"Unpack Your Black"

 When we say #UnpackYourBlack, we mean that we want you to stop suppressing those negative thoughts and emotions and actually deal with them. So many of us don’t seek the assistance we need. Instead, we lash out, we pass our baggage from generation to generation and we fail at cultivating healthy relationships. We encourage you to  access the resources necessary to help you nourish your mental health.

You don't have to walk around in that darkness alone, #UnpackYourBlack.

Tips For Unpacking Your Black

1.Start your day grateful. There is hope in opportunity and each new day is