Hello Family,
MENTAL HEALTH CHECK: How are you? I mean.. How are you REALLY?
HOW ARE YOU FEELING?
Happy & Peaceful
Not happy, but I am content with my situation
I feel numb, in limbo and I feel stuck
I am sad
I am feeling a little stressed out, exhausted and anxious.
I struggle with anxiety. If I am overworking, mentally overstimulated or simply trying to perfect a craft, I'll become anxious and won't be able to finish anything with ease.
Growing up, I would over work myself and be super critical of my work in and out of school. I had my first anxiety attack in high school and at that moment I was able to put a name to my reoccurring mental health care need.
Unfortunately, there are negative stigmas around mental health that try to box people in and strip their humanity away from their experiences. People may say, "you just need to pray" or "stop stressing so much" or "you have nothing to feel depressed or anxious or (insert your need) about".
In reality, much of your mental health isn't associated with your physical responses alone. If you're feeling depressed, the desire to isolate or self harm is a symptom of your mental health care need. When I feel overwhelmed and anxious, I simply lose my ability to do anything effectively. In most cases, when i'm feeling anxious I'll have no choice but to take a nap or step away from the environment, or person heightening my anxiety.
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS.
Start listening to your body, and your spirit, they'll lead you where you feel safe and secure. Being in toxic environments and around individuals that trigger negative emotions within you or heighten your mental health care need is not okay. It's okay to leave. It's okay to step away from those relationships. It's okay to take a hiatus from that project.
According to the CDC, Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. (CDC, 2021)
I started going to therapy in college, because I struggled with depression and anxiety regularly. I needed coping skills and tools to support myself when I felt my mental health care needs crippling me from being my true authentic self. Therapy isn't for everyone, but it doesn't hurt to see if it works for you.
If you haven't felt safe or comfortable talking to someone about your mental health, stress levels and triggers from traumatic events in your life try to seek out a therapist, talk to someone close to you that you trust or talk to your doctor.
REMEMBER, your mind matters. Your mental health matters. If you're not okay, you can't be "okay" nor can you be "there" or "present" for anyone else in your life. Love yourself like you love those closest to you by getting the support you need.
I love you. Jesus loves you MOST.
Hang in there. Keep your head up, and if you can’t that’s okay too.
Feel free to message me directly on the 'Stay Connected' page if you would like to talk!
Xoxo Miss Ponder
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MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES:
Call 9-8-8 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (United States Lifeline)
Are you in need of a therapist? Check out: https://therapyforblackgirls.com/
Looking for a specialty therapist? Check out: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
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Sources: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Population Health, https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm\ , 2021
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