think about allyship to Black communities, one thing that comes to mind is the importance of doing my own work around Whiteness,” he says. “How has my Whiteness interacted with my other identities to shape the way I move about Boston, New England, or the United States more broadly? How am I unlearning harmful biases and/or behaviors that I’ve been socialized in so that I can show up for Black people without causing further racial harm?”
Sam Zurn – Director of Learning at Doc Wayne
Zurn says his allyship includes reading books that explore race, racism, and anti-racism, as well as their interactions with other identities, like gender. (https://www.headinthegame.us/sams-story-allyship-to-black-communities)
For high school student Peregrine, it’s all about being genuine.
“I think an ally is someone who takes action, not just someone who wears the t-shirt and goes to Pride and eats the amazing food. There’s a lot of stuff that you can do but the important part is that it’s not performative and that you take action.”
Peregrine – High School Student
So what might that look like for you?
Being there as an ally for someone in a difficult moment can be such an important way for someone else to be seen, but also helped during some of their difficult times. Jay, a communication professional, who lives with his husband in Washington, it came in the form of a message from a friend after writing a post about how bigotry and hatred were weighing heavily on him. – . https://spectrummagazine.org/views/5-practical-ways-be-powerful-lgbtq-ally/
The note said in part:
“Good morning, my dear friend… I just wanted you to know that I’m especially carrying you in my heart after reading your post yesterday. Without attempting to appropriate your experience or perspectives, I want to reaffirm that there are so SO many who hear, understand, and align, who care and love.”
Ally of Jay
That support deepened Jay’s connection with his friend and gave him support during a real moment of struggle and sorrow. This is why allyship is so important, as he explains. It’s a reminder that a simple message at the right time can be a lifeline for someone in a time of need. And something you can start doing right now.
“Some of my most vivid and meaningful memories in my personal journey are those moments where allies showed up for me.”
“Being an ally is an ongoing process. There will be times when you make mistakes. But the important thing is to learn from your mistakes and to keep trying your best.”
“I’m reminded of the saying attributed to Maya Angelou, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.”
Being an ally involves respectful and considerate interactions. We dove into many resources from top organizations to understand the biggest ways allies can help. Here are some important tips to consider.
Understand Pronoun Usage: If you’re unsure about someone’s pronouns, listen to how they refer to themselves, introduce yourself with your pronouns, and ask theirs in return. If you make a mistake, apologize and move on without overemphasizing the error.
If you’re unsure where you start, watch this short film below about the importance of pronouns.
Support Throughout the Year: While it’s valuable to participate in and support cultural and awareness months like Black History Month or Pride, true allyship requires consistent engagement and support throughout the year. Don’t limit your advocacy or learning to specific times; make it a part of your everyday life.
Challenge Stereotypes: Speak out against stereotypes in daily interactions, media consumption, and discussions, regardless of the group they concern.
Educate Yourself Properly: Organizations like PFLAG and The Trevor Project offer resources about being a transgender ally, providing deeper insights into various issues. Apply similar dedication to learning about racial, disability, and economic injustices.
Respect Someone’s Privacy: Avoid making assumptions about a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other personal detail without consent. Respect personal narratives and histories. In discussion with transgender individuals, remember It’s inappropriate to ask invasive questions about a person’s body, medical history, or life prior to transition.
Promote Diversity: Find ways to speak up in your community or school to make sure relevant voices and perspective are included in discussions.
Be Aware of Microaggressions: Comments that seem harmless or complimentary can often be hurtful. Be mindful of remarks related to anyone’s identity, including race, gender, and sexual orientation, and learn from feedback.
Comments like “You don’t look trans!” may seem complimentary but can be hurtful. They imply that being transgender is undesirable. Asking someone “Where are you really from?” can make them feel like they’re seen as a foreigner in their own country, while saying “You speak English so well” suggests it’s surprising for someone of their race to be fluent, both of which are hurtful assumptions.
Advocate for Accessible Environments: Push for improvements in physical and digital spaces to make them accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities.
Respect is Fundamental: You don’t need to fully understand someone’s identity to respect it. This fundamental principle applies to interactions across all aspects of diversity.
