Resources for Leaders

Today, in the U.S., more than seven million Black and African American individuals are living with mental health conditions. This Black History Month, we encourage you to explore the resources provided below, which aim to offer support and foster a greater understanding of Black mental health issues. This understanding is crucial for building empathy, supporting inclusivity, and advocating for equitable mental health access for all.

Campus Support

• Call 888-881-LINC (5462) for free, confidential support 24/7 through the university’s employee assistance program, SupportLinc. Professionally licensed care advocates receive ongoing cultural competency training and use a concierge approach for referrals to ensure that providers meet your clinical and cultural preferences. Create an account at iu.mysupportportal.com to access additional services and resources, including text therapy and digital group support.
• Contact the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs for advocacy, support, and resources for minority and underrepresented students, faculty, and staff.
• Join IU Indianapolis and the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center on February 23 to celebrate IU Blackness & Health Equity 2024. The event will feature a Greek step demonstration followed by presentations and a panel discussion focused on current and historical factors surrounding disparities in the Black community. 

Education & Resources

• NAMI - Black Mental Health - Learn facts about mental health in the Black community, how to seek culturally competent care, and more. 
• Black Mental Wellness - Access evidence-based information and resources about mental health and behavioral health topics from a Black perspective, as well as training opportunities for students and professionals.
• Mental Health America - Black History Month - Learn about Black and African American contributions to the mental health movement. 
• Roadmap to Black Mental Health - Although everyone experiences mental health, given the notable history and culture of the Black community in the U.S., it is important to acknowledge the specific strengths, methods of healing, and challenges faced by those who are part of it today. This Roadmap from the Mental Health Coalition does just that.
• How to Support & Advocate for Black Mental Health
• Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective - Build up your wellness toolbox with BEAM's education, training, and advocacy resources.
• Ourselves Black - Relevant, current, and engaging mental health content and stories rooted in communities of color.

National Support

• Find a Black Therapist (Psychology Today)
• Brother, You're On My Mind - Reducing the stigma surrounding the mental health of Black men through education and community.
• Black Men Heal -  Mental health treatment, education, and resources for men of color. 
• Melanin & Mental Health - Connecting individuals with culturally competent clinicians committed to serving the mental health needs of Black & Latinx/Hispanic communities.
• Black Women's Health Imperative - Health policy, education, research, knowledge and leadership development, and communications designed to improve the healthy outcomes of Black women.
• Therapy for Black Girls - Online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls.

Self-Care & Well-Being

• On Our Sleeves: Self-Care for Black Families - Find ways Black families can support each other’s mental health and practice self-care.
• Black Girls Smile: Mental Wellness Toolkit - Empowering the mental health and well-being of young Black women and girls through culturally and gender-responsive educational programming, support initiatives, and resource connections.
• Dear Black Women - An affirmation movement for Black women by Black women. 
• Podcast: Real Talk - Black Minds Matter
• Podcast: The Peace & Prosperity Podcast

The holidays are often a time of joy, celebration, and reflection. However, they can also bring about various stressors and challenges, particularly when juggling the demands of both work and home. To assist employees during this time, we’ve compiled a list of resources that can be used to help prioritize mental well-being during this busy season. 

Don’t abandon healthy habits.  

• Maintaining your physical health is one of your best defenses against stress, so it’s essential to keep up your exercise, sleep, and nutrition habits. Incorporating just one healthy action daily can make your holidays more enjoyable and relaxing. 

Prioritize self-care. 

• How to Prioritize Self-Care During the Holidays (NAMI) 
• Self-Care for the Holidays (The Jed Foundation) 

Make a spending plan.  

• One of the biggest holiday stressors for many is finances. Check out SupportLinc’s flash course on Creating a Holiday Budget, or learn how to build a holiday budget that works every year. 

Care for caregivers. 

• Care.com Holidays 2023 Resource Guide - find ideas to keep your kids busy while away from school, inspiration for a heartfelt holiday, and holiday hacks and tips for caregivers. 
• Schedule emergency backup care - find last-minute care providers at a reduced cost when normal care arrangements are disrupted. 

Quick holiday-themed reads from SupportLinc: 

• Reflect on what’s important  
• Holiday budgeting 
• Holiday savings tips 
• Dealing with holiday stress 
• Make the holidays your own 
• Holiday safety 
• Staying healthy for the holidays 
• Helpful hints for holiday eating and drinking 
• When you’re not going home for the holidays 
• Parenting during the holidays 
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) 
• Finding peace during the holidays 

Get support if and when you need it. If you need additional support, reach out to SupportLinc EAP at 888-881-LINC (5462) or log in to SupportLinc.com. Licensed mental health professionals are available to provide free, confidential, in-the-moment support 24 hours a day.