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THE MENTAL HEALTH EDITION
ISSUE 22
B O O K S & I N S TAG R A M
8
A British Crime Author Is Funding A Bibliotherapy Service To Help People Heal With Books
7 Mental Health Accounts You Should Follow On Instagram @DECOLONIZINGTHERAPY Dr. Jennifer Mullen shares her insights as a psychologist centered on activism, liberation, and “decolonizing” therapy.
@JOINCOA This “gym for mental health” shares menBooks have the power to transport us to
five townships through the U.K.'s Na-
Time on Instagram is what you make of
tal health tips that you can implement to
another world, but one author is also sup-
tional Healthcare Service and the coun-
it. It can be a source of knowledge, enter-
work on your “emotional fitness.”
porting the movement to use books to heal.
try's social prescribing system, which
tainment, and inspiration if you follow
Bibliotherapy — or reading books as part
connects people to alternative treat-
the right people. And if you’re looking to
of psychological treatment — is commonly
ment programs. Like a reading coach,
include mental health resources and edu-
@MENTL.SESH
used in traditional therapy offices. It’s sim-
the bibliotherapist will provide friend-
cation in your feed, check out these seven
This account started by social worker Liz
ple: A therapist recommends their client
ship and a listening ear. Readers will
mental health accounts we love to follow:
Beecroft shares resources and tips that ed-
read a specific book as part of treatment.
describe what they need from a story
It’s a strategy found in many treatment
and get access to books, librarians, and
@SOCIALJUSTICEHEALING
approaches and is often used as an adjunct
other readers.
Therapist Claudia Morales leads this
ucate and inspire.
Two universities are set to study the
account, which educates on mental
@INCLUSIVETHERAPISTS
British crime author Ann Cleeves is fi-
initiative during its pilot year to evaluate
health issues from the lens of social
Inclusive Therapists is a therapist direc-
nancing the work of two bibliotherapists
whether bibliotherapy works as an alter-
justice and activism. She works from
tory full of culturally competent thera-
in England who will connect people with
native treatment to medication and explore
a
pists. On their Instagram page, they share
books to help them with their mental
the different ways people can access it.
anti-oppression framework.
part of the treatment process.
health or chronic pain.
LGBTQ-affirming,
anti-racist,
and
thoughtful commentary and resources, and information about relevant events.
According to a 2017 article in the aca-
"I think that some people have never got
demic journal European Journal of Public
the hang of reading for pleasure,” Cleeves
Health, bibliotherapy really can work. In
@HEYAMBERRAE
told “As It Happens” host Carol Off. “The
the study, all participants reported a de-
Amber Rae shares bright, shareable graph-
@THERAPYFORWOMEN
places where our scheme will be operating
crease in depression symptoms. It’s a use-
ics with simple mental health tips. Her
Retired party girl Amanda White is now a
[are] some of the more deprived areas.”
ful and cost-effective intervention, either
tips are easy to integrate into your life and
therapist who shares tips on boundaries,
in support of psychotherapy or on its own.
are sure to make a difference.
self-care, and recovery.
The therapy service will be set up in
THREE BOOKS TO READ ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH REASONS TO STAY ALIVE
THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE
THE COLLECTED SCHIZOPHRENIAS
At the age of 24, Matt Haig suffered from severe depression. In his memoir, he shares how he recovered and learned to live with severe depression and panic disorders. Many of his other books also dive into mental health.
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a leading expert on trauma, uses scientific advances to show how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain. He explores innovative treatments that offer new paths to recovery.
Schizophrenia is not a single unifying diagnosis, and Esmé Weijun Wang writes not just to her fellow members of the “collected schizophrenias” but to those who wish to understand it as well.
M E N TA L H E A L T H F O R A L L
Mental Health Organizations Serving BIPOC You Should Know About
9
gists were outspoken racists and eugenicists, and some re-
The Loveland Foundation, thelovelandfoundation.org > For Black women. Mental Health Services & Resources
searchers engaged in unethical treatment of marginalized
The Loveland Foundation’s resources and initiatives pri-
groups, which have sowed long-standing distrust in the
oritize opportunity, access, validation, and healing among
field among BIPOC.
communities of color, with a focus on Black women and
people still saturate the field today. Many early psycholo-
But many organizations exist that address the unique stressors BIPOC face. These companies and
girls. Their Therapy Fund provides financial assistance to Black women and girls seeking therapy nationally.
nonprofits specifically denounce racism and adopt an anti-racist framework in their mental wellness services and treatments.