Pay Attention to Your Language: Be mindful of gendered and potentially exclusive language in everyday conversation. Terms like “ladies and gentlemen” or “guys” can inadvertently exclude or misgender people. Adopt more inclusive language and encourage others to do the same.
Support Businesses Owned by Underrepresented Groups: Make a conscious effort to purchase from businesses owned by women, minorities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and disabled persons.
Volunteer: Engage directly by volunteering with organizations that focus on various causes, including civil rights, refugee support, and gender equality.
Remember, Being an Ally is About Continuous Learning and Respect: Support individuals in their unique experiences and journeys across all identities by committing to ongoing personal growth and understanding.
We’ve curated some additional resources from the Human Rights Campaign and The Trevor Project to help you on your journey of becoming an ally or deepening your understanding.
How To Be An Ally When Someone Comes Out To You
Additional Ways To Show Your Support
Showing Support For Different Identities
A Glossary of Important Terms to Educate Yourself
A Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Young People
Disclaimer: This website offers general information and is not a substitute for professional advice. We are not clinicians or trained professionals; this information should not replace seeking help from a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Black History Month is a time to deepen the spotlight on the enormous impact Black Americans have on our nation.
It’s a time of celebration, pride, resilience – and how this can uplift the mental health of Black youth.
A recent study showed 76% of Black folks feel race is a huge part of their identity. And having a sense of ethnic pride may be as important as self-esteem to the mental wellbeing of Black youth specifically.
Part of our Black History Month celebrations are to shine a spotlight on the champions from the past and present.
And we start with our very own Head In The Game Collaborators – Joe Barksdale and Kayla McBride – who are brave mental health advocates and champions of positive change for Black teens and those who identify as LGBTQIA+.
WNBA All-Star and Minnesota Lynx guard, Kayla McBride is a force to be reckoned with in the world of women’s basketball. Kayla’s impact and legacy extend beyond the court, through her advocacy for youth mental health, raising the profile of Black women in sport, and her dedication to help others.
Kayla shares what Black History Month means to her:
“It’s so important as Black women that we continue to take the time to celebrate ourselves. To be able to share our stories and inspire the next generation – that’s what it’s all about. It’s an amazing feeling to be able to know your a part of something and where your family comes from.”
Find out more about what Black History Month means to Kayla, who were her role models growing up, and who her African American Sporting Heroes are. ????????
Joe Barksdale, former NFL offensive tackle turned comedian and musician, is a courageous individual who decided to share his experiences with depression, anxiety, and autism, to help break down the pervasive stigma surrounding these issues, especially within the Black community.
Joe shared that he’s a firm believer in:
“You can’t know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’ve been.”
Joe sees Black History Month as a time to reflect on what Black people in the US have had to go through in order to get to where we are today.
Joe shares his passion for African American arts influencers and how they have influenced his life as a creative artist in comedy and music.
Find out more about what Black History Month means to Joe and which Black artists have had a positive impact on his life so far. ????????
Disclaimer: This website offers general information and is not a substitute for professional advice. We are not clinicians or trained professionals; this information should not replace seeking help from a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Art has long served as a powerful vehicle for self-expression in the Black community. And studies show making art lights up the brain’s reward center, cuts stress and anxiety, and boosts your overall vibe.
This Black History Month gives us the chance to celebrate both with a spotlight on the impact Black Americans have left on the arts community and highlight how creative expression can uplift our spirits and help heal trauma.
First let’s talk about how helpful art can be for your mental wellbeing. Research shows engaging in art can trigger a cascade of positive effects in our brains. It’s like a natural stress-reliever, it’s known to reduce anxiety levels and can help in improving our mood.
Art can also help us process or feel more in control of difficult situations by working through them by creating.
As the legendary black poet Maya Angelou wrote, “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
As Angelou wrote, no matter what hardships we face, we have the power to lift ourselves up through art rather than be weighed down.
And that means everyone. You don’t have to be a Basquiat, Toni Morrison or Nina Simone to reap the mental health perks of art. Whether you’re a renowned painter, an amateur phone photographer, or someone who just likes belting Beyoncé hits in the shower, creative acts let our inner light shine through and can help you turn your pain or frustrations into power.
