As young people of color, we find help, hope and healing together. Sometimes, it can be hard to share our struggles. Stigma and pressure to be “strong” can make us feel like keeping silent is the only way to cope. Whatever we face, we remember that mental health issues are real, common and treatable. With support from our loved ones and professionals we can each develop skills to care for ourselves today and everyday.
The Steve Fund is committed to promoting mental health with HBCU students and leaders via holistic resources and non-traditional strategies so that young people of color can thrive.
Being unapologetically whole is not the absence of concerns or struggle. Being whole means embracing each part of our identities and experiences while reflecting on what we need to heal. Living our best life means prioritizing mental health while seeking the resources we need, and deserve, to achieve our personal, academic and career goals.
Mental health can be described as the ability to adapt to change and cope with stress. While change and stress are a part of life, sometimes they can become overwhelming and lead to mental health challenges.
The good news is that you can take steps to reduce the risk of stressful situations and protect your mental health. By providing early support, we can help prevent a mental health crisis.
Here are key resources from the Steve Fund to help you get started on your mental health and wellness journey
We’ve gathered a list of trusted, external mental health resources.
Ashlee takes a proactive approach to her mental health — and we celebrate her courage, clarity and resilience. “My mental health matters because it is a big part of my everyday life,” she says. “Everything in life affects us differently but making sure that I’m my biggest cheerleader is always a priority for me. Speak positivity in your daily life and watch how you manifest blessing and greatness. Love yourself enough to seek professional help if you aren’t feeling your best.”
Help start a conversation — and a movement — for mental health on campus with these tips from our collaborator Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis. Together, we can care for ourselves and each other.
Radical healing is defined as being whole or becoming whole in the face of identity-based wounds and oppressive conditions. As we heal from racial trauma and the impacts of racism on our mental health, radical healing practices can help us recognize challenges and foster collective action, solidarity, and resilience (French, Lewis, Mosley, Adames, Chavez-Dueñas, Chen, & Neville, 2020).
Our friends at the Psychology Radical Healing Collective developed this list of ways to promote the healing and emotional well-being of HBCU students and community. Read the full article on the Psychology of Radical Healing Collective Psychology Today blog: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/healing-through-social-justice/201903/the-psychology-radical-healing
For more information about the Psychology of Radical Healing Collective, visit their website: https://psychologyofradicalhealing.com/
1. Be proud of who you are and of your community, and become fascinated by your culture.
2. Share your story and connect with others.
3. Resist oppression and take action.
4. Maintain radical hope. Reflect on the strength in your family and trusted support.
5. Practice self-care every day.
Write your thoughts in a journal or have a conversation with a trusted person:
What does radical healing in action look like to you?
Who in your life practices radical healing today?
What are some daily practices you can incorporate into your daily life?
Join the Steve Fund in supporting the mental health and wellness of young people of color.
Our Mission: Promoting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color
