World Mental Health Day

Today is World Mental Health Day! Awareness is just the start. It’s time to act. There are many ways to play an active role in mental health. You can campaign, fundraise, or support your local mental health charity. I have been active in mental health by training to become a mental health first aider, sharing my story, and using any platform made available to me to talk about it. The truth is that mental health is not static. I realised that I needed therapy during the pandemic. I was a new mom and one of those people who liked to appear “together” and “strong” but honestly I was dealing with a lot. I was tired of playing the strong black woman and wanted to remove the cape and unpack the things that have been occupying my mind for years. I continue to see a therapist because it serves as an opportunity to talk to someone who is not a family member or a friend; understand my triggers; and develop coping strategies. The reality is that life is challenging and it so important to normalise that our mental health is just as important as our physical health. So let’s continue to not only build our awareness but play an active role in this space because at one point; we will all be impacted by mental health.