May is Mental Health Awareness Month! It is a time to raise awareness of and reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health issues, as well as highlighting the ways how mental illness and addiction can affect all of us – patients, providers, families, and our society at large.
As a person juggling many roles in my personal, professional, and community life, it is imperative for me to prioritize my mental health. When I am disorganized and overwhelmed with deadlines my anxiety tends to creep in. Anxiety is just one example of a behavioral health issue. Some mental health issues are more manageable than others with the appropriate interventions and resources.
So many of our family and friends are dealing with mental health issues without our knowledge. It is important for us to be mindful of the interactions we have with our loved ones, friends and colleagues.
Thankfully, the topic of mental health is becoming more mainstream and less stigmatized. Of course there is still more work to be done.
Over the last six months, I’ve been taking advantage of a resource offered by my employer called Spring Health. Spring Health offers 6 free Therapy Sessions and 6 Free Coaching Sessions to all employees at my place of employment. This service has been a game changer and a useful resource. I am an advocate for therapy. Therapy has served as a safe space for me to process my emotions and deeper my understanding about myself and how I show up in the world.
There is an African Proverb that resonates with me deeply that I’ve adopted as my life mantra - “Each One, Teach One.” As I continue to learn, unlearn and adopt healthier behaviors it is my duty to share my experiences and lessons learned along the way. My wisdom can spark curiosity, challenge a stagnant mindset, add more resourceful tools in someone’s life toolbox, or expose someone to new and relevant information.
As I depart, I challenge you to take care of your mind, body and soul. Put the work in to be a better person. There is room for everyone (including me) to be a better version of themselves. Working on yourself can take shape in many ways.
Thanks for reading to the end, I hope you enjoy these resources below and share the ones that may be helpful.
Resources
Therapy
- TherapyforBlackGirls.com
- TalkSpace.com
- BetterHelp.com
- PsychologyToday.com
Books
- Adult Children with Emotionally Immature Parents
https://a.co/d/5IVDt3q
- The Body Keeps Score
https://a.co/d/7cKSqmQ
- Forgiving What You Can’t Forget
https://a.co/d/cRu3l10
- It Didn’t Start With You
https://a.co/d/2PC2bg2
- Sisterhood Heals
https://a.co/d/eQMctFl
- Set Boundaries, Find Peace
https://www.amazon.com/Set-Boundaries-Find-Peace-Reclaiming/dp/0593192095
Podcast
- Therapy for Black Girls
- Brown Girl Self-Care
- Unlocking Us With Brene Brown
- The Dude Therapist
- Cant Afford Therapy
Activities
- Go For a Walk in the Park
- Ride a Bike
- Try a new Hobby
- Call a Friend
- Watch your Favorite Movie
Amazon Finds
- Self Care Cards
https://a.co/d/bEY85c6
- Positive Daily Affirmation Cup
https://a.co/d/3wSbWU9
- Stationary Motivation Sign
https://a.co/d/jghEWsa
- Messages in a Bottle
https://a.co/d/imH998d
- Coping Skills Bag
https://a.co/d/iadXzRK