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beamorg.bsky.social
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective
@beamorg.bsky.social
58 followers 6 following 160 posts
BEAM funds, trains and resources an international network of grassroots wellness orgs, mental health institutions, and wellness practitioners across the world while holding healing spaces that center healing justice.
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beamorg.bsky.social
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective @beamorg.bsky.social · 2d
But BPD isn’t a moral failing. It’s often rooted in deep emotional wounds and nervous system overwhelm. Education, compassion, and community can help us move past stigma — toward understanding, care, and healing. 💛

Check out our tool kit on simple tips, and remember- center care as much as you can.
BEAM’s logo is at the bottom right corner which reads BEAM, Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective. The background of the graphic has a picture of a young Black man sitting in front of a mirror with a garden in the background that has orange flowers. The title at the top of the page in white text reads, “Ways to Cope with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).” There are 6 text bubbles at the center of the page. Each bubble has a different text. Bubble 1: Learn skills to support emotional regulation. Bubble 2: Practice and build up your affirming self-talk skills. Bubble 3: Seek peer support spaces with others living with BPD to learn and grow with them. Bubble 4: Read books that help you understand BPD. Bubble 5: Seek out therapy, yoga, and other healing practices that align with you. Try several of them to see what works. Bubble 6: Build up a community of folks who can help support you. Community care matters. Tips for Supporting Someone Living with BPD There is no standardized template for supporting someone living with BPD. However, here are a few tips that can mutually benefit your health and wellbeing: Listen, empathize, and affirm your loved one's experience. Learn as much as you can about it. Knowledge is key! Set, communicate, and enforce boundaries. Doing this creates safer and healthier relationships for all. Support your loved one in seeking the treatment with which they feel most comfortable. Join a support group! You don't have to do it alone. Remember to take care of yourself. You can't "pour from an empty cup." BEAM’s logo is at the bottom of the graphic, which reads BEAM, Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective. Text at the center of the page is as follows: Yes, we've done our research, but it's important you do too! Check our sources against yours, and always exercise discretion. Sources https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/borderline-personality-disorder/. https://www.borderlinepersonalitydisorder.org/what-is-bpd/treating-bpd/. Choi-Kain, L. W., Finch, E. F., Masland, S. R., Jenkins, J. A., & Unruh, B. T. (2017). What Works in the Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder. Current behavioral neuroscience reports, 4(1), 21–30. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40473-017-0103-z. Newhill, Christina & Eack, Shaun & Conner, Kyaien. (2009). Racial Differences Between African and White Americans in the Presentation of Borderline Personality Disorder. Race and Social Problems. 1. 87-96. 10.1007/s12552-009-9006-2. Ayre, K., Owen, G. S., & Moran, P. (2017). Mental capacity and borderline personality disorder. BJPsych bulletin, 41(1), 33–36. https://doi.org/10.1192/pb.bp.115.052753. https://ca.ctrinstitute.com/blog/9-strategies-supporting-bpd/
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Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective @beamorg.bsky.social · 2d
💙 Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is one of the most stigmatized mental health diagnoses — and even its name carries harm. The term “borderline” comes from outdated ideas about “being on the border” of psychosis, a framing that pathologized pain and misunderstood trauma.
BEAM’s logo at the top right corner which reads BEAM, Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective. Background has a picture of a Black individual wearing a white sweatshirt who is sitting down with their hands on their face. To the right of this picture, the text reads: “Let’s Break the Stigma on…Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Created by L'Oréal McCollum, MSW, LSW, M.Ed., BEAM Black Mental Health Training Manager @lorealmccollum. BEAM’s logo at the top right corner which reads BEAM, Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective. Background picture is of young Black mand and woman sitting on a green couch. Title reads, “What is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?” At the center of the graphic, text reads, “BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) is a mental health condition often characterized by an ongoing pattern of varying moods, behavior, and functioning. For many folks with BPD, experiences with self-image distress, suicidality, and self-harm may be common. It is estimated that BPD affects around 1% of the population.” BEAM’s logo is at the bottom right corner which reads BEAM, Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective. Graphic background has a young Black man who is wearing a black top and reading glasses sitting at a desk reading a textbook. Title reads, “Common Myths About Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).” There are 6 text bubbles at the center of the page. Each bubble has a different text. Bubble 1: Only women have or get BPD. Bubble 2: BPD is a rare condition. Bubble 3: Folks living with BPD are always dangerous, attention-seeking, and manipulative. Bubble 4: Folks with BPD are all incapable of living independently. Bubble 5: Folks with BPD can't live satisfying lives. Bubble 6: BPD cannot be treated. BEAM’s logo is at the top right corner which reads BEAM, Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective. The title at the top of the page in white text with a gray background and reads, “How Is Borderline Personality Disorder Treated?” Beneath the title, the text is at the center. “While medication is a commonly sought first choice of treatment for folks diagnosed with mental health conditions, the most studied & effective treatment for BPD is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. This modality, also referred to as DBT, was developed in the 80s by psychologist Dr. Marsha Linehan. Linehan created the modality after she discovered that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alone did not prove to be an effective treatment for folks living with BPD. Though DBT has been proven effective for many folks living with BPD, the condition itself remains one of the most misunderstood, mistreated, & underdiagnosed mental health conditions. This issue is further complicated for Black folks and marginalized communities who often go undiagnosed for BPD, despite significant evidence suggesting similar prevalence rates across races and genders.”
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beamorg.bsky.social
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective @beamorg.bsky.social · 3d
Get your new BEAM tee and move through the season rooted in care, resilience, and community. 🖤

