Today, on World Mental Health Day, we highlight the critical need of prioritising mental health, especially within the Black community. Historically, mental health has been stigmatised, fostering a culture of silence and neglect.

Being mentally healthy is just as important as physical health. Self-care and wellness are vital strategies for achieving a healthy mental state. Individuals can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by engaging in mindfulness, meditation, and journaling techniques.

Fitness also plays an important part in enhancing mental health. Regular exercise causes the release of endorphins, which improves mood and energy levels. Reading, too, provides a therapeutic getaway while broadening knowledge and perspectives.

A balanced diet rich in whole foods and nutrients promotes brain health and resilience. Healthy habits, when paired with interpersonal relationships and community support, provide a solid basis for a healthy mental wellness.

Spirituality, self-awareness, and self-deconstruction and reconstruction are all critical components of improving mental health, particularly in the Black community. Developing a sense of purpose and self-awareness can help individuals heal from past traumas and break free from cultural expectations that do not correspond with their beliefs and purpose. Self-awareness allows individuals to confront unresolved emotions, while self-reconstruction involves shedding old beliefs and adopting new concepts that match with one’s authentic self, which fosters growth and enlightenment. This comprehensive approach supports healing, resilience, and mental well-being, helping Black individuals become more self-aware and thrive.

In the Black community, where institutional hurdles and racism exacerbate mental health issues, promoting mental health is an inspiring act of self-love and resilience.

Take action.
1. Seek support from mental health experts.
2. Engage in activities that promote self-care.
3. ?Add vigorous exercise to your regular daily routine.
4. ?Consume whole foods to nourish your body.
5. Establish connections with loved ones and the wider community.

Break the silence, Speak up TO be heard. Feel free to express your emotions in healthy forms, to avoid bottling up PENT-U emotions which Pleads to resentment. 

Heal, thrive and connect. Let us work together to break down stigmas and promote mental health in the Black community. Prioritise your mental wellness. You are deserving. Happy World Mental health Day.

In the Black community, encouraging mental health is a powerful gesture of resilience and self-love, as racism and institutional barriers worsen mental health problems.

Do something.
1. Seek assistance from professionals in mental health.
2. Take part in self-care-promoting activities.
3. ?Include intense activity in your daily regimen.
4. ?Fill your body with whole foods.
5. Build relationships with family and the larger community.

Speak up to be heard and break the silence. Do not hesitate to release your pent-up emotions through healthy means, as this can result in resentment.

Heal, thrive, build connections. Together, let’s dispel stigmas and promote mental health within the Black community. Give your mental health first priority. You deserve it.


Written by Victor Kwesi

counselling psychologist

BLOGGER @POEMSTELLIUM

INSTAGRAM @VICTORKWESIWRITES @theapostleoflight