Last week I vended at a Mental Health Fair in Orlando, FL. It was an enriching event particularly the panel discussion which focused on unpacking the stereotypes, biases and harmful practices that my community (Black Community) uphold around Mental Health. A mother bravely shared her story about how suicide has impacted her life. I won't tell her story because its not my story to tell, but I implore you to check-in on your loved ones. I challenge you to ask questions beyond "How are you?" Observe behavioral changes and engage in meaningful interactions with the youth in your life.
During the panel discussion, I noticed one of the panelist excusing himself mid way through the panel discussion. Out of curiosity, I inquired about the abrupt exit and he responded, "I had four schedule events during the same two hour window." Of course, I am shocked and confused as to why someone would want to overcommit themselves to so many events especially on a Saturday. My follow up question to his bizarre response was, "How do you take care of your mental health as a therapist, how do you balance it all?" He replied with a chuckle, "there is no such thing as balance - I foster a sense of harmony and do the best I can.''
His remark left me in deep contemplation. "Is balance truly attainable?” or, "Are we in search for true harmony instead?" According to several publications, HARMONY is synonymous with the word FLOW. If it’s put that way, I think that approach is simplistic and more practical, I'm certain it takes practice and grace.
The month of March kept me on my toes from March 1 - March 31. I attempted to find a balance between my volunteer commitments, personal travels, work responsibilities and personal self-care, I don't think I was able to find a balance, but I did try my best. Personally I don't think you can attain or achieve harmony, it's not a destination, it’s a wave you catch and once you're in that ripple you ride the wave. Does that make sense? If you have a hard time balancing your daily life commitments, I challenge you to shift your perspective and attempt to harmonize your daily life commitments.
Did you know, April is National Minority Health Month? This annual observance builds awareness about the health disparities that persist among racial and ethnic minority and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations and encourages everyone to take action to end these inequities. In the Public Health world, we are guided by a framework called the Social Determinants of Health to inform us about the wide disparities and health inequities minorities are impacted by. This framework includes 5 domains - Economic Stability, Education Access & Quality, Healthcare Access & Quality, Neighborhood & Built Environment and Social & Community Context.
I want to amplify one of the domains - Social & Community Context. This domain focuses on the importance of people’s relationships and interactions with family, friends, co-workers, and community members. Our tribe/community can have a major impact on our health and well-being. As I alluded to earlier, I struggle with finding balance between my hundreds of commitments, but I value community and being apart of several different types of communities. The disadvantages of not being apart of a community, increases one chances of developing mental and physical health issues. Studies also convey that social exclusion increases the chances of divorce and addiction. Lastly, as a Alzheimer's advocate and former educator, study shows remaining socially active may support brain health and possibly delay the onset of dementia.
As I thread all of the points shared in this article, I encourage you to find harmony if the attempt to find balance isn't working for you. It is okay to be civically engaged in your community, work a full time job, and have a hustle on the side. As you continue to live your life on purpose and share your gifts & talents with others, remember to find harmony and take care of yourself in the midst of it all.
If you're interested in learning more about the framework, I encourage you to read more about it.
Until next time my friends,
Be Well & Take Care of Yourself in everyway possible!
Sources
https://www.hhs.gov/national-minority-health-month/index.html
https://health.gov/healthypeople/about/workgroups/social-determinants-health-workgroup#:~:text=The%20social%20determinants%20of%20health%20are%20the%20conditions%20and%20environments,of%2Dlife%20outcomes%20and%20risks.