Baltimore artist Larry “Poncho” Brown spoke of how one of his pieces of art was inspired by a resilience amid a devastating fire at his studio and symbolized the strength to address mental health challenges. Brown, a full-time artist, said that his art in many ways gives him more therapy in a day than most people get in a lifetime.
“I’m blessed to have found art as a place of reflection, a place of peace. It’s another space you can go to in order to release tension.”
Larry “Poncho” Brown
In naming the theme for Black History Month as a celebration of the arts, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, recognized how “African American artists have used art to preserve history and community memory as well as for empowerment.”
“For centuries Western intellectuals denied or minimized the contributions of people of African descent to the arts as well as history, even as their artistry in many genres was mimicked and/or stolen.
However, we can still see the unbroken chain of Black art production from antiquity to the present, from Egypt across Africa, from Europe to the New World. Prior to the American Revolution, enslaved Africans of the Lowcountry began their more than a 300-year tradition of making sweetgrass baskets, revealing their visual artistry via craft.”
ASALH
It is true that art is storytelling in its own way and can leave a legacy behind. It can also inspire your mood, connect you to your culture and remind of you of the progress that has been made.
Below, we want to share with you a list of some of the artists being explicitly celebrated by this theme and invite you to explore their music, paintings, poetry and cinema to inspire you. We’ll share links to some of their best-known works.
Get inspired and then we’ll give you some suggestions for how you can use art to help your own wellbeing.
Robert Johnson, McKinley ‘Muddy Waters’ Morganfield, and Riley “BB” B. King: Listen to these Influential blues musicians known for pioneering a style of music that laid the foundation for gospel, soul, and other genres.
Phillis Wheatley: A poet whose works made her one of the earliest African American authors.
David Walker and Maria Stewart: Writers known for their essays, autobiographies, and
novels, contributing to black literature.
Edmonia Lewis: A sculptor known for her neoclassical works.
Henry O. Tanner: A prominent painter who gained recognition for his depictions of religious and biblical subjects.
James Reese Europe: An influential musician and bandleader.
Langston Hughes: A renowned poet, novelist, and playwright.
Josephine Baker: An iconic dancer and entertainer.
Lois Mailou Jones: An accomplished painter known for her contributions to the Harlem Renaissance.
Alvin Ailey: A choreographer and dancer who founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Judith Jamison: A prominent dancer and choreographer.
Amiri Baraka: A writer, playwright, and poet who played a key role in the Black Arts Movement.
Nikki Giovanni and Sonia Sanchez: Noted poets and writers associated with the movement.
DJ Kool Herc and Coke La Rock: Pioneers of hip-hop music, originating in the Bronx in 1973.
Sun Ra, Rashan Roland Kirk, Janelle Monáe, and Jimi Hendrix: Musicians whose work incorporates elements of Afrofuturism.
Octavia Butler: A renowned sci-fi writer known for her Afrofuturist novels.
Lina Iris Viktor, Wangechi Mutu, Nalo Hopkinson, and Grace Jones: Visual artists and writers who have explored Afrofu turist themes in their work.
Image by pikisuperstar on Freepik
Now that you’ve gotten a taste of those who have come before you, think of some of your own favorite black artists. What do you love about how they express themselves? Is there something about their work you’d like to try?
Remember part of the joy of art is simply in creating and doesn’t have to do with “how good” the end result is. The journey and creativity are just as much part of the process of helping boost your mood.
Try your hand at some of these art activities that can help bring your stress levels down. Think about if you can make any of these themed for Black History Month too. Maybe create a playlist of your favorite black artists.
No matter what, the key is to keep it simple. Try one of these. Think of how you feel before you start. When you’re done, notice if you feel any different.
Disclaimer: This website offers general information and is not a substitute for professional advice. We are not clinicians or trained professionals; this information should not replace seeking help from a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Image by pikisuperstar on Freepik.
Black History Month stands as a symbol of Black pride and resilience. But it also casts light on another narrative running through the experience of Black Americans – one of deep-seated adversity due to systemic racism.
We take the time this month to reflect on the achievements and success of Black Americans and to honor those who paved the way for tremendous success for other black people who came after them. But to speak truth to the full experience of Black Americans, we must also reflect on the real gaps in equity faced by the Black community. That’s particularly true with regards to health and mental health.
