July is National Minority Mental Health Month. Lived experiences are different for everyone and they matter.

July is officially National Minority Mental Health Month. As a white woman with privilege, clearly I cannot speak to the experience firsthand. As a mental health advocate, it invites me to lean in and learn.

July is also famous for the 4th of July here in North America. So naturally, every town is plastered with red, white, and blue memorabilia. The word freedom can be seen everywhere right now. "250 years of freedom."

My husband is a man of color and this is our 11th Independence Day together. 250 years of freedom does not apply to everyone. As I type this, I wear red, white, and blue nails, and I can't help but look down and think about what a celebration of freedom and independence must feel like for those who were once not born free.

This reminded me how important it is to lean in and learn more about the experience behind why we need National Minority Mental Health Month. Lived experiences are different for everyone and they matter. It is fair to say this time of year may bring up mixed emotions.

For me, instead of  focusing on independence, freedom, hot dogs, or the cinematic classic, Independence Day, I wanted to look at the celebration. This is a birthday celebration. This was also a big birthday year for me. I live in Colorado and this is the state's 150th birthday. The question becomes 'What am I celebrating?' and 'What gift am I bringing?' And perhaps, you don't feel there is a need to celebrate right now. And that's okay too.

This month, and all months, I want to make sure I not only look at my lived experiences, but the lived experiences of others. That's what I'm celebrating. Air in my lungs, good weather, perspective, family, and access to mental health care.