beam-community.myshopify.com/collections/...
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beamorg.bsky.social
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective @beamorg.bsky.social · 3d
Healing belongs to all of us. 🌱 

Our new BEAM tee is a reminder — healing isn’t linear, but it’s ours to claim.

As we honor survivors, caretakers, and anyone moving through their own healing journey this month, we’re wearing our reminder loud:

“I have the power to heal.”
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beamorg.bsky.social
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective @beamorg.bsky.social · 4d
Whether you or someone you love is navigating intense highs, deep lows, or shifts in between — you’re not alone, and it’s not your fault. 💛

Understanding is a powerful step toward healing.

Art by @ellen_forney, adapted by @beamorg

#MentalHealthAwareness #MoodDisorders #HealingJustice #BEAM
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beamorg.bsky.social
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective @beamorg.bsky.social · 4d
What gets called a mood disorder can show up as depression, bipolar or persistent emotional ups and downs that affect how we think, feel, and function day to day. And it’s far more common than people think — yet stigma keeps too many of us from getting support.
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Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective @beamorg.bsky.social · 4d
We know the term "mood disorder" can feel heavy — even pathologizing. But it’s the language most commonly used to describe emotional states that become hard to manage over time. We are always thinking of new language and how to name our experiences without this framing.
Illustration showing people riding carousel horses at different heights labeled with mood states — from mania (high) to depression (low) — representing different mood disorder states. Text reads “What is a Mood Disorder anyway?” with definitions by BEAM. A gradient blue-to-orange background graphic titled “What is a Mood Disorder anyway?” explains that it’s a condition where emotions are unregulated for long periods. It lists the main types: Bipolar I: Alternating manic and depressive episodes Bipolar II: Alternating hypomanic and depressive episodes (“Hypomania = mild mania”) Cyclothymia: Alternating hypomanic and mild depressive episodes Unipolar Depression: Single or recurrent episodes with no mania Dysthymia: Chronic, low-grade depression Text credits BEAM: Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective, and notes that it’s an alternative version of art by Ellen Forney.
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Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective @beamorg.bsky.social · 5d
This affirmation and shirt reminds us that our care for each other has healing power. But yours now on our site- all proceeds support our healing justice work!!

And Tag someone who reminds you of our collective power to heal!

Photos by RickyDay

beam-community.myshopify.com/collections/...
beamorg.bsky.social
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective @beamorg.bsky.social · 5d
Our communities have the power to heal!

Healing doesn’t only happen in hospitals — it happens in living rooms, barbershops, church pews, front porches, and block parties. It happens when we choose care, connection, and collective action.
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Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective @beamorg.bsky.social · 9d
On World Mental Health Day, we are affirming our right to reimagine mental health care.

To align with our mission, we’ve launched our Rooted in Healing initiative including a t-shirt collection to affirm our communities.

