Black Mental Health Day
What is Black Mental Health Day
Black Mental Health Day is celebrated annually on the first Monday of March. The Day was created in 2020 by the City of Toronto in partnership with TAIBU Community Health Centre to raise awareness about the impacts of anti-Black racism on mental health in Toronto’s Black communities and to encourage systemic change.1
Racial inequalities, anti-Black racism, and discrimination have lasting effects that negatively impact the mental health and physical well-being of Black communities. In June 2020, the City of Toronto Board of Health recognized anti-Black racism as a public health crisis and affirmed their commitment to addressing the social determinants of health and inequalities by supporting policies and programs. The systemic nature of anti-Black racism and discrimination impacts the ability of Black community members to access to education, legal services, employment and housing, which in turn affect mental health. The disproportionate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-Black racism, and racial injustice continue to negatively affect Black communities everywhere.2
Black Canadians and the Fight for Mental Health Awareness
For African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) Canadians, the struggle for mental health is often a silent one. With misunderstandings within the community around what mental illness means and barriers that prevent individuals from accessing help or safe spaces, dealing with depression, anxiety and other disorders becomes challenging and complicated.3
"Race and racism both play a significant role in Black people’s vulnerability to mental health distress and our reluctance to seek treatment" - Kevin Washington, president of the Association of Black Psychologists
Why Black Mental Health is important?
Black Canadians experience significant social and economic challenges that can have negative implications for their mental health. These challenges include: Experiences of interpersonal, institutional, and systemic anti-Black racism and discrimination. A lack of access to culturally appropriate and competent services and stigma related to mental health and to accessing support services.4
Ways to Honour Black Mental Health Day
Participate in community-led events that center impacted voices in discussions on addressing mental health in Black communities. Members are also encouraged to:
Participate in community-led events that center impacted voices in discussions on addressing mental health in Black communities.
Share poster about Black mental Health Day
Upload a new social media cover photo
Learn more about anti-Black racism and its implications on mental health
If you or someone you know needs support, you can contact:
Ottawa Mental Health Crisis Line, available 24/7 by phone at 613-722-6914 within Ottawa and toll free at 1-866-996-0991 within eastern Ontario
Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region 24/7 Distress Line, available by phone at 613-238-3311 within Ottawa, and 24/7 Crisis Line, available by phone at 613-722-691
National Hope for Wellness Helpline (for Indigenous peoples across Canada), available 24/7 via online chat or by phone, toll free at 1-855-242-3310
National Black Youth Helpline, available every day from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET by phone at 416-285-9944, or toll free at 1-833-294-8650
Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa 24/7 Crisis Line, available 24/7 via online chat or by phone at 613-260-2360 within Ottawa or toll free at 1-877-377-7775 within eastern Ontario
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