Mental Health Matters: Part l

intro: @louieseditingbar/ beat produced by Dice
outro: @crashaejalease
hair: @bb.beautysupply
makeup: @makeupbygray

depression: 06:03
anxiety: 06:46
ED: 09:02
men’s mental health: 11:27

stones/crystals:
– rose quartz 
– tiger’s eye
– citrine
– pyrite
– green aventurine
– jade
– black tourmaline
– blue lace agate
– goldstone (blue)
– hematite 
– amethyst 
– moonstone 
– selenite
Phoenix and Dragon Bookstore:
5531 Roswell Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30342
United States

journal/self-reflection questions:
1. what are some of the signs that you notice when you’re starting to struggle with your mental health?
2. in the next year or so, what are 3-5 improvements you would like to make? write about them and create a plan to bring each vision/goal you have to reality. 
3. write down a list of things you want to remember during tough times. revisit this list whenever you might find yourself feeling down.
4. what does self-care mean TO YOU? what are some ways you can incorporate activities that would be good for your mental health into your daily routine?
5. think of 2-4 songs that have helped you through tough times (or it can be ones that you just really like). what is it about the lyrics that make you like or relate to the song?  how do they make you feel when you hear them?
6. write about a difficult memory and the coping mechanisms you used during that time. what would you change about the way you dealt with it? why? how? analyze the mechanisms that are beneficial and the ones that are detrimental.
7. write a letter to someone who has negatively affected you. write a letter to someone who has positively affected you as well. (you don’t HAVE to give this message to the person you’re writing about, but if it would make you feel better then go for it).  (:
8. what are the qualities about yourself that you love the most?
9. write a letter to your younger self. what would you want him or her to know? what would you want to ask yourself?
10. what are some of the beliefs you have about yourself? what makes you feel as though they are true? how would you feel if you were to let go of these beliefs? what can be done in order for you to get to that very place?

affirmations: 
1. my feelings are always valid and I AM allowed to have bad days.
2. I am aware of the fact that I am a human being. I understand that we are all works in progress and I am not expected to be perfect.
3. I love and accept myself for who I am, not who I think I should be. I am proud of who I am today and who I will be tomorrow.
4. there are other ways to deal with my struggles. I do not deserve to feel pain or to suffer. 
5. I forgive myself for times where I have neglected my body. I release any blame or resentment I hold for myself when it comes to my feelings about my body.
6. I recognize other people’s opinions are just that, opinions. I don’t have to change for or be anybody but myself.
7. I’m not ashamed or alone when it comes to dealing with mental health challenges. I am a worthwhile, capable, and real person who deserves to be respected and valued.
8. I trust in my ability to set myself free. I release any past hurt in order to allow healing energy into my world.

I want to leave you with something that can help aside from my words. I tried my best to find online support groups for each mental health illness. feel free to search through these resources and even if you can’t find what moves you, keep trying, keep going, keep being you! remember, we believe in and need you.
https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov
https://www.nami.org/find-support
https://adaa.org/adaa-online-support-group
https://www.dbsalliance.org/support/chapters-and-support-groups/online-support-groups/
https://www.depression-chat-rooms.org/depression-chat.htm
https://add.org/adhd-support-groups/
https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/recovery/support-groups/online
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/support-services/online-groups
https://www.supportgroups.com/ptsd
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

one last note:
I want you to know that your trauma is valid. trauma can permanently change us in ways that alter how we express ourselves, especially if it occurred in your childhood, so know that it’s not your fault for any hurt that you’ve experienced or are still carrying with you today. dealing with what you’ve been through can already be challenging enough, so don’t let anyone or anything convince you that your traumatic moments in life are because of you. do whatever you need to do to start the process of healing your truth, no matter who or where it comes from. it doesn’t matter if it’s something that might’ve happened a couple of years ago or if others have it worse than you do, you have the right to relieve yourself from the grief you’ve held onto for all of these years. the little accomplishments count and are acknowledged too. your progress is your own and no one can fast forward this for you. only you. your potential is endless, never forget it. 
much love, 
Deyjah Harris.

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