--- title: Putting Mental Wellness First description: Mental wellness is a vital aspect of overall well-being, yet it has historically been overlooked in many communities, including the Black community. image: https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcTVfGfQDPYWw2lT1lGEWG7DlHmubJ0xO6-E9KE6WeN3Sr6FELKy2mMhW0R7NpN7jkyMMi-qjK7LE1N_2CfGv9eFqf3ZrfFN26XtdxBMzB15H6U2CB2QQLXUYa3-VEbuncXrE-gDw?key=OU8nkjplWtYxF7n6qBZsOp8x --- [![](https://usfhp2.knockmedia.dev/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/logo-1.png)](https://blog.usfhp.net/) - [About Us](https://usfhp.net/about/) - [Events & Webinars](https://usfhp.net/events-and-webinars/) - [Contact Us](https://usfhp.net/contact/) [Members](https://member.usfhp.net/) [Providers](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [For Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [Members Login](https://member.usfhp.net/) - [Care Management Program](https://usfhp.net/care-management-program/) - [Health Centers](https://usfhp.net/health-centers/) - [Member FAQs](https://usfhp.net/member-faqs/) - [Providers](https://usfhp.net/providers/) - [For Providers](https://usfhp.net/for-providers/) - [Providers Login](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Become a Member](https://usfhp.net/eligibility/) - [Eligibility](https://usfhp.net/eligibility/) - [Health Benefit Consultants](https://usfhp.net/health-benefit-consultants) - [Plan Benefits](https://usfhp.net/plan-benefits/) - [Tricare Prime Coverage](https://usfhp.net/tricare-prime-coverage/) - [Enrollment](https://usfhp.net/enrollment/) - [Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [For Members](https://usfhp.net/members/) - [Members Login](https://member.usfhp.net/) - [Plan Benefits](https://usfhp.net/plan-benefits/) - [Care Management Program](https://usfhp.net/care-management-program/) - [Health Centers](https://usfhp.net/health-centers/) - [Providers](https://usfhp.net/providers/) - [For Providers](https://usfhp.net/for-providers/) - [Providers Login](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Webinars](https://usfhp.net/webinars/) - [Contact](https://usfhp.net/contact/) - [Enrollment](https://usfhp.net/enrollment/) - [About](https://usfhp.net/about/) - [Provider Login](https://provider.usfhp.net/) - [Member Login](https://member.usfhp.net/) ### Contact - - - # Weekly Health Tips # Putting Mental Wellness First Posted by [USFHP](https://blog.usfhp.net/author/usfhp) on Feb 6, 2025 9:00:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) **![Gemini_Generated_Image_q0ytauq0ytauq0yt](https://blog.usfhp.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Gemini_Generated_Image_q0ytauq0ytauq0yt.png?width=1264&height=841&name=Gemini_Generated_Image_q0ytauq0ytauq0yt.png)** Image Credit: [Canva](https://www.canva.com/) Mental wellness is a vital aspect of overall well-being, yet it has historically been overlooked in many communities, including the Black community. Generations of systemic inequities, cultural stigmas, and lack of access to care have created barriers to seeking mental health support.  So, our team understands the importance of addressing these challenges and providing resources that foster mental wellness. **Understanding the Challenges** Around the country, every person always hits a wall. Whether it’s struggling to communicate with family members or worrying about environmental challenges, we can’t run away from things that impact our mental wellness. In fact, the Black community faces [unique stressors](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6532404/) that can impact mental health. These include systemic racism, economic disparities, the pressure to meet cultural expectations, and so much more. Despite these challenges, stigma around mental health often discourages individuals from seeking help, further compounding the problem. **Breaking the Stigma** USFHP is committed to fostering awareness and reducing the stigma around mental wellness. We recognize the power of open dialogue and culturally responsive care as crucial steps toward healing and resilience. **Taking the First Step** We know that mental wellness is a journey, and it starts with taking the first step toward seeking help. Whether it’s reaching out to a counselor, joining a support group, or attending a workshop, USFHP is here to support you every step of the way.  Here are some tips to support your mental wellness journey, no matter what step you are at: 1. **Find your community** - it’s easier said than done, but to improve mental wellness, it’s important to rely on a community and find safe spaces to share experiences without judgement. 2. **Increase awareness through education** - Highlight stories of resilience and healing within the Black community to counter stigma. 3. **Encourage holistic wellness practices** - Participate in activities that support mental health, like yoga, mindfulness, journaling, and exercise, tailored to cultural preferences. Overall, the Black community encounters unique challenges in accessing mental health care, including systemic racism, discrimination, and inequities. Historical and ongoing prejudice within the U.S. healthcare system has contributed to these barriers.  Provider biases and a lack of cultural competence often result in misdiagnoses and inadequate treatment, discouraging many individuals from seeking mental health support and fostering mistrust in mental health professionals. At USFHP, we believe that mental health is health. By addressing the specific needs of the EVERY community and providing access to quality resources, we aim to empower individuals to thrive. If you or a loved one is ready to prioritize mental wellness, we encourage you to explore the resources available through USFHP. Together, we can build a healthier, more resilient community. Visit [usfhp.net](http://usfhp.net/) or call 1-800-241-4848 for more information on our healthcare plans or assistance scheduling a one-on-one appointment. Topics: [mental health](https://blog.usfhp.net/topic/mental-health), [mental wellness](https://blog.usfhp.net/topic/mental-wellness) [![](http://usfhp2.test/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Group-1774.png)](https://blog.usfhp.net/) To provide the highest quality health care for uniformed services family members, retirees, and their family members. - - - [Contact Us](https://blog.usfhp.net/) [Member's Portal](https://blog.usfhp.net/) Provider Quick Links - About - Resources - FAQs - Videos [Provider's Portal](https://blog.usfhp.net/) Member Quick Links - [Enroll](http://usfhp2.test/enrollment/) - Benefits - Locations - Webinars --- TRICARE is a registered trademark of the Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency. ©2022 All rights reserved. website by [knockmedia](https://knockmedia.com)