It's Ok to Not be OK!!

It's OK to Not Be OK: A Personal Journey

          
                  

By: Catherine Terry

The Importance of Mental Health Checks

Having to manage several responsibilities at once can make life feel very daunting.

In addition to supporting your spouse and taking care of your children, you also assist

in raising your grandchildren and deal with day-to-day life. The burden of it all can seem

overwhelming at times. Many people are able to maintain the role of being strong and trustworthy

for long time before they are no longer able to do so. Once it appears that everything crashes,

it is necessary to discover the physical, mental and physical consequences of maintaining

so many things. Realizing that mental and physical health examinations are equally important

frequently takes time.

When it comes to our physical health, how often do we take a moment to assess

our mental and emotional health? 

The indications of depression and other mental health issues that were inherited,

but never spoken, are frequently visible when we examine our family histories.

Mothers, aunts, and grandmothers can have endured silent suffering, concealing their mental

anguish behind their caregiver obligations. But it's critical to recognize that

experiencing sadness is OK. We must convey that message to the next generation.

We need to end the taboo that has surrounded these issues and acknowledge

the equal importance of mental and physical health. 

Self-Care Isn't Selfish

Many people were taught as children that caring for oneself was selfish.

Family always came first, with the importance of ensuring that the children were fed,

clothed, and had a roof over their heads. Many lost sight of their own needs in the process.

But eventually, especially for people who are approaching major life events like turning fifty,

the truth sets in: you can't really be there for others if you're not okay.

It's critical to realize that it's acceptable to not feel OK, and that includes

granting yourself permission to take care of your physical and emotional well-being. 

It's not necessary to spend a lot of money or time on self-care.

It can be as easy as sipping a cup of coffee quietly, going for a stroll in the park,

or sharing a heartfelt discussion with a reliable friend.

These little things can make a big difference, particularly when life's stresses start to pile up,

such as health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure,

which affect many families. Healing can occur when you take time for yourself. 

Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health in Our Community

Mental health has long been considered a taboo subject in many societies.

The idea that experiencing mental or emotional difficulties is a sign of weakness

is still much too prevalent. It's common advice to pray about it, put up with it, or ignore it.

In actuality, though, asking for assistance is a show of strength rather than weakness

and it's acceptable to not feel OK.

Far too many people have suffered in silence from depression.

However, seeking help from a therapist can give you the skills you need to manage

your emotions and end harmful patterns that have been there for years.

It is essential to support family members, grandchildren and adults alike,

in making mental health a priority. Although the story of the "strong Black woman" has great force,

mental health shouldn't suffer as a result. 

Creating a Legacy of Mental Wellness

Seeing our children and grandchildren grow up understanding that it's acceptable to ask for help

when they need it is something that grandparents deeply desire.

The same consideration should be given to mental as to physical health.

We have the power to initiate a family legacy of mental health and wellness.

We can help the next generation realize they don't have to bear

the same burdens we did by setting an example of self-care,

mental health checks, and emotional openness. They are not required to strive

for perfection or endure silent suffering. All they require is acceptance of their humanity. 

Moving Forward: Mental Health Is Health

It may take decades to fully comprehend that it's acceptable to not feel OK,

but once that understanding is attained, making mental health a top priority is unavoidable.

Even while there has been some progress in eradicating the stigma associated with mental health,

much more needs to be done. It is critical to keep up the dialogue on mental health

and to establish safe spaces where people may discuss their challenges. Being kind to oneself

by checking in with yourself is not a sign of weakness.

In addition, I wish to leave a legacy of love, self-care, and mental wellbeing for future generations as a Black woman, mother, and grandmother. Since admitting that one is not OK  

is the first step toward healing, it is acceptable to not be OK.

This is my testimony as a Black woman that is in the middle stage of life. I hope that you can find your story in what I have shared. If you need additional resources to address these issues within your life, consider reaching out to Ternion Solutions, LLC. They provide various resources to assist you with beginning the journey of finding your balance and establishing your peace.