Ethel’s Club, ethelsclub.com > For people of color. Community
If you are a person of color, we hope you can find com-
Ethel’s Club is an online social and wellness club made
munity and resources here to maintain your mental well-
to center, ground, and inspire people of color. Offerings
BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) experience
ness. If you’re white, we hope you’ll pass this along to your
included in the digital membership are facilitated by
life differently than others. They experience overt racism
friends of color who might find these resources helpful.
leaders of color and include book clubs, workouts, guid-
and bigotry far too often, which leads to a mental health
We’d also like to suggest making a donation or sponsoring
ed meditations, writing classes, and breathwork classes,
burden that is deeper than what others may face.
a membership for someone else who is unable financially
among others.
Racism is a mental health issue because racism causes
to access these services.
trauma, and trauma paints a direct line to mental illness, including PTSD. The data proves it. Black adults are 20 percent more likely to report serious psychological distress than white adults, according to 2020 data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health.
Check out these mental health organizations serving BIPOC you should know about:
Inclusive Therapists, inclusivetherapists.com > For people of color. Mental Health Services & Resources Finding the right therapist is a stressful process — and all the more stressful when you’re facing mental health challenges. Inclusive Therapists makes the process of finding a culturally competent therapist a little easier. Browse
est reported rate of mental illnesses of any single race
The Underbelly, theunderbelly.com > For people of color. Wellness
identifying group.This group reports higher rates of
The Underbelly is a virtual yoga studio that celebrates
post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol dependence
racial inclusivity. On their website, they describe them-
than any other ethic or racial group, according to the
selves as a community for everyone who feels overlooked
Dive in Well, diveinwell.com > For people of color. Wellness & Community
American Psychiatric Association.
and underserved by the wellness industry. All bodies, all
Dive in Well is creating a more equitable wellness indus-
abilities, all levels welcome.
try. Through their workbooks, workshops, consulting, and
Native and Indigenous American adults have the high-
Racism has been a historic issue within the field of
poses a problem in serving diverse populations.
your unique needs.
corporate training, they work to create a diverse, inclu-
psychology, too, though. Most psychological orientations center on the white, European, male experience, which
their network to find a virtual or local therapist right for
Therapy For Black Girls, therapyforblackgirls.com > For Black women. Mental Health Services & Resources
sive, and accessible wellness industry for all. They offer digital events and meditations.
Cultural incompetence of providers likely contributes
Successful therapy depends on a great client-therapist fit.
to underdiagnosis and/or misdiagnosis of mental illness
Through Therapy For Black Girls, Black women can find
in BIPOC. Language differences between patient and pro-
trusted, culturally competent therapists that understand
AsiansDoTherapy, asiansdotherapy.com > For the Asian community. Mental Health Services & Resources
vider, stigma of mental illness among BIPOC, and cultural
the unique experiences of Black women.
This organization works to reduce stigma and increase access to mental health resources for the Asian commu-
presentation of symptoms are some of the many barriers
The Cosmos, jointhecosmos.com > For Asian women. Community
nity. The AsiansDoTherapy website features stories of
with schizophrenia — they are four times more likely to
Through education and empowerment, The Cosmos sup-
website provides helpful resources for people who are new
be diagnosed with schizophrenia than their white male
ports Asian women. This digital community offers a book
to therapy.
counterparts, according to a 2020 article in Counseling
club and a language club for Asian women to practice their
Today. Further, psychology has a racist past, and white
native languages.
to care that providers must address. For example, Black men are greatly over-diagnosed
prominent Asians who are in therapy. Additionally, the
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B E T T E R U N D E R S TA N D I N G
A Brief Guide To These Commonly Misunderstood Mental Disorders Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) It is not uncommon for people without OCD to say phrases like, “I’m so OCD about this!” but this demonstrates a weak understanding of the disorder. Making statements such as these can lead to further misunderstandings about the disorder and can minimize its severity. Learning about OCD is the first step to supporting those who face it daily
What OCD Is: • A disorder marked by the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions • Symptoms can include: Obsessions, which are recurrent, persistent, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts, urges, or images that cause anxiety or distress and/or compulsions, which are repetitive behaviors (such as hand-washing, ordering of items, or double-checking something) or mental acts (such as counting or repeating words silently) to “neutralize” these obsessions • Obsessions can be disturbing or violent in nature, they are There are hundreds of mental disorders in the Diagnostic
mental disorders, and misconceptions about them
and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. While some are
perpetuate stigmas that prevent people from seeking help
well-known and others not as talked about, society by and
and prevent others from extending compassion. Because of
large tends to misunderstand mental illness.
