It’s Time for a Check-in
It's that time again. If you're wondering what that might be, it's the Sista Girl Check-In. More often than not, women neglect their mental health to take care of their families. We go about our day fully engulfed in the mundane and never-ending to-do list of life while paying little attention to how we're feeling.
Have you felt like the walls are closing in on you? Or better yet, every day you wake up, you're filled with dread and trepidation of having to deal with another day. If this is you, listen up.
Often there is a misconception about mental health, especially in the Black community. I'm sure you've heard, "you're not white. Black people don't go to therapy." Here are your choices: 1) pretend like it doesn't exist, and 2) pray on it with the expectations of pushing through it or, my favorite saying, "get over it." Growing up, I used to hear, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger." Really?! No, what doesn't get dealt with will kill you mentally, emotionally, and, worst-case scenario, physically.
What is the source of your pain?
But the good news is, now our mental health is being taken seriously. With the help of our superhero, Taraji P. Henson, and her best friend, they have provided a national platform to address mental health and the stigma placed on it. Amongst us, therapy has long been that taboo word associated with being "crazy." While the underlining consequences of deteriorating mental health are vast, your only alternative was to pretend everything was okay. Not taking care of yourself determines your overall well-being, including how you handle stress, relate to others, and, subsequently, your choices.
When you've reached the point that your cup runneth over, here's what I want you to do:
Airplane mode, anyone? If you can't phantom the possibility of turning off your phone, turn it on to airplane mode. Social media and its distractions are a pressure you can do without for a couple of hours.
Get your groove on. Yes, I said it, have sex! The experts have proven that having relations relieves stress by raising endorphins and other hormones that boost mood. As a side note, if I were you, I would keep this under wrap from your significant other. Trust, your partner will hold you to it. Hence, you'll be stressed again. LOL!
Grab your timecard and clock out. Whatever is on your plate can wait. Take time to catch up on things that you enjoy. And whatever you do, feel guilty for doing AB-SO-LUTE-LY nothing. You deserve it!
R&R (Reminiscence & Reflect). Write down the positive aspects of your life and what you're thankful for. Researchers have concluded that there is a direct parallel between gratitude and well-being. It directly impacts mental and physical health.
Repeat after me, "I did my best." It's hard for us to acknowledge the effort we've put into it ALL. We are all on that hamster wheel striving to reach our destination, but it feels like you're not making any traction. Recognize that you're doing your best considering the circumstances, and allow yourself GRACE. There will always be a next time.
Fight the urge to continue to wear that 'S' on your chest. You can be a strong woman, just not today.