“These disparities have been exacerbated by the uneven impacts of the COVID-pandemic, ongoing racism and discrimination, and police violence against and killings of Black people,” according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. “Moreover, the long history of inequitable health outcomes among Black people reflects the abuses faced during slavery, segregation, mass incarceration and their persistent legacies.”
Despite progress, the impact of historical injustices – from slavery to segregation, and the ongoing battle with racism – continues to affect the lives and mental wellbeing of Black Americans.
“America is supposed to be the land of the free and the home of the brave, but I don’t feel free, nor do I feel protected during these unprecedented times. I have two boys, and whenever they go out to the store, to meet a friend, etc., I worry and wonder what’s going to happen to them because of their race.”
Valerie Sterns, Mental Health America
Data reveals a harsh truth: Black individuals encounter more significant barriers to healthcare.
That issue was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic when Black people faced a disproportionately higher risk of hospitalization and death compared to their White counterparts. Moreover, those effects of COVID-19 may lead to widening disparities in health going forward, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Yale Child Study Center says that repercussions of racism begin even before birth.
“The stress of racism experienced by Black mothers has been linked to low birthweight babies, which puts those children at greater risk for developing depression and other child mental health issues.”
These disparities serve as a grim reminder of the broader societal inequities that have persisted for generations. Which is why this Black History Month we want to lay out some statistics in hopes of sparking a conversation about how important it is to close the gap.
These numbers may hit close to home. We hope that that these numbers will also show you that you are not alone.
Based on evidence from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of Minority Health:
While much of what needs to happen to fix these gaps may be at an institutional level, remember there is an impact you and your family can have in your own community.
It might look like having a conversation with a friend, family member or trusted adult about how you’re feeling. Or maybe checking on a friend you’re worried about. If you’re not sure where to start, that’s okay too. Check some of our other resources to help you get thinking about your mental wellbeing.
It’s important to know having these conversations isn’t just about mental wellbeing — it may also be crucial to your overall health.
“Chronic exposure to the stress of racism and discrimination is linked to rapid biological aging and poorer health outcomes for Black people,” according to Nature Mental Health. “This exposure to police violence has been found to have negative mental health outcomes for Black people. Black youth have also been disproportionately affected by gun violence, which can adversely affect the mental health and well-being of children.”
Keanan Joyner, an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, leads a research lab that focuses on the causes of drug and alcohol abuse and behavioral disorders, particularly among minority and low-income groups.
“As Black people across the country try to cope with the consequences of the legacy of systemic racism that continues to affect them and their loved ones, we’re constantly bombarded with reminders of the broken world we live in. Black people everywhere learn to live with the continual challenge of living in a country not designed for their thriving. The toll on Black mental health is substantial.”
Keanan Joyner, an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley
Understanding how we got here is vital. Dr. Barbara Robles-Ramamurthy, an expert in child psychiatry, offers insight into the lasting effects of racism that begin to affect Black children’s self-perception and mental health at a very young age. She explains that the relentless wave of racism can lead Black children to question their self-worth, their beauty, and their place in the world.
“Internalized racism — the beliefs and value systems affected by racism that guide our everyday behavior — is so pervasive that at a very young age, Black children begin to question their beauty, strength, and sense of belonging,” Robles-Ramamurthy says. “This is not because Black children are inherently different but because of how other people and systems treat them.”
Robles-Ramamurthy doesn’t stop there. She points out that the impact of racist policies, like segregated schools and neighborhoods, have long-lasting consequences that continue to marginalize and harm Black communities.
The Civil Rights movement and school desegregation may appear to be history, especially when we discuss them during Black History Month, but the repercussions are still very much felt today, Robles-Ramamurthy says.
“Even though decades have passed since the Civil Rights movement and school desegregation, we know that our actions have not been sufficient to undo the harms created by racist policies that still harm many communities.”
Dr. Barbara Robles-Ramamurthy, an expert in child psychiatry
Let’s keep it real: the stuff we’ve talked about is heavy. But it’s also reality. And sometimes the weight of it might feel like carrying around extra weight.
But guess what? We’ve got the tools to lighten that load. It’s not just about knowing what’s up with the past and how it’s still impacting with the present. It’s also about how each generation can step forward and make mental health and wellbeing a focus.