Learn more & grab yours today! beam-community.myshopify.com/collections/...
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Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective @beamorg.bsky.social · 17d
Art is activism. Creating art that inspires us to resist and reimagine helps the movement for care and healing justice to continue. Here is a very small sneak peek of some projects the BEAM team has been working on!!!! Stay tuned for more!!! There even might be some giveaways coming….👀
beamorg.bsky.social
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective @beamorg.bsky.social · 26d
What’s happening in Sudan is not just a political crisis—it’s a human one.
Displacement. Violence. Disconnection from care and home.
As healers, organizers, and community members, we recognize that healing justice must be global. Our liberation is bound together.
The graphic features the Sudanese flag with horizontal red, white, and black stripes, and a green triangle on the left side. Across the black stripe, bold white text reads: “SUPPORT SUDAN.” At the bottom, a torn-paper effect reveals a dark brick wall background with the BEAM logo in white, which includes the words “Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective.”
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Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective @beamorg.bsky.social · 27d
Last week in Atlanta, BEAM gathered community for the Black Masculinity (Re)imagined Summit.

Together we shared moments of connection through sound baths, healing circles, sacred pauses, and meals — creating space to rest, reflect, and reimagine what masculinity can mean for Black folks.
beamorg.bsky.social
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective @beamorg.bsky.social · Sep 4
Brothers, siblings, and community — your solidarity matters. Together, we’ll reflect on how collective responsibility can create pathways toward life, wholeness, and liberation.

Join us for this vital conversation via IG Live :

Sept 10th at 11 AM PT / 2 PM ET

Register at beam.community/events
BEAM: Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective
Imagine a world where there are no barriers to Black healing. Together, we can heal through education, training, and advocacy.
beam.community
beamorg.bsky.social
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective @beamorg.bsky.social · Sep 4
When is the last time you checked-in with yourself to evaluate how you show up for Black women?

On World Suicide Prevention Day, we center the care, protection, and healing of Black women.
Promotional flyer with a green background featuring two headshots inside orange circles: Yolo Akili Robinson, Founder & Executive Director of BEAM, and Dr. Raquel Martin, Ph.D., HSP. Large bold text reads: “Brothers, Siblings & Solidarity: Supporting Black Women on World Suicide Prevention Day.” Below, the event details say: “Sep. 10, 11AM PT, 2PM ET, Virtual.” Additional text invites people to join a conversation centering the care, protection, and healing of Black women, reflecting on collective responsibility and solidarity to create pathways toward life, wholeness, and liberation. At the bottom are the BEAM logo, Instagram icon, and website link: www.beam.community/events.
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beamorg.bsky.social
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective @beamorg.bsky.social · Sep 3
Together, we’ll challenge harmful norms, unpack the impact of patriarchy, and build new visions of masculinity in order for our community to use our innate power to heal.

📍 Atlanta • Sept 14 | 12–5 PM ET

RSVP today, at beam.community/events
beamorg.bsky.social
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective @beamorg.bsky.social · Sep 3
This isn’t about fitting into old boxes. It’s about imagining new pathways rooted in care, accountability, and freedom.
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Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective @beamorg.bsky.social · Sep 3
What happens when Black men and Black masculine folks of ALL GENDERS come together to rewrite the story of masculinity?

On Sept 14 in Atlanta, BEAM’s Black Masculinity (Re)imagined Summit is creating space for truth, healing, and liberation. A day of power, peace, and possibility.
Flyer for BEAM’s Black Masculinity (Re)imagined: The Summit happening on September 14, 12–5 PM ET in Atlanta. At the top, a group of smiling people of diverse ages and genders stand together, holding event cards. The headline reads: “Leadership Training and Healing Space: A Day of Power & Peace.” The text explains this is an intergenerational gathering centering Black men and Black masculine folks of all genders to explore narratives around masculinity, challenge harmful norms, and imagine new pathways rooted in care, accountability, and liberation. The flyer notes that limited free seats are available and refreshments will be served. Registration link: www.beam.community/events.
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Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective @beamorg.bsky.social · Aug 29
This September at BEAM! 

