While summer is associated with good times at the beach, music festivals, and backyard cookouts, it can be difficult to acknowledge that you may be struggling with your emotions. There is so much pressure to be active and engaged in the community that many forget to relax, recuperate, and reflect.
But summer is a great time to do a mental health checkin. July is BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Mental Health Month and the first step to happier and healthier individuals is to recognize that there are health and wellness disparities in underrepresented and underserved communities. Generational trauma, environmental impacts, barriers to access, and stigma all influence people’s ability and willingness to talk about mental health and therefore seek help when it is needed.
If you are having a difficult time, mentally and emotionally, please take it as your sign to do a mid-summer mental health check-in. Here’s how you can enhance your mental wellness:
• Get outside. Put down your phone and pick up your sunglasses. Fifteen minutes in the fresh air and sunshine is a cost-free way to improve your mood and enhance vitamin D levels.
• Write it down. Getting your thoughts and feelings down on paper can help get them out of your head. Ask yourself the following questions: ‘How am I feeling today? Am I taking good care of myself?’
• Utilize your support system. Whether you want someone to give advice or just listen, having a friend, family member, partner, healthcare provider, or faith based mentor is essential to your mental health. You are not alone.
By taking care of your wellbeing, you are contributing to your community by being part of breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health. Start the conversation with your friends and family, and encourage them to do a mid-summer mental health check-in as well. Be proactive and evaluate the state of your mental health right now, so you can enjoy the rest of summer to its fullest potential.
