Mental Health as a Woman of Color: by Apryl

Mental Health as a WOC

Guess who's back, back, back - back again, 'gain, 'gain... Hey loves, it's Apryl! 

Happy New Year!🎉

There was a discussion that my lovely co-founder Nile (@NaturallyNi) pioneered on Twitter recently. It was a conversation on the topic we've been targeting for a few weeks now: mental health. We have been focusing on mental health in the black community, and specifically amongst black women. There were many lovely ladies that joined in the conversation, and I just wanted to highlight some take-aways that could potentially help you or anyone struggling with mental health.

Apryl Akoth 🌸

Instagram/Twitter/Snapchat: @pennyroyalpry

1. The first step is identifying and recognizing the issue. The steps to resolve the issue come directly after. Coming to terms with potentially having a mental health issue, especially as a woman of color, can be difficult. However, it must be done to be able to get the help that is needed.

2. Beat the stigma that mental issues don't affect us! Make mental health discussions a normal topic, especially in the black community. Talk it out! Black people aren't in any way exempt from mental health issues. Also, having a mental health issue doesn't make you any less strong; in fact, targeting the issue and taking measures to solve them make you stronger.

As black people, showing vulnerability or any type of need of help has been discouraged. We have been taught to work it out on our own, or even to fake it until we make it. Religious members turn to their faith and beliefs. While these may be solutions in that present time, the results may not remain positive in the long run. Issues that are not resolved completely will come back.

3. Your mental health should be a priority! Self-care is important and essential. Without it, other aspects in your life could suffer greatly. Never think you're doing a disservice by taking good care of yourself. Do what's best for you!

As we get older, our to-do lists get longer. Our plates become so full sometimes that we forget to take care of ourselves. It is important, however, to make time somehow. Even if it means taking 10 minutes out of the day to de-stress, do it! You can listen to relaxing music, do yoga, do breathing exercises, stretch, meditate, pray, read - the options are endless. Making this time for yourself and making it a habit can even be all you need to keep sane.

On the point of self-care, we were charged by Dr. Amber Thornton to take on the #21DaysofSelfCare challenge! It is a 3-week program starting January 8th designed to make self-care a habit and regular practice, and it is personalized just for you. This is a perfect time to start incorporating self-care into our lives with the start of the new year. Here's to new beginnings.

Link to #21DaysofSelfCare: http://www.dramberthornton.com/join-the-movement.html

I really hope that everyone takes their mental health seriously and seeks help if needed. Remember, you are valuable. You are worth something. Your mental health is important. Take care of yourself. Most importantly, you are loved.

-Apryl

Apryl is a Freshman Intended Public Health Science major from Baltimore, MD. You can contact her on any of the social media sites above (in the caption near her picture). You can also email nerdynaturals@gmail.com if you have any questions or are interested in contributing.