The AAKOMA Project, Inc.

Happiness isn’t just a feeling, it’s a practice! ? On this International Day of Happiness, let’s focus on the things that truly bring us joy and peace. ??Do you have a daily practice that lifts your mood, encourages peace, or keeps your mind at ease? ??Drop it in the comments and let’s build a happiness toolkit together! ?????????????? #AAKOMAProject #TeamAAKOMA #InternationalDayOfHappiness #DayOfHappiness #JoyInTheLittleThings

At The AAKOMA Project, we believe in amplifying all voices, especially those of intersectional Youth and Young Adults of Color.? ?We remain committed by continuing to conduct culturally responsive research that uplifts the diverse experiences of our youth including those at the intersections of race, ethnicity, LGBTQ+ identity, and disability.? ?Over 20% of our participants in the 2023 State of Mental Health of Youth of Color study identified as having a disability or learning difficulty. Every voice deserves to be heard, and representation matters. ?This National Disability Awareness Month, join us in amplifying the experiences of Youth and Young Adults of Color with disabilities.?? ??Share this post or? ??Start a conversation to help us uplift the voices that often go unheard. We can create a future where mental health is inclusive, because we all deserve to have Optimal Mental Health. #TeamAAKOMA #DisabilityAwareness? #TheAAKOMAProject #OptimalMentalHealth ?Check out our list of resources to find an inclusive therapist who appreciates all facets of your beautiful diversity: https://lnkd.in/eSZMmbUx

? “Dear little me…” For too long, we’ve been taught to focus on what our bodies can’t do or how they “should” appear. But in reality, your body is incredible in all that it does every day, no matter its size or shape. Embracing body neutrality is not only a way to appreciate our bodies for what they are and what they do, but it also plays a crucial role in protecting our mental health. When we stop attaching judgments to our appearance, we free ourselves from unnecessary stress and anxiety, making space for more peace and self-acceptance. Listen to the beautiful and empowering words of our own Team AAKOMA member, Yewande. Let go of the pressure to conform to unrealistic standards, and embrace your body for being whole, capable, and deserving of respect. In doing so, you’ll create room for a healthier mind and a more compassionate relationship with yourself. You’ve always been enough.? ?Share this powerful message today! #TeamAAKOMA #TeamAAKOMAAccepts #AutonomousAAKOMA #OwnYourOwn #UnapologeticallyAAKOMA #TeamAAKOMAAdvocates #BodyPositivity #BodyAutonomy #BodyNeutrality

We’re honoring extraordinary women who have paved the way for change all month long, and today we honor Crystal Echo Hawk. ?She is the founder of IllumiNative, and a relentless advocate for Indigenous rights and representation. She has worked to challenge stereotypes and amplify the voices of Native communities in media, politics, and beyond. Her leadership ensures that Indigenous stories are told authentically and that Native peoples are recognized as powerful contributors to society. ??????#TeamAAKOMA #CrystalEchoHawk #IndigenousVoices #WomensHistoryMonth

In our latest research at The AAKOMA Project we revealed something powerful: ??61.6% of youth feel hopeful about their future. ??74.6% of youth report having at least one person who trusts and loves them. This data isn’t just numbers, it’s a reminder that support systems matter, and that when young people have access to love, trust, and mental health resources, their outlook on life improves. At AAKOMA, we’re committed to amplifying research like this because data drives change within our healthcare systems! It helps us understand what’s working and where we must do better for Youth of Color. ?? Stay tuned and subscribe to our newsletter for more insights that shape the future of youth mental health! #TheAAKOMAProject #TeamAAKMOMA #AAKOMAinAction #HopeInAction

This Women’s History Month, we’re honoring extraordinary women who have paved the way for change, innovation, and empowerment. Today we honor Allyson Felix! ?She is more than the most decorated female track and field Olympian, she’s a force for change. ??After facing challenges as a mother in professional sports, she courageously spoke out against inequities in sponsorship deals for female athletes. Her advocacy reshaped the conversation around maternal health and athlete rights, ensuring that future generations of women don’t have to choose between their dreams and motherhood. #TeamAAKOMA #AllysonFelix #ChampionOnAndOffTheTrack #WomensHistoryMonth #AllysonFelix

Your social media timeline can be a reflection of your mental health journey, and if you choose to scroll often, we listen and we don’t judge, but we will encourage you to make sure your feed supports, uplifts, and encourages you! ?Curating a feed with news, updates, and people that align with your values can be powerful and can directly impact your well-being. So, choose wisely and follow accounts that nourish your mind, body, and soul. ?Here are 3 Instagram pages we recommend you follow to keep your timeline focused on positivity and mental wellness: - Our Minds Matter @our.minds.matter - Project Healthy Minds @projecthealthyminds And - Born this Way @btwfoundation ??What pages do you follow that support your mental health?Feel free to share your suggestions in the comments! #TheAAKOMAProject #MindfulScrolling #CurateYoursNews #MentalWellnessMatters #FeedYourSoul

Instead of scrolling, try these 3 things to reconnect with yourself, family, or friends: 1?? Read a Book or Article: Dive into a new chapter or learn something new. It’s a great way to expand your mind without the constant noise of social media. 2?? Practice Deep Breathing: Take 5 minutes to focus on your breath. It helps clear your mind and resets your energy. 3?? Try something new: Do a little research and actually give a chance to something you’ve always wanted to do. You might find yourself more connected to a new hobby vs. scrolling. ??Challenge yourself to try one of these today and see how much more present you feel. #TeamAAKOMA #AAKOMAinAction #TheAAKOMAProject #MindfulLiving #TimeWellSpent #ReclaimYourTime #AAKOMAProject

Hear from Team AAKOMA member Nima, as she reads a letter to her younger self. ?? ?? We’ve been taught that beauty is defined by others, but we are so much more than surface-level expectations. True beauty comes from embracing our uniqueness, our strength, and every part of who we are. You are not defined by societal standards, and the best version of you is the one that shines without limits. Let’s keep growing, loving, and being unapologetically ourselves. ?Embracing self-love isn't just about feeling good in the moment; it's about accepting your body, just as it is, with kindness and neutrality. We’ve all been told there’s only one way to be 'beautiful,' but true beauty lies in accepting ourselves fully, in all shapes and forms. It’s about breaking free from harmful standards and prioritizing our mental well-being. You deserve to feel at peace in your own skin, knowing you are enough, just as you are. ??? #TeamAAKOMA #NEDAwareness #TeamAAKOMAAccepts #AutonomousAAKOMA #OwnYourOwn #UnapologeticallyAAKOMA #TeamAAKOMAAdvocates #BodyPositivity #BodyAutonomy #BodyNeutrality

Eating disorders don’t have a ‘look’, they affect people of all backgrounds. ? According to the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, though rates of eating disorders are considered similar across different racial and ethnic groups, Youth of Color are half as likely to be properly diagnosed compared to their White peers. This isn’t just an oversight, it’s a serious disparity in our healthcare system.?? ?When signs of eating disorders in Youth of Color are ignored or misdiagnosed, it delays access to life-saving care. ??At The AAKOMA Project, we focus on and amplify the mental health needs and experiences of Youth and Young Adults of Color because awareness sparks change, and every young person deserves to be seen, heard, and supported on their mental health journey. ??We all deserve Optimal Mental Health! #AAKOMAProject #TeamAAKOMA #EatingDisorderAwareness #EquityInHealthcare