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THIS MATTERS, TOO!
- Shani Carter
- Oct 10, 2024
- 4 min read
On Monday I thought to myself, I wonder how many people truly take mental health days in the ways they take sick days. Whether from work or just to give themselves permission to take that day to cater to how they feel and put other stuff on the back burner.
Later that day I found out that today was going to be World Mental Health Day. Alignment shit.
When it comes to mental health, I know there are stigmas and ‘taboos’ in our society and especially within older generations, but hear me out. Your mental health matters, too!
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. Mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health. And the term ‘mental health’ does not mean ‘mental illness’.
ANYONE WHO IS ALIVE HAS MENTAL HEALTH.
We ALL have times of struggle with our mental health. We ALL have had times of overthinking. Please don’t sweep it under the rug. Please don’t think that time will heal everything because that isn’t the truth. Your mental health should be nurtured. Please do not let stigmas, fear or pride make you avoid taking the necessary steps to prioritize your mental health.
There are many factors that have an effect on our mental health, just like physical health in our body. We can make decisions that promote good health or decisions that negatively affect our health.
I gathered up some things that can positively influence our mental health. AND I also did a little research to provide some resources for anyone across the country + a few states where I know several of you live.
My heart just wants to bring some awareness on the importance of tending to our mental health, in the same way we tend to our physical health. We are dealing with A LOT in this world and in our lives. So are our families. I gathered some seeds to share with you, take a few and share with someone you love.
The prayer is always to spark something in even a few people that makes them want to take care of themselves a little better than ever before.
SHANI
HOW CAN YOU REDUCE STRESS:
Take breaks! USE YOUR PTO. Don’t force ‘doing’ and honor ‘being’ when you need to.
Talk to someone. A counselor, a therapist or a loved one that you trust and that won’t judge you.
Add enjoyment in your life. We aren’t here just to work and take care of other people.
Practice gratitude. And not just the pretty side of it. Read this IG post.
Journal. Written or on the Notes App on your phone OR voice journal on the Voice Memo App on your phone.
Create a self-care kit with things that give you comfort and help you relax. Fill it with a book, pictures/photos that ease you, a fidget or stress toy, blanket, tea, journal. Take it to work with you.
Create a digital self-care kit with photos, videos, messages, quotes that are helpful or notes to yourself.
Take online breaks from social media and other digital spaces.
Take a break from the news.
Do something creative like painting or other arts and crafts.
Spend time in nature
Tend to your physical health through exercise and avoiding low vibrational foods.
GET ENOUGH SLEEP! Instill a nighttime routine, limit screen time or set up an environment that
Last and not least - stop avoiding shit. Address those things in your life that you KNOW DAMN WELL you need to address. Remove things that consistently shake up your mental health with no signs of improving.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR ALL
BetterHelp removes the traditional barriers to therapy and makes mental health care more accessible to everyone. The world’s largest therapy service — providing professional, affordable, and personalized therapy in a convenient online format.
An online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls. Search a network of healthcare providers.
A SUPER helpful guide to getting started with therapy
Find mental health providers in-network with your insurance
Get online access to therapy, medication management, and personalized treatment
NYC 988 is your connection to free, confidential crisis counseling, mental health and substance misuse support, information and referral. You can reach the toll-free help line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone, text and online chat. Mental health professionals there can link you to the services you need. Call or text 988.
STATE SPECIFIC MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
NYC
OKLAHOMA
TEXAS
CALIFORNIA