Mental Health Check

Before you ask this isn’t another “why black people need therapy” post. It’s just important that we acknowledge the struggles we all deal with and have been dealing with Pre and… Well during the Covid pandemic. Make no mistake mental health is still a very serious matter and there is no substitute for professional help. If the last year has taught us nothing else, it is that we need to be willing to check in on those we care about. You may be a sounding board for some and an advisor for others but being present makes all the difference.

Those closest to me know, it took me sixteen years to forgive myself for not being by my grandfather’s side when he passed from this life. You read that right and now after all this time, I’ve accepted I had no control. Can you imagine how much weight that is to carry in silence for that long? I’m able to talk openly about it now (obviously) but I am just illustrating the point that you never know what others are going through. So here is what I want you to do, and if you don’t it's cool; once a week call or text 4 people on your phone if you can. Merely ask them "how they are doing?" "Is everything going well with them?" And remind them that you appreciate them as a friend, family member, or colleague.

And that’s it! If the conversation grows from there great if not, that’s fine too. What you may find is that the slight gesture of taking the time to “Check-in” means a lot to people. Far too many of us hold things in… Stuck between being embarrassed to bring it up to loved ones and no “crazy” enough to seek therapy. For generations Mental Health has been stigmatized in our community however, the conversations need to start somewhere. To this day, I still discover myself holding in things I could have easily talked out with someone. Things that I would have been able to turn the corner with but wasn’t sure of who I could talk to. Questioning if I should say anything at all (And I’m the one with the Master’s Degree in Psychology!!). If I am talking to you, I urge you earnestly to talk to someone you can rely on. Things have been challenging in this life but if no one else I AM happy you’re here!

The person you call that is still going through might need you as bad as you may need them. Remember this… Things happen in this life. If someone did wrong to you, you can own the situation and heal from it or continue to be the victim of a situation you cant change… It's time to take control.

Just Checking in.

MnD