Maydays, Maydays, Maydays!

     May’s days have s been designated to Mental Health Awareness. With the exception of my church and a couple other forums, I haven’t heard much of anything, but the month is early yet. But what about you—are you having discussions about mental health in your networks—what about in your friend and family circles?  May is also the month we celebrate Mother’s Day. What a combination… 🌸💖  On that note, I am confident that because my mom has been gone for so long, it doesn’t occur to folks, in my circle, that I still mourn her when mom’s are being celebrated—even when I am being celebrated. In fact, we buried my mom’s last sister on Friday— “Aunt Annie”🌸💜🌹—and as I viewed her body, I experienced the exact same emotions as I did when I said my goodbyes previously to my mom’s other sisters (my aunts)—a feeling of unearthing a goodbye to my very own mom. So, that said, a few people have recently lost their moms within the last 1, 2, 3, 4… years or so, and when they express their heartbreak-ache—I genuinely relate.

     Recently, at different events, I had the good fortune to look into the eyes, of some loved ones— to hug them so tightly as to intentionally feel their heartbeats—and ask a question, “How are you feeling—really?” And a couple of them responded with very transparent responses—one through tear-filled eyes—but what struck me was they forcibly tried to smile as they cried—as if to project, “I know I shouldn’t be crying.” So, I leaned in to cry with them.  And believe me it mattered—and one of the benefits for me, was I needed the cry also—because I haven’t been feeling so great myself. 💜

     Nevertheless, I sure hope we don’t fall back into the days “taboo” stigma, and shhh🤫 about the reality of our mental health. Because younger generations have done an amazing job at pulling back the curtain on the stigma. And according to a 2018 study, Black American children aged 5–12 are twice as likely to die by suicide as their White peers. In 2019, Black females in grades 9–12 were 60% more likely to attempt suicide than non-Hispanic white females of the same age.” That’s alarming data. And then what about us—adults? We are seemingly caught up in a cycle of someone else’s ideas of, “leveling up”, when in fact a reality of just maintaining and survival, is what life really is for us—and we don’t dare admit that some days—a lot of days—we don’t “feel good”— not doing good—and life hurts sometimes. 

     God has given me beauty for my ashes so I can in turn encourage someone else— oftentimes through writing, other times through a verbal sentiment—and it’s my humble offering because my life (I) has/have been refined by fire—which in turn makes me sensitive, empathetic, and compassionate towards others—not bitter—thank God!🙌🏾    So, all of this to say, not just in May—but everyday—just hug someone tight—“listen” to their heart—even cry with them if compelled to do so—you may be saving a life—maybe even your own. People need to feel seen, heard and understood.

#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth2024

#itisokaynottobeokay

#itisokaytocry

#LoveGodLovePeople

#May2024💖🌸

#Cshaw🌹