This month of May marks Mental Health Awareness Month. Each week, I planned to examine mental health from different angles. This week, I was going to share about the common mental health challenges black teens are facing today and the vital self-care tips they must utilize. Let’s examine this subject and share how they could build a sustainable self-care routine.
Why Self-Care Is Important for Black Teens
No matter how old we are, we all must take care of every aspect of our health. This includes our mental health. During these recent years, teenagers, especially in the African-American group, have been facing numerous mental health challenges and barriers that their white peers don’t face. The impact of stress, discrimination, and social expectations has been taking a toll on black youths today. However, self-care habits have been proven to be beneficial in coping with mental health challenges. Being disciplined in exercising these habits daily can make the difference in managing mental health issues.
Common Mental Health Challenges Black Teens Face
Recent statistics have shown that many black teens have been committing suicide more than any other racial/ethnic group. Anxiety and depression are also common challenges that this group has been facing. Black teens are also less likely to receive mental healthcare services due to systemic and cultural barriers to treatment. There’s always been a cultural stigma when it comes to them seeking help. They also have experienced more exposure to racial stress or trauma.
4 Self-Care Tips for Black Teenage Mental Health
However, there are some self-care tips every teenager, including our African-American ones, must follow to take care of their mental health. These are common things some of us do, but don’t do them enough. There are a lot of teenagers who aren’t getting enough rest or exercising as much as they should. Here are some helpful reminders to help them not only cope with their mental and emotional health, but their physical health as well.
Prioritize Rest and Sleep
The first vital self-care tip is one we all like to take for granted, especially young people. This is getting some quality rest each night. There are many young people who are so distracted by their phones that they can’t go to bed at a decent time. It’s vital that every teenager goes to bed at least 8 hours a night. It’s good for their physical and mental well-being.
Express Emotions Through Journaling
Some teenagers who have been experiencing some problems with depression and anxiety have found it helpful to pour their thoughts down on paper or digitally. Journaling is still a great way to relieve stress and cope with emotional issues. Try utilizing writing prompts to identify your feelings and problems. Whatever it is that you’ve been experiencing internally, you can take solace in pouring your emotions by means of a private journal or diary.
Stay Physically Active
It’s always important to be physically active, even during the teenage years. Exercising is good as a stress reliever for young people feeling the pressures of school and growing up. It’s also considered to be very fun. There are plenty of extracurricular activities for teens to do after school that could help boost their self-esteem and benefit their mental well-being.
Nourish Your Body with Healthy Nutrition
Most teenagers tend not to eat very healthily. They usually fill up their diet with chips, candy, donuts, etc. However, all of these foods don’t make up a balanced diet that’s beneficial for their physical and mental well-being. Don’t wait till you’re older to start eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc. It’s important to start now because the healthier you eat, the better your daily mood is.
Building a Sustainable Self-Care Routine
When implementing these tips into your daily life, it’s okay to start small in building better habits. Even when you’re young, it’s vital to build healthy habits to maintain your mental and emotional well-being. Try opting for an apple or a pear instead of a donut. Go to sleep at a decent time each night. Consider jogging or walking on the weekends when you’re out of school. Take up an extracurricular activity. Get yourself a journal to sort out your deepest feelings. Doing these things will not only benefit your mental health in the long run. It will also strengthen your overall emotional well-being.
What self-care tips do you feel are beneficial for black teenage mental health? What sort of mental health challenges are many black teens facing today? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below. As always, be sure to like or share this post with the next Black youth you know who’s been coping with mental health issues.
