Misconceptions of Mental Health- Mental Health Awareness Month

I love to laugh. It’s no secret. Everyone who knows me personally knows that I can be pretty silly.

Despite my usual cheerful disposition, I have low days as well. After the loss of my cousin/sister those days became more frequent. Many of us mask our pain by smiling while feeling broken inside.

Thankfully, with a tremendous support system, faith, and the ability to allow myself to grieve openly, I have been able to cope with the pain.

Everyone facing stressors may not be as fortunate to cope adaptively and it is quite possible for daily stressors to develop into greater emotional distress.

It is unfortunate that the narrative of mental illness has a history of inaccuracy and stigma, causing isolation and embarrassment.

In communities of color we have to be responsible to eliminate those barriers to treatment and rewrite these narrative to encourage worthiness of self care.

During mental health awareness month, if you fit the criteria for someone who is dealing with situational stressors that are exceedingly overwhelming, give yourself the gift of support from a licensed professional who can walk with you through a storm in your life. Also if you are someone with a severely mentally ill ( SMI) diagnosis, keep up with your treatment, as your consistency gives you freedom to avoid decompensation and hospitalization.

Additionally, let’s not be blinded by the shine of social media. While people grant you a perception they would like you to see, consider that some may be going through the same as you; so compare yourself to NO ONE. Instead, be open to the possibility that the person may have learned to cope with their pain and you are worthy of the same gift.