Racism and Trauma
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Resources for Black Healing & Wellness
This compilation of resources is a reflection of my personal identities and social network as a black
woman and social worker. Through connecting with my network of counselors, therapists, community
organizers, and others just trying to heal and serve, I have pulled together some resources to share. I
know there are gaps as this is not exhaustive or meant to speak to every unique experience or identity
within the Black community. Nevertheless, I hope that at least one thing on this list can bring you or a
loved one some peace and healing during this time. This is me just wanting to support folks any way that
I can and assert that we matter, our lives matter, and our healing matters. by Micalah Webster MSW/MHSA
Association of Black Psychologists, The Emotional Emancipation Initiative
CHN and ABPsi have been working together since 2009 to build a worldwide movement for the emotional emancipation, healing, wellness, and empowerment of Black people. They are working to spark the creation of a global grassroots network of self-help groups focused on overcoming the lie of Black inferiority and the emotional legacies of enslavement and racism.
The Black community is often thought of as an ongoing saga of reliance and incredible strength, and perseverance, in spite of a brutally harsh past. However, the obvious connection between mental health and racial oppression, health disparities, cultural differences, societal factors, poverty and reduced quality of life often goes unspoken.
Thousands of Black people are suffering in the shadows while making every attempt to be seen. Although there is no single narrative, mental health and psychosocial wellness underpin many of the challenges experienced by Black people. Black Therapists Rock has become a movement that is passion about about loudly speaking our varied truths to begin the healing of emotional wounds that are multiple generations deep.
Liberate is a subscription-based meditation app that includes practices and talks designed for the BIPOC community.
A minority mental health app geared specifically towards the black community.
"The Safe Place" Is a Minority Mental Health App geared towards the Black Community. African Americans are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the rest of the general population. However, many black people still do not wish to seek professional help for their mental illnesses. The Purpose of the "Safe Place" is to bring more awareness, education, and hope to this serious issue. Not only can the black community benefit from this app, but also mental health professionals, friends, and family, of ALL colors can be better educated on this issue and do a service by directing their black friends, co workers, etc. to the app. All races go through mental illness, but we also can experience it differently because of our race and social backgrounds. "The Safe Place" can also be a great learning tool for mental health professional's to better understand their black patients.
Grief is a Direct Impact of Racism: Eight Ways to Support Yourself
An article by global health professor Roberta K. Timothy.
Mental Health Tips for African Americans to Heal after Collectively Witnessing an Injustice
A self-care video by Brandon J. Johnson, M.H.S.
Witnessing an injustice or violence against someone in our community can be traumatizing and invoke feelings of anxiety and stress. Here are some helpful strategies to combat those feelings and to better take care of our mental health.
Racial Trauma and Self-Care in Tragedy
A resource list for help for racial and LGBTQ trauma and related issues by University of North Texas.
Healing in Action: A Toolkit for Black Lives Matter Healing Justice & Direct Action
A guide by Black Lives Matter Healing Justice Working Group on preparing for action, self-care during an action, and restoration and resilience after an action.
The Nap Ministry was founded in 2016 by Tricia Hersey and is an organization that examines the liberating power of naps. We engage with the power of performance art, site-specific installations, and community organizing to install sacred and safe spaces for the community to rest together. We facilitate immersive workshops and curate performance art that examines rest as a radical tool for community healing. We believe rest is a form of resistance and name sleep deprivation as a racial and social justice issue.
The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health
We can’t deny it any longer: there is a Black mental health crisis.
This book is an exploration of Black mental health in today’s world, the forces that have undermined mental health progress for African Americans, and what needs to happen for African Americans to heal psychological distress, find community, and undo years of stigma and marginalization in order to access effective mental health care.
This breakthrough book will help you:
- Recognize mental and emotional health problems
- Understand the myriad ways in which these problems impact overall health and quality of life and relationships
- Develop psychological tools to neutralize ongoing stressors and live more fully
- Navigate a mental health care system that is unequal
http://www.theextraordinarynegroes.com/theblog/12-books-on-mental-health-written-by-black-folks
Black Women Disability Activists
Disability Horizons magazine is an online disability lifestyle publication that aims to give disabled people a voice. This particular article is about eight influential black women with disabilities who you should follow.
Eating disorders https://www.shondaland.com/live/body/a30171323/black-girls-eating-disorders/
Depressed While Black: An online community, blog, and video hub for Black mental health.
Taraji P. Henson's Foundation Providing Free Mental Health Therapy for the Black Community https://themighty.com/2020/05/taraji-henson-foundation-mental-health-covid-19/?fbclid=IwAR2NJcPWAK9p4Gxz19BmoeWbEot_poLvJeCHWccBIInq2czZVcMh_5dgOXM
Inclusive Therapists https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/
Therapy for Black Girls https://therapyforblackgirls.com/
Heal Haus yoga/meditation https://www.healhaus.com/daily-classes/#
Sister Support Group June 28 https://www.sistaafya.com/events/sister-support-group-processing-the-movement
Queer and Trans Theraposts of Color network https://www.nqttcn.com/
Many are developing their own comprehensive lists.
Black Life Matters: Anti Racism Resources for Social Workers and Therapists