OTH Has Entered the Chat: Mental Health Chat w. Maya & Chelsea
It’s safe to say we are all going through a rough time mentally right now. With so much going on in our society it’s challenging to keep up and it’s even more of a struggle to find joy. At this moment I’ve been worrying about the mental health of my loved ones, I hope we all are finding our way through the last few months and feel the support of our village. I want to be more proactive at reaching out to my people who endure mental health challenges and letting them know they are not alone. I reached out to one of my best friends Chelsea to see how she is managing it all, we wanted to talk openly and candidly about how we are hanging in there, check out the convo below.
Chelsea: @Chelseabri
Maya (OTH): Hey, Chels mental health check, how are you doing?
Chelsea: Honestly, some days are better than others. There are times where I feel like there are so many unknowns and I get overwhelmed, and then there are times where I’m at peace knowing God is in control.
Maya (OTH): Yesss Jesus!! Do you think your faith has helped you navigate these times better?
“..in order to change the subject, I’d have to change my skin color.”
Chelsea: For sure! I turn to him all the time but especially in times like this, and talking to friends like you with a Christian perspective helps too.
Maya (OTH): Yeah my relationship with God has for sure kept me comforted. We were definitely hit with a global pandemic and a civil right movement at the same time, how are you coping with the latter?
Chelsea: Whew! I’m t i r e d! Tired of having to have the same conversations over and over again, but in the words of my pastor, in order to change the subject, I’d have to change my skin color. Then this pandemic triggers my anxiety and I’m already a germaphobe, so I’m a mess. To answer your question, I’m hanging in there but trying to find joy in the little blessings.
Maya (OTH): Honestly, same. What are some mental health practices that have been helping?
“I’ve come to find that I feel more centered when I listen to my body and soul”
Chelsea: Over the past few years, I’ve come to find that I feel more centered when I listen to my body and soul. So if I feel overwhelmed, I make sure I carve out time for myself and get away from people. If I feel sluggish I make sure I pay attention to what I eat, and if I feel mentally burned out I either turn to writing or find some mindless activity to do. It really just depends on what I feel like I’m lacking at the moment.
Maya (OTH): Everything is a lot right now, when do you know it is time for you to step away from social media and the news?
Maya: @Mayaharp
Chelsea: Typically, I know when it’s time to step away when I start to get anxious. Overstimulation from what I’m consuming through the media triggers my anxiety so that’s usually what I try to be mindful of.
Maya (OTH): Right, it’s a constant battle to stay informed but also knowing when to take a step back to protect our peace. On top of everything you still have to show up to work, how are you navigating work life?
Chelsea: Oh my! I work in retail so I’m struggling!! You of all people know this, but I’m just trying to take it day by day honestly.
Maya (OTH): Girl, when I tell you I DON’T miss those days, but I for sure feel you! How are you dealing with the trauma of seeing black people murdered, for me, it’s been triggering.
Chelsea: I haven’t really found a way to deal with it. It’s infuriating, saddening, and sickening all at the same time. I’m scared for my people, my family, and my friends. Change needs to come. How are YOU dealing with it?
Maya (OTH): Agreed! I feel like the only thing we can do is stayed prayed up and continue to use our voices to demand change and justice, I’ve also been taking social breaks to maintain my sanity. Not to mention, as black women, we live at the intersection of race & gender so I’m feeling like we have a lot to fight against when it comes to social disparities. Which leads me to my final question, as a black woman in America how do you deal?
Chelsea: It depends on the day. Sometimes I feel like the weight of the world is on my shoulders and other times I feel optimistic and empowered.
Maya (OTH): I couldn't have said it better myself. It was so good talking to you friend. Sending LOVE XOO!