May almost came and went, even though we had 31 days. Did you get the memo that it is/was Mental Health Month? Mental Health has become a 365-day crisis for children and adults. Surveys show people are more isolated today than they were 5 years ago. Working from home and increased alcohol usage has not helped this. The last grim note highlighting the importance of mental health is the United States record or higher numbers of suicides than other developed countries. Close to 50,000 suicides were reported in 2021.
Many of us are more aware of our physical health than our mental health. We may have changed our diets by eating more plant-based and less meat. You might exercise regularly and even know your body mass index. This is all great, but you want to be wholly well. Mental health is a wide area of concern so I can only highlight a few concerns.
First, realize it is ok to ask for help. This has been a stigma for the black community, causing many to avoid seeking mental treatment. How big of a priority is your mental health? You may ask ‘Where do I start’? Prioritize What? Your well-being – it is important to be clear about this.
How do you do this? Physically stop and take a breather. It really is okay to make this a focus area by setting a date on your calendar. You may consider making an appointment with a therapist (counseling or psychotherapy). Check with your insurance company. You want to connect with reputable providers who can work with you on your unique needs. Clinics can provide preventive or depression screenings. Some areas that lead to better mental health may be considered only for the well-to-do. They are financial planning support, wellness retreat, and spas. One wellness retreat provides a 30-day self-care calendar as well as wellness assessments. Sometimes just having self-pampering can do wonders for the mind. Regular treats such as facials, or having your nails done or a pedicure does wonders.
Mental Health Support – The Center for Black Women’s Wellness empowers women to become whole, healed and well.
National Institute of Mental Health
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
Medicare and insurance companies offer many health services including
Telehealth.
-Helpful links:
FindSupport.gov (explore care, support, and treatment options). This site is provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Mental Health America (Find help for you or someone else). They offer depression, postpartum, PTSD, and anxiety tests just to name a few. They also provide popular mental health articles.
Local cities and state agencies always have mental health support.
Keep an eye out for Black Enterprise’s coverage during Minority Health Awareness Month in July. They highlight the stigmas that are caused where many spend most of their time, in the workplace.
Finally, if you have good mental health, maybe your need is helped by the spiritual realm. Check out the next blog entitled Fight Fear and Hold Fast.
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