I listened to a podcast today in which Charlamagne discussed mental health treatment and encouraged African Americans to seek therapy when needed. It is awesome when today's influencers promote and advocate good mental health. It is not OK, not to be OK. When we are physically ill, we know that we don't feel well. Sometimes we know what ails us and sometimes we don't. However, regardless of whether or not we know the problem, we know that if it's not routine or something that we can treat on our own, we know we need to see a medical provider to feel better. The same process applies to mental health. Mental illness is a wide range of conditions which can affect moods, thoughts, decisions and behaviors. Symptoms can be mild or intense. Feelings and emotions are normal responses to events that happen in our lives. If someone or something we love dies, we lose a job or a relationship ends, sadness is a normal, heathy reaction. If negative situations happen in our lives and we just need to appropriately respond to life's curves, then by all means, wait it out.
We are all experiencing this pandemic. It has been traumatic to some, while being a minor inconvenience for others. People who struggle with anxiety and feelings of isolation may experience an increase in these emotions during this period of uncertainty. Others who have never experienced these intense emotions, may experience them now. Self reflection is important. Incoporate exercise in your daily routine. Find someone to talk to. Create chats with family and friends. Find a spiritual connection with a church with virtual services. Things have changed and we have to change too, in order to adjust to the new normal. However, if you are extremely stressed, overwhelmed and overly anxious, to the point that it affects your quality of life, then its time to get some help. It is not OK, not to be OK!
