Dear Diary,
A person’s mental health is their mind’s wellbeing while they are living their daily life, whether that’s emotionally, psychologically, or socially. How you are feeling mentally is just as important as you are feeling physically. Even though everyone is affected by mental health, it is still neglected health problem in the world today. There is a stigma around women that they are emotional or weak. Often times in order to not conform to this stereotype, women hide true problems they may be facing with their mental health. Black women specifically are viewed in the world in a different light than other demographics.
There is the image of strong black women that many of us try to fulfill. When you are already oppressed and discriminated against in so many ways, it’s difficult to give someone another reason to label you as inferior.
Coming into college, there were so many expectations that I felt I needed to live up to. From worrying about academics and schoolwork to having a social life, college is a constant struggle. Thankfully, I was able to find new strategies to help sustain mine. In order to keep good mental health, sometimes I take some “me-time” where I’m not on social media, the phone’s on dnd, not answering notifications, just relaxing. When I do this, I try to direct my thoughts and energy towards positivity.
I try to remember the power of thoughts. I choose to free myself from negative and harmful ones since my thoughts do impact how I am feeling.
Also while away in college, I like to go back home from time to time. Getting away allows me to take a break from a stressful environment. Spending time with loved ones & being in a safe space to express myself always uplifts me.
Love,
Jurnee