First, check out some of our favorite mental health gems for teens your age. We’ve also got a deep dive on the state of mental health for black teens like you that includes some tips about how you can help manage your feelings.
We also encourage you to check some great organizations working specifically on mental health for black teens. Like Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM) and The Steve Fund. You can find info about them and lots more organizations providing culturally sensitive mental health resources for black youth by checking out our ‘Mental Health Support for Black Teens‘ resource.
Disclaimer: This website offers general information and is not a substitute for professional advice. We are not clinicians or trained professionals; this information should not replace seeking help from a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Image by Freepik
Data reveals a harsh truth. That Black youth have a higher risk for mental health disorders like depression and anxiety, and only half access mental health care compared to their non-Black peers.
More research on the topic is needed to help bring the best solutions to the Black community.
You may feel the weight of inequality is a heavy burden to hold. We hear you and we see you. And we are here to offer some hope.
We start with highlighting organizations and support services that are created to support the Black community. Each one has tools to lighten that load and help you step forward and make mental wellbeing a priority.
You deserve to live a fulfilled life. Choose You.
This supportive and culturally sensitive resource hub is a safe space for healing and discussion. Their work focuses on healing justice and how holistically we can respond to generational trauma and violence.
BEAM has great wellness tools like affirmations, tips for grounding and journal prompts.
BEAM’s “Black Healing Remixed” podcast, which discusses healing, black joy and a place where “ancestral wisdom meets today’s modern complexities.”
Black Virtual Wellness Directory – find a virtual Black therapist, mediator and more by State.
Heart Space – a monthly, online and in-person healing circle and emotional skills building space for Black people looking to learn and grow in their own healing.
A hub for young people of color mental health. They team up with experts and youth to boost mental wellbeing understanding and support. Dive into their knowledge center – a wealth of articles, expert insights and practical tips covering a broad range of mental health topics.
Text STEVE to 74141 to access a culturally trained Crisis Text line counselor.
Guided conversation for parents – addressing a racially charged encounter.
Breaking the Silence Series – free courses designed mental health experts on mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.
Interventions to building inclusive college campuses to promote mental health.
NFL player Solomon Thomas talking about how it’s OK to not be OK:
The AAKOMA (African American Knowledge Optimized for Mindfully-Healthy Adolescents) Project is a charity helping to advance the mental health of young people of color and their families. They provide tailored tools, educational programs, and resources.
5 free virtual therapy sessions with culturally competent provides nationwide for patients 12 – 30 years old.
Social media tips for teens and parents.
Supporting black students’ wellness amid mounting challenges.
This initiative designed to champion the mental health of black women and girls puts mental wellness as a vital component of overall health. Black Girls Smile offers a wealth of resources and support. This includes educational programs, workshops, and community outreach events aimed at promoting mental health awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.
Image by pikisuperstar on Freepik
Their Affirmation Cards you can download as part of their Mental Wellness Toolkit.
Their self-paced online courses, like Creating and Incorporating Healthy Daily Habits for young Black women aged 13-18.
The Young People of Color Community on 7Cups connects you to caring listeners and counsellors for free emotional support. Explore self help guides, confidential online therapy and free 24/7 chat supported by The Steve Fund.
You can filter by topic including ‘Celebrating Persons of Color’ and ‘Mental Health as a POC.’
Uplifting content that is hopeful and supportive.
An easy to use forum that’s informal and encourages you to engage with others in the community.
An online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellbeing of Black women and girls. Dr. Joy Harden Bradford a licensed psychologist, hosts and speaks on the popular podcast ‘Therapy for Black Girls,’ making mental health topics more relevant and accessible for Black women.
The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast chat weekly about all things mental health and personal development. Previous episodes include ‘Environmental Justice 101’ and ‘Examining Your Relationship With Social Media.’
Their blog including stories and resources like ‘Soul Warming Black Christmas Movies (New and Old)’ and ‘4 Lessons on Grief We Can Learn from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
An app for young people 13+ with a focus on strengthening mental health and geared towards the Black community. Providing knowledge and exercises that can help the body, emotions and thoughts to calm down in the moment. Free to use by anyone with a smartphone and available on the App Store and Google play.
