Your Mental Health Matters.

Mental  Health  is  a  combination  of  your emotional,  pyschological,  and  social  well being  which  impacts  how  we  think,  feel,  and act.  According  to  mentalhealth.gov,  our mental  health  determines  how  we  handle stress,  react  to  others  and  situations,  and make  life  choices. Throughout  the  course  of  our  lives,  starting in childhood,  we  experience  circumstances in life  that  can  affect  our  mental  health.  Such circumstances  include  poverty,  bullying, death,  witnessing  domestic  violence, emotional  abuse,  and  much  more.  When  we experience  such  events,  it  creates  stress  and alters  our  mental  state.  Once  the  stress  is experienced,  our  moods  change,  behaviors increase,  and  our  thinking  is  not  logical. Other  factors  that  contribute  to  our  mental health  includes  biological  make-up (genetics),  and  family  history  of  mental health.

Myth- “There is nothing wrong with you. You’ll be alright.”

Truth- They are not ok. Their tears, isolation, consistent sadness, insomnia, lack of appetite, constant fidgeting,  strange behaviors, etc. is AFFECTING THEM GREATLY!  This is a cry out for help!

Myth- “Just pray about it.”

Truth- Yes, many communities have a strong faith base and prayer does work! However, prayer requires action behind it. If you pray that your mood increases, what actions are YOU taking to increase those moods? You can pray AND cope. You can also have Jesus and a therapist too!

Myth- “The past is the past

Truth- THE LIES!! As long as the past is negatively effecting you in your present life, it is important to address it in the NOW. It does not matter how long ago the trauma occurred, address it anyway so that you can process those feelings and begin to heal. It is never too late to address your past trauma. 

Myth- “What happens in our house, stays in our house.”

Truth- Absolutely not!! Sometimes, what happens in our house causes depression, cutting, suicidal thoughts, bulimia, anxiety, etc. because we do not address the trauma that occurs behind closed doors. Why leave it there if the people who are in that house are hurting you and not helping you heal? LET IT OUT! If the individuals who are supposed to protect you are not doing so, talk to someone who you feel safe with. Also, stop punishing your loved ones for being brave enough to discuss their truth. You may not understand it, but support them during their healing process. They need it. 

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)  
• Major Depressive Disorder
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder 
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar Disorder 

Coping skills are activities that you partake in to increase your mood when triggered. Here are a few suggestions for both children and adults:

• Reading     
• Journaling
• Meditation/prayer
• Exercising 
• Walking
• Cooking/baking 
• Arts & Crafts
• Watching your favorite movie
• Traveling 
• Coloring (Yes, they have adult coloring books!)
• Gardening 
• Listening to music 
• Watching a motivational video 
• Spending quality time with family & friends 
• Playing cards or board games 
• Shopping (Do it wisely!)
• Cleaning 

Looking for a therapist? Here are a few sites where you can find a therapist that is ready and willing to help you heal.

https://therapyforblackgirls.com

https://www.blacktherapistsrock.com
https://www.ayanatherapy.com
https://www.beam.community/bvtn

https://belightfilled.com

https://zencare.co

**DUE TO COVID-19, SOME THERAPISTS ARE LOWERING RATES**