By The People’s Paper MS Staff
MAGEE, Miss. As July continues, communities across Mississippi and the nation recognize BeBe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to honor a groundbreaking advocate and highlight an important reminder: the people who support others through difficult moments need support, too.
The annual observance, recognized each July since 2008 through a congressional resolution, was created to honor Campbell’s dedication to reducing mental health stigma and improving access to care for Black Americans and other underserved communities.
The month also shines a light on advocates, caregivers and peer supporters who often walk alongside people during some of life’s most challenging moments. While they provide strength and encouragement to others, they also experience stress, exhaustion and emotional challenges that deserve attention.
Who was BeBe Moore Campbell?
BeBe Moore Campbell was an award-winning author, journalist, educator and mental health advocate who used her voice and storytelling to bring attention to the experiences of Black families navigating mental illness.
After facing challenges finding culturally responsive support for her own daughter, Campbell helped create spaces where people of color could have open conversations about mental health without shame or fear.
Campbell died in 2006 at age 56. In 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives officially recognized July as BeBe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month to honor her work and highlight the unique barriers many minority communities face when seeking mental health care.
Advocates need support, too
Advocates often meet individuals and families during moments of crisis, uncertainty and transition. While that work is meaningful, it can also take an emotional toll.
Without proper support, advocates and caregivers may experience burnout, compassion fatigue and secondary trauma.
Experts emphasize that sustainable advocacy requires:
• Rest: Recovery time is necessary to continue serving others effectively.
• Peer support: Connecting with others who understand the work can reduce isolation.
• Supervision: Guidance and support help advocates process difficult experiences and maintain healthy boundaries.
• Boundaries: Clear limits protect both advocates and the people they serve.
• Joy and culture: Celebrating identity, community and moments of happiness builds resilience.
• Healing spaces: Safe and supportive environments allow people to recharge.
Supporting advocates does more than protect the people doing the work. It strengthens the services communities depend on.
A local reminder to care for the caregivers
During Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, Mississippi leaders, faith communities and service providers are encouraged to check on the advocates, caregivers and peer supporters in their communities.
Simple actions can make a difference, including:
• Checking in with those who regularly support others.
• Encouraging training on boundaries, self-care and trauma-informed practices.
• Sharing resources for culturally responsive mental health care.
• Creating safe spaces for honest conversations about mental health.
For immediate mental health support, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day by call or text. NAMI also provides resources, support groups and information for individuals and families affected by mental health challenges.
In honoring Campbell’s vision of “More Good Days, Together,” communities are reminded that healing happens when everyone, including those carrying the heaviest stories, has space to rest, heal and thrive.
