At Fighting Pretty, we believe in supporting the whole woman- not just through the physical fight of cancer, but through the emotional one, too. And this July, during Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we're taking a moment to spotlight something that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough: Mental health is healthcare. And for many BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) women, accessing it isn’t easy.
The Hard Truth
Women of color, especially Black and Latina women, face massive hurdles when it comes to both physical and mental health care.
Studies show that Black and Latina women are less likely to receive mental health treatment compared to white women, even though they often experience higher levels of stress, trauma, and discrimination. Language barriers, lack of access to culturally competent providers, and implicit bias make it even harder for BIPOC women to speak up and feel seen. Economic barriers, like being uninsured or underinsured, are also more common, making care harder to afford or even consider. And when it comes to cancer? Women of color are often diagnosed later and face worse outcomes, compounding both the physical and emotional toll.
Why This Matters to Us
We’re here for every woman battling cancer. But we also know that being truly supported means addressing what’s happening on the inside, too- mentally, emotionally, spiritually. We see you. We honor your fight. And we know that for many BIPOC women, that fight is even harder.
Here’s What We Believe:
💗 Mental health care IS health care.
💗 BIPOC women deserve better access, better support, and better outcomes.
💗 Your story, your strength, and your beauty matter.
💗 You are not alone.
Let’s keep breaking stigmas, having the hard conversations, and lifting each other up- one voice, one story, one woman at a time.
With strength and love,
The Fighting Pretty Team 💕
Resources & Support:
- Mental Health America’s BIPOC Mental Health Hub
- Therapy for Black Girls
- Latinx Therapy
- National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network