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When we analyzed survey responses from Black residents in Alameda County, the results were clear and urgent: 44% of people surveyed said they don’t know where to find culturally relevant mental health resources. This data underscores the need for culturally competent mental health resources Alameda County residents can trust and easily access within their own
Even with careful planning, managing money as a Black adult can feel overwhelming. Here are a few tips on managing financial stress.
Protecting your mental health by setting boundaries at home helps you maintain emotional balance.
Despite the barriers to growing new communities as a Black adult, there are still ways to build relationships and cultivate new friendships.
How does someone ask for help when they’re struggling with mental health? While the stigma around Black mental health is slowly shifting, it hasn’t disappeared. When we see someone we love is struggling with their mental health, we should know how to support them, and what to say. We have to look out for each
Black women are choosing to care for their mental health, not just when things fall apart, but as a way to live more fully. We’re naming our needs, drawing boundaries, and working on our mental health in ways that past generations couldn’t always access. Prioritizing your mental health isn’t about being “fixed.” It’s about feeling
Stepping away from your devices and taking a mental health break in nature can be an important part of your self-care toolkit. Alameda County is filled with spaces where you can take time for yourself. Whether you prefer being active or resting, there is something in the area for you. Check out: Mental Health Break
Imagine you work hard in school, maybe even earn an advanced degree (or two), and land your dream job. You perform twice as well as your colleagues. Instead of being celebrated or promoted, though, you’re constantly overlooked. Not because you’re not good enough, but because being Black at work means the rules are different. And
What happens when Black men start having honest conversations about mental health? According to research by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), Black men with depression are significantly less likely to seek help compared to white men with depression. This pattern has deadly consequences. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports
Using social media doesn’t seem to be optional anymore. You need it to know what’s going on, and to stay updated on current events. You can’t even apply for jobs these days without LinkedIn. There’s no real way to escape it, and when you’re Black, that constant connection comes with extra weight. There is a
What does it say about the mental health system when the most powerful voice in the field, the American Psychological Association, has to issue a formal apology for racism? In 2021, the APA publicly acknowledged that it had failed Black, Indigenous, and people of color, not just through inaction, but through active participation in systems
After giving birth, it’s normal for your hormones, body, and emotions to change. You may feel overwhelmed trying to balance taking care of your baby while still managing your other responsibilities. Pregnancy and giving birth are life-changing events, so it makes sense that you would experience a period of adjustment. Sometimes, though, that feeling of
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health care. Fortunately, there are many options of mental health care to choose from. Whether you see one provider, or combine a few mental health support systems to suit your needs, there are plenty of options available to help you build a care team that fits your life. What
Deciding to start therapy is a big step, and finding the right therapist can make all the difference. A good fit can be the key to feeling heard, supported, and able to do the real work of healing. These tips from Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist DeAngela Cooks can help you figure out what to
Just starting therapy and not sure what to expect? You’re not alone. For anyone new to mental health care, it can bring up a lot of questions: What happens in the first therapy session? What should I share? How long does it take to be healed? DeAngela Cooks is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
There’s a reason so many of us keep it all inside. For generations, Black mental health stigma has made it feel like struggles should be hidden, not shared. DeShannon Williamson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Alameda County, brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to this conversation. “Mental health isn’t just about surviving,” Williamson