National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

July 10, 2026 — People and Internal Operations

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This observance highlights the importance of recognizing the diversity of our racial and ethnic backgrounds while ensuring every voice and community is seen and heard.

According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), multiracial adults (36.7%) were more likely to have experienced any mental illness (AMI) in the past year than White (24%), American Indian or Alaska Native (23.5%), Hispanic (20.6%), Black (19.4%) or Asian adults (18.1%). SAMHSA also reported that Asian, Black and Hispanic adults were less likely than White adults to receive mental health treatment during the past year.

Several factors can influence how individuals from different cultural backgrounds respond to mental health concerns or seek support. These include trauma, stigma, communication barriers, transportation limitations, access to mental health care and health insurance coverage.

This month, we encourage everyone to continue exploring and discussing important mental health topics. Let's begin by answering two common questions.

What Is Mental Health?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also influences how we manage stress, relate to others and make decisions.

Taking care of your mental health helps you better cope with life's challenges. Common signs of mental health concerns include:

• Persistent sadness or irritability
• Extreme mood changes
• Excessive fear, worry or anxiety
• Social withdrawal
• Significant changes in work performance or attendance
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Frequent accidents
• Increased anger or interpersonal conflict

Several factors can increase the risk of developing a mental health condition, including:

• Limited access to housing, health care or education
• Adverse childhood experiences or interpersonal violence
• Social isolation
• Poor emotional well-being or coping skills
• Chronic medical conditions, such as traumatic brain injury, cancer or diabetes
• Alcohol or drug use

How Can I Support Someone Struggling With Mental Health? Practice Cultural Sensitivity

Cultural sensitivity is the ability to recognize, understand and respect the beliefs, values and practices of people from different cultural backgrounds. It helps guide respectful communication, encourages empathy and creates safe spaces where individuals feel comfortable discussing their mental health experiences.

Have Open Conversations Without Judgment

One of the most valuable ways to support someone is simply by listening. Mental health professionals often rely on active listening because it allows individuals to express their concerns without fear of criticism or interruption.

When talking with someone about their mental health, consider asking questions such as:

• How long have you been feeling this way?
• How often do you feel like this?
• How has this affected your daily life?

These questions can help someone reflect on their experiences while opening the door to additional support.

Stay Informed

Being informed doesn't mean knowing every mental health condition or symptom. It means recognizing common warning signs and understanding that changes in mood, behavior or performance may have underlying causes.

You can stay informed by attending workshops, participating in seminars, reading trusted resources and having conversations about mental health.

Ways to Support Your Mental Health

Many aspects of daily life affect mental health, including stress, physical health and everyday responsibilities. Taking proactive steps can improve your overall well-being.

• Focus on rest: Aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night.
• Fuel your mind and body: Exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet.
• Manage your health: Follow the treatment plan recommended by your health care provider.
• Seek support: If you're struggling, connect with a support group, mental health professional or your health care provider.

Therapeutic interventions such as individual counseling, support groups and open conversations about mental health can help people recognize the signs of mental illness and seek support early. Sharing resources and offering encouragement helps raise awareness while promoting equal access to mental health services.

Upcoming WellTalk Sessions

• July 9, Noon-1 p.m. – Past Expectations and Grief
• July 16, Noon-1 p.m. – Helping Ourselves and Others Seek Help
• July 23, Noon-1 p.m. – Living in Alignment: A Life That Reflects What Matters
• July 30, Noon-1 p.m. – Building Resilience When Life Doesn't Go as Planned

Mindfulness Mondays

Join us every Monday from 10-10:30 a.m. for Mindfulness Mondays, dedicated to stress management techniques and mental health tips.

Employee Assistance Program

If you, a family member or a team member are struggling with mental health, know that help is available.

The Miami-Dade Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential resources to support mental health and emotional well-being. Trained counselors provide assessments and connect employees with internal and external resources to help restore balance and improve overall wellness.

To schedule an appointment with an EAP counselor, call 305-375-3293 or email andres.gomez2@miamidade.gov.

The EAP is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers both virtual and on-site services.