Have you ever felt the need to be seen and acknowledged? It’s a universal desire, right?! Unfortunately, the Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) community often doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves, especially concerning mental health and wellness. That’s why July is dedicated to BIPOC Mental Health. Let’s take a moment to discuss something important without taking up too much of your time: the mental health needs of BIPOC grandfamilies and kinship families. These families step in when parents can’t, and their mental health and well-being needs can vary greatly across different generations.
Did you know? There are approximately 2.4 million kids living in grandfamilies and kinship families, where they are being raised by grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, or other relatives without their parents in the home. About 7.6 million children are in households headed by a relative who isn’t their parent. Grandfamilies and kinship families are diverse, and they represent various geographies, socioeconomic statuses, races, and ethnicities. Yet, they are disproportionately Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, and, in some areas, Latino.
BIPOC caregivers and young people in these families often struggle to access mental health services for issues ranging from depression and stress to behavioral challenges. But what’s really holding them back?
Breaking Down Barriers
Growing up as a Black kid, I always heard the saying, “What happens in this house stays in this house.” This saying, especially prevalent among Black and Brown communities and passed down through generations, reflects a cultural norm that emphasizes the importance of keeping family matters private. While well-intentioned, this hush-hush attitude can create a barrier to seeking external help for personal or family issues. As a result, BIPOC families may avoid seeking the mental health support they need to navigate issues like depression, trauma, anxiety, substance abuse, and more.
Let’s talk about the hurdles BIPOC grandfamilies and kinship families face when it comes to getting the mental health support they need. On top of the hurdles that any BIPOC family may face, these families often deal with additional stigmas, financial challenges, and a lack of access to mental health care that is culturally responsive and supportive. There are also hurdles associated with digital literacy and access to high-speed internet, which many families can use to access mental health resources.