World conflicts, economic woes, effects from a global pandemic, widespread violence, the cost of living crisis, an upcoming U.S. presidential election…there are so many things going on right now with potential negative effects for everyone. However, the way these things affect young adults differs from members of the older generations.
The majority of young adults aged 18-34 report that their stress is completely overwhelming and makes it hard for them to focus, at rates higher than any older adults. The good thing is that studies show that Gen Z/Younger Millennials are more likely to seek mental health support than any of the prior generations.
For BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) young adults though, these issues are intensified, as they have to deal with the effects of racism and the impact of things beyond their control, stemming from the generations who have come before them, on top of all of it.
Factors related to intergenerational trauma, stigma, and access have to be accounted for when discussing mental health for BIPOC young adults.
Intergenerational Trauma
BIPOC young adults who engage in therapy often feel they have to go to therapy for all of those who came before them who could or did not go. There can be a lot of intergenerational trauma to unpack: from enslavement to immigration hardships to poverty and more. Also, some people have a higher likelihood of developing certain mental health issues due to genetic factors, so some disorders are passed down through the generations as well.
In this podcast focused on BIPOC Intergenerational Trauma, Dr. Mariel Buquè shares a unique perspective about what is necessary for individuals, communities, and our society to heal.
Stigma
As part of a group that discusses mental health concerns more openly than any generations past, young adults are still not without the stigma that comes with addressing mental health concerns. Some of their parents, grandparents, and other older family members discourage talking about issues at all or doing so outside the family or religious settings, considering doing so as culturally taboo.
An article by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) on overcoming stigma, stated that studies show contact with someone effectively managing a mental illness helps reduce stigma. An example of this is NAMI’s In Our Own Voice (IOOV) program. People with mental health conditions share their powerful personal stories via a free 60- or 90-minute presentation. NAMI also has videos available to be viewed on the NAMI YouTube channel, focused on sharing stories and spreading hope.
Access To BIPOC Therapy
With the current state of the economy and the financial stressors being faced by BIPOC young adults, therapy can sometimes be inaccessible.
With the aforementioned factors in mind, a number of therapy funds focused on members of BIPOC communities have been created to offset session costs, such as:
Mental Health in the Digital Age
The situation for BIPOC young adults seeking therapy isn’t all bad though.
A recent Forbes article stated that “Gen Z is digitally savvy and very comfortable in seeking advice via online services. And they are not embarrassed to tell people they need help or are seeing a coach or therapist.”
Virtual therapy can be a great option for BIPOC young adults, as they do not have to worry about traveling to a physical office space to access the therapy they need. Instead, they can connect with a therapist on their phone, tablet, or computer.
Contact A BIPOC Virtual Therapist in Brooklyn Today to Cope with Life’s Stressors!
You deserve support so you don’t have to go at it all alone! SG Wellness is here to help.
We have BIPOC therapists who specialize in offering support to BIPOC adults. We accept a variety of insurances and even offer sliding-scale out-of-pocket payment options.
To get started, learn more about SG Wellness in New York. Our therapists are here to support you. You can start your therapy journey by following these simple steps:
- Contact SG Wellness
- Talk with a skilled BIPOC therapist!
- Start focusing on personal wellness.
Other Services SG Wellness Offers:
Finding support for your mental health matters. Our therapists in NY are here for you and your needs. At our therapy practice, we have therapists who identify as Black therapists, Latinx therapists, Dominican, & BIPOC. It’s our mission to offer multicultural counseling that serves you and your needs. We offer therapy for people of color, therapy for Latinx individuals, indigenous populations, and Middle Eastern clients, as well as therapy for men and women. If you’re looking for a safe space we are here for you.
Additionally, if you’re looking for another kind of support other than therapy for self-esteem we offer other services. Other services we offer include anxiety treatment and therapy for perfectionism, depression treatment, individual therapy, therapy for young and emerging adults, and individual relationship therapy. All of our services are offered via online therapy in New York. Areas we serve include Harlem, The Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn, NY. When you’re ready, let’s work together.
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