stigma and lack of education about these disorders, loved
• OCD can be distressing and interfere with daily living
ones may struggle more to support people living with these
• With treatment, people with OCD can see their symptoms
Mental illness is not weakness, it’s not a character flaw, and it’s not a choice. There are many factors that contribute
conditions, and the public may have unfounded fear.
not pleasurable, and they are involuntary • The obsessions and compulsions are time-consuming, often taking up more than an hour each day
greatly improve and can lead fulfilling lives
to the development of a disorder, including genetic and
As with many things in life, the more information we
environmental factors. Many disorders are “invisible,”
have, the less likely we are to allow myths or common
meaning you won’t necessarily be able to tell someone has
misconceptions to color our opinions. By understanding
one just by seeing the person.
mental illness, you will be better-equipped to support and
• Just being organized, orderly, or tidy
advocate for people living with mental health conditions.
• Having specific and particular preferences
It’s important to remember that OCD, bipolar disorder,
• Being meticulous
schizophrenia, and other mental health disorders are legitimate health conditions that people experience. Someone who is tidy or particular is not necessarily OCD. Someone who is moody does not necessarily have bipolar disorder. Someone who is acting "off" is not necessarily schizophrenic. These disorders are among the most misunderstood
What OCD Isn't:
Check out our guide to what these commonly misunderstood mental health conditions are and aren’t to better understand the very real effects of these disorders, show more empathy and care, and help others grow in their understanding as well:
• Perfectionism • Superstitions • Rituals • Quirks • Pleasurable • A choice
B E T T E R U N D E R S TA N D I N G
Bipolar Disorder
Schizophrenia
Many conceptions about bipolar disorder remain in public
The complexity of schizophrenia may be part of why the
discourse. What might surprise you is that bipolar disorder
disorder is so misunderstood. The disorder affects thinking,
(which is actually more than one disorder, including Bipo-
emotions, and behavior, but it doesn’t always look like what
lar I and Bipolar II) isn’t just mood swings — it actually can
you might think it does. When you have schizophrenia, your
cause severe and unusual changes in mood, energy, and the
brain often tells you you’re seeing things or hearing voices
ability to carry out daily activities.
that aren’t there, which makes it hard to tell what’s real and
Understanding what bipolar disorder is, and what it isn’t, helps you to be more supportive of those who deal with it daily.
what isn’t. But people with schizophrenia don’t always experience this every day, and with treatment these symptoms can improve. The reality is that you have probably met people with
What Bipolar Disorder Is:
schizophrenia who you never realized lives with the disorder.
• A disorder marked by the presence of manic or hypoman-
What Schizophrenia Is:
ic episodes and/or depressive episodes • Depending on whether it’s Bipolar I, Bipolar II, or a third
• During the active phase of the disorder, people with schiz-
type of bipolar disorder called Cyclothymic Disorder, a
ophrenia may experience delusions, hallucinations, dis-
person with bipolar disorder experiences manic episodes,
organized or incoherent speech or behavior, and/or lack
hypomanic episodes (the same as manic episodes but a
of motivation
shorter time period and not as severe), and depressive episodes
• With treatment, people with schizophrenia can see their symptoms greatly improve and can lead fulfilling lives
• Manic episodes can include euphoric or irritable mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, distractibility, goal-directed behavior, agitation, risky behavior, and even delusions or hallucinations • Depressive episodes look like what you think of when you
What Schizophrenia Isn't: • Multiple personality disorder • Caused by bad parenting
think of depression: Loss of interest or pleasure, change in
• Schizophrenia does not make people violent, aggressive,
appetite, insomnia or sleeping more than usual, agitation,
or dangerous — people with schizophrenia are much more
fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and diminished
likely to be the victim of violence than the perpetrator,
ability to think or concentrate
according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
• In between episodes, people with bipolar disorder can “feel normal” • With treatment, people with bipolar disorder can see their symptoms greatly improve and can lead fulfilling lives
What Bipolar Disorder Isn't: • Moodiness or mood swings — everyone has these! •Periods of intense productivity followed by less productive periods • Intense creative periods • A personality trait • Enjoyable or fun
Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition •Not every person with schizophrenia needs to be institutionalized •Not every person with schizophrenia will become homeless
Understanding mental illness is the first step to becoming an ally and advocate. By committing to learning more about mental illness, we can collectively work to reduce deep-rooted stigma that paints people with mental illness as dangerous or hopeless. Source: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition
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