#‪‎MondayMotivation‬ ‪‎MayisMentalHealthAwarenessMonth‬ ‪‎BlackGirlMagic‬‪‎BlackPride‬ ‪‎PowerinCommunity‬

[lessonsformydaughters]

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. 15 days into May and I haven't touched on this topic/issue near/dear to my heart....

Today, my Monday Motivation is mental health in the Black community. Mental illness is prevalent within my family; mental disorders that vary from mild (depression & anxiety) and severe (schizophrenia). Experts define a mental disorder as a significant dysfunction in a person’s thinking, emotional control, and behavior. The condition often disrupts a person’s ability to relate to others and to deal with the demands of life. In the Black community, there is a trend of overlooking, minimizing and ignoring mental health and the importance of addressing it. Fear, uncertainty and judgement from both internal and external have prevented a lot of those suffering from healing, properly. Many people misunderstand what a mental health condition is and don’t talk about this topic. This lack of knowledge leads many to believe that a mental health condition is a personal weakness or some sort of punishment from God. Many (especially our black community) may be reluctant to discuss mental health issues and seek treatment because of the shame and stigma associated with such conditions. However, there are so many of us ready and willing to heal despite the discomfort we may face along the way. I am no therapist, but I am a huge advocate for self-care starting from the inside out. We all deserve happiness and mental clarity, but we have to be proactive. Family members and friends can play a vital role by providing reassurance and support.

(I had time today, 😊)