Inspirational Black quotes.
Self care tips including ‘How to Cope After Police Brutality’ and ‘How to talk to Black family members who may not want to understand mental illness.’
To explore more mental health resources tailored for Black youth, why not check out:
Black Teen’s Guide to Mental Health.
How Black teens can help their mental wellbeing by celebrating Black History Month.
Or stories from Serena Williams and LeBron James – Black athletes breaking barriers and embracing mental health.
Disclaimer: This website offers general information and is not a substitute for professional advice. We are not clinicians or trained professionals; this information should not replace seeking help from a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Image by Freepik
Every February, we get a chance to celebrate Black History Month—a time to deepen the spotlight on the massive impact Black Americans have on our nation.
But it’s more than just a history deep-dive. It’s about lifting the Black community, connecting with each other, and celebrating champions from the past and present.
A recent poll showed that 76% of Black folks feel race is a huge part of their identity. And having a sense of ethnic pride may be as important as self-esteem to the mental health of Black youth specifically, according to one study.
Which is why we like to think that taking part in Black History Month can be an unexpected way for Black teens to boost your mental health. Think about it: seeing success stories of other Black Americans, both from history and today, isn’t just empowering; it makes us believe that success is possible for us too. We become proud of those achievements, of each other, of the community. And that sense of connection and pride? That can boost your mood!
Black History Month also has the power to transform perceptions — it’s a time to learn the stories of known and unknown Black scientists, artists, and thinkers who have been integral to the shaping of American and global history.
Black History Month was officially established in 1976 by President Gerald Ford who asked Americans to use the month in order “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
The monthlong celebration evolved out of “Negro History Week,” which noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans started. Woodson, the second African American to earn a PhD from Harvard, understood the power of education and the dangers of exclusion. Woodson understood history is about the past – but also how the present will impact the future – and sought to focus on the achievements of African Americans.
Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.
Carter G. Woodson
Woodson chose the second week of February because of the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, American symbols of freedom, according to Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).
Douglass, an abolitionist who overcame the traumas of enslavement, embodied the principles of education and leadership, advocating tirelessly for the freedom and progress of Black people.
By the late 1960s, fueled by the Civil Rights Movement and an increased embrace of Black identity, “Negro History Week” expanded into Black History Month across numerous college campuses.
In classrooms around the country, teachers and classes would spotlight the lives and contributions of many Black Americans, including activists and civil rights pioneers like Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and Rosa Parks.
The annual observance of Black History Month serves also serves a reflection point of past struggles and efforts to form a more inclusive historical narrative of America.
While there is often focus on the history of slavery and the civil rights movement, there has been growing pushes to use the time to dig deeper into the continuing systematic injustices that exist within various parts of American institutions today.
Those issues are often reflected in the themes chosen for each’s year celebration. Past themes have explored Black resistance, voting rights, educational challenges, and the inequity of health systems and mental health care in America.
This year the ASALH chose to highlight the African American influence on the arts.
For centuries Western intellectuals denied or minimized the contributions of people of African descent to the arts as well as history, even as their artistry in many genres was mimicked and/or stolen.
ASALH
However, we can still see the unbroken chain of Black art production from antiquity to the present, from Egypt across Africa, from Europe to the New World. Prior to the American Revolution, enslaved Africans of the Lowcountry began their more than a 300-year tradition of making sweetgrass baskets, revealing their visual artistry via craft.
So, what can you do to get into this year’s spirit of Black History Month? A lot!
You can always come up with your own ideas, remember, it’s all about celebrating the culture, the people, and the progress.
And that includes you. Celebrate where you come from, how far you’ve come and let the great Black American artists remind you to carry the spirit of this month with you all year round.
Because history isn’t just about the past; it’s about the trail you’re blazing right now. That’s right, young kings and queens, this a reminder you’re walking in the footsteps of greatness, and now is your time to add to it!
Disclaimer: This website offers general information and is not a substitute for professional advice. We are not clinicians or trained professionals; this information should not replace seeking help from a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Image credit: by Freepik
Mental health challenges can show up in lots of different ways among young people. For example, certain situations can make someone feel anxious, while others might feel stress. You are unique and so are your experiences, and it’s important to understand and respect that.
However, there are certain patterns that can be similar from person to person. Knowing these can help you to understand what you might be going through which may lead to better, more focused help.
We dive into some mental health challenges, such as Attention Deficit Disorder.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (also called ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children (American Psychiatric Association). While it can be diagnosed at any age, ADHD starts in childhood. In the US, there are currently 5.5 million people with ADHD (Our World in Data).
ADHD is a chronic and debilitating disorder and affects the individual in many areas of their life, like education, work, relationships with others and daily functioning. In children it can lead to poor self-esteem and social function if it’s not treated.
In teens symptoms vary by gender, type of ADHD, the environment they are in, and if they have any other disorders. Without help, teens with ADHD tend to have lower grades and higher rates of challenges at school and may struggle with friendships or managing emotions.
Warning signs and symptoms include:
More boys than girls are diagnosed with ADHD (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and symptoms can differ. Girls may lean toward less noticeable inattentive symptoms than to obvious hyperactive symptoms, therefore ADHD is sometimes overlooked in girls.
You can’t diagnose ADHD on your own. A trained health professional will evaluate specific symptoms. It’s important to note that other conditions can mimic ADHD such as learning disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, substance use, and head injuries. So it’s important to seek specialist help.
If you are worried about whether you have ADHD, it’s important to know that effective treatments are available to manage the symptoms. Treatment varies between people, but in most cases, medicine is paired with behavior therapy.
Do not be afraid to seek help, it will help you find better ways to cope with your emotions and improve your wellbeing.
If you don’t know where to start, we’ve gathered some trusted, free, 24/7 national text and helplines:
Or if you’re looking for mental health services and treatment programs in your specific state, The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides the Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator online tool.
National Institute of Mental Health’s resource on ‘Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Teens: What You Need to Know,’ as well as a download in Spanish.
CHADD’s resource on ‘Parenting Teens with ADHD.’
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has comprehensive information on ADHD, including on treatment, state information, and materials and multimedia such as infographics, videos and podcasts.
Disclaimer: This website offers general information and is not a substitute for professional advice. We are not clinicians or trained professionals; this information should not replace seeking help from a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Mental health challenges can show up in lots of different ways among young people. For example, certain situations can make someone feel anxious, while others might feel stress. You are unique and so are your experiences, and it’s important to understand and respect that.
However, there are certain patterns that can be similar from person to person. Knowing these can help you to understand what you might be going through which may lead to better, more focused help.
We dive into some mental health challenges, such as self-harm.
Self-harm or self-injury is hurting yourself on purpose. It is also called non suicidal self-injury, self-injury and self-directed violence. Self-Harm is not a mental illness, but a behaviour that indicates a need for better coping skills. Thinking about causing yourself harm – or actually hurting yourself – is a sign of emotional distress. Any time a person hurts themselves on purpose it is classified as self-harm.
Self-harm is an extremely serious issue that some young people face. It tens to begin in teen or early adult years. According to one study, known rates of self-harm are between 7-24% in adolescents, and 9th grade girls seem most at risk as they engage in self-harm at 3 times the rate of boys.
Even though it is not a healthy or effective solution, people might self-harm because they feel like it is their only way to control or relieve overwhelming emotions or feelings. Some people do it because they want to change the emotional pain that they are having into physical pain.
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. In life-threatening situations, call 911.
Ways in which someone can self-harm include:
Warning signs and symptoms of self-harm include:
If you or someone you know is developing self-harming habits:
Even though you might feel a certain, temporary, relief after self-harm, it is not a long-term solution. Do not be afraid to seek help, it will help you find better ways to cope with your emotions and improve your wellbeing.
If you don’t know where to start, we’ve gathered some trusted, free, 24/7 national text and helplines:
National Alliance on Mental Illness explainer on Self-Harm.
Mental Health America have a resource on ‘Helpful vs Harmful: Ways to Manage Emotions.’
Check out our resource on ‘Self-Care: What is it and Why is it Important for your Mental Health,’ or ‘How to Cope with Big Issues at Home and Beyond as a Teen.’
Disclaimer: This website offers general information and is not a substitute for professional advice. We are not clinicians or trained professionals; this information should not replace seeking help from a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