We're diving deep into Herbalism & Black Farming as Healing and Resistance—rooted in legacy, liberation, and community care. From powerful Heart Space gatherings to Black Masculinity Reimagined and Healing Justice in HR, we’re reclaiming our wellness, one event at a time.
### **(September 2025 BEAM Events)** **Extracted Text:** - BEAM: Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective - This September at BEAM 2025 - September Theme: Herbalism and Black Farming as Healing and Resistance - September 10: Heart Space (Virtual) - September 14: Black Masculinity Reimagined, The Summit (Atlanta) - September 16: Heart Space (Atlanta) - September 25: Healing Justice in HR (Virtual) - www.beam.community **Alt Text:** A flyer for BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective) promoting September 2025 events. The theme is "Herbalism and Black Farming as Healing and Resistance." Four smiling people are pictured at the bottom. Event dates include: Sept 10 (Heart Space, Virtual), Sept 14 (Black Masculinity Reimagined, Atlanta), Sept 16 (Heart Space, Atlanta), and Sept 25 (Healing Justice in HR, Virtual). Website: beam.community. Flyer for BEAM’s “Heart Space” event on September 10, 2025, from 3 PM – 4:30 PM PT / 6 PM - 7:30 PM ET, Virtual. The background shows a group of people gathered around a table with herbs, candles, and wellness items. The event explores the legacy of herbalism and Black farming as healing and resistance, honoring ancestral knowledge and community resilience. Website: beam.community/events. Flyer for BEAM’s “Black Masculinity (Re)Imagined: The Summit” event on September 14, 2025, from 12–5 PM ET in Atlanta. The flyer features a group photo of smiling participants holding event cards. The event focuses on leadership, healing, and reimagining masculinity rooted in care, accountability, and liberation. Free seats available with refreshments provided. Website: beam.community/events. Flyer for BEAM’s “Heart Space” event on September 16, 2025, from 6–8 PM ET in Atlanta. The background shows a group of people gathered around a table with herbs, candles, and wellness items. The event explores the legacy of herbalism and Black farming as healing and resistance, honoring ancestral knowledge and community resilience. Website: beam.community/events.
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beamorg.bsky.social
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective @beamorg.bsky.social · Aug 28
Let’s build work spaces where our people thrive, not just survive.

Register at www.beam.community/events
BEAM: Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective
Imagine a world where there are no barriers to Black healing. Together, we can heal through education, training, and advocacy.
www.beam.community
beamorg.bsky.social
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective @beamorg.bsky.social · Aug 28
This session will be hosted by our Director of People and Culture, Jessica Johnson and Director of Training & Programs, Natalie Patterson..

If you’re a HR professional, DEI leader or committed to workplace transformation, this training is for you.
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beamorg.bsky.social
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective @beamorg.bsky.social · Aug 28
Join BEAM as we share what we are learning for “From Compliance to Care: Healing Justice in HR” — a powerful virtual gathering where we reimagine HR as a space for healing, accountability, and compassion.
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Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective @beamorg.bsky.social · Aug 28
What if HR was more than just rules and policies? These are the questions our leadership team has grappled with, and worked to integrate healing-centered practices into a field often designed for punishment and rigidity.
Promotional flyer for a virtual event titled “From Compliance to Care: Healing Justice in HR,” hosted by BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective). The flyer features headshots of Jessica Johnson, Director of People and Operations, and Natalie Patterson, Director of Training & Programs. The event is scheduled for **September 25, from 12 PM – 2 PM PT / 3 PM – 5 PM ET** , and will be held online. The description explains that HR is often focused on rules and compliance, but this session will reimagine HR as a space centered on care, healing, and compassion. Website listed: **www.beam.community/events** Promotional flyer for the event “From Compliance to Care: Healing Justice in HR,” hosted by BEAM. Features the same headshots of Jessica Johnson and Natalie Patterson. The flyer outlines what participants will explore: - The impact of trauma, systemic oppression, and workplace culture on mental health. - Strategies for transforming HR into supportive, healing-centered spaces. - Tools for incorporating care, accountability, and cultural responsiveness into HR practices like hiring and conflict resolution. Website listed: **www.beam.community/events**.
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beamorg.bsky.social
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective @beamorg.bsky.social · Aug 28
This is a paid opportunity on Saturday, Sept 13 for a mission-driven project centering healing, affirmations, and collective care.
Interested? DM us or email [email protected] to learn more.
beamorg.bsky.social
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective @beamorg.bsky.social · Aug 28
✨ NYC Casting Call ✨

We’re looking for Black, queer, and trans models of all body sizes who feel comfortable in front of the camera to be part of BEAM’s upcoming campaign.
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