By: Alyssa Wilson

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and many organizations are using this time to fight stigma and provide support to those battling mental health conditions.  

According to an article in the National Center for Biotechnology Information, about 7.5 million African Americans have a diagnosed mental illness. An estimated 7.5 million more may be affected but are underdiagnosed. 

As part of BNC’s commitment to telling the truth and covering news in Black and Brown communities, we are highlighting organizations dedicated to providing support for these groups. 

RELATED: BNC Mental Health Resources 

Black Girl in Om is an organization dedicated to creating space for Black women to “breathe easy.“  

Established in 2014 by Lauren Ash, the group “exists to hold and catalyze healing within Black women around the world on their unique journeys towards wholeness.”  

 

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“The Circle,” a wellness curriculum hosted by the organization, teaches participants how to heal through centering wholeness in everyday life. It also strives to rewrite the narrative that Black women do not take care of themselves. Participants get access to monthly lessons centered around spiritual themes meant to help them explore “wellness wisdom that is culturally aligned, mindfully sourced rituals, with grace, compassion, and self-love.” 

In addition to the membership group, the Black Girl In Om podcast expands the “consciousness of Black women to transform.” 

Beyonce highlighted the work of the organization on her website where she has a directory of Black-owned businesses in various categories. 

 

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You can find more information about Black Girl In Om here.