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1.I reject the stigma associated with mental healthcare. I value my mental health and see seeking help as an act of strength and self-love.

2.I honor my roots by incorporating ancestral practices along with traditional mental healthcare. Both are valuable and contribute to my holistic healing journey.

3.I deserve therapy that is culturally sensitive and representative of my lived experience. I commit to seeking such support and advocating for its importance.

4.I acknowledge the healing power of shared experiences and storytelling. I am open to the support and community offered by group therapy.

5.I embody the principle of Ubuntu, recognizing our shared humanity. My well-being is interconnected with the well-being of others.

6.I acknowledge the impact of systemic racism on my mental health. I am resilient and will continue to strive for healing and justice.

7.I will work to build trusting relationships with healthcare providers who respect and understand my experiences. I will advocate for my needs and my care.

8.My spiritual beliefs nourish my mental well-being. I honor the role of spirituality in my journey to emotional health.

9.I will share the importance of mental health with younger generations, creating a safer and more supportive future for them.

10.I acknowledge the power of rest and self-care in supporting my emotional well-being. I will prioritize these essential aspects of my mental health journey.

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74.Bogart, Laura M., Bisola O. Ojikutu, Keshav Tyagi, David C. Klein, Matt G. Mutchler, Lu Dong, Sean Jamar Lawrence et al., 2021. “Covid-19 Related Medical Mistrust, Health Impacts, and Potential Vaccine Hesitancy Among Black Americans Living With HIV,” JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes (86), 2:200–207. doi.org/10.1097/qai.0000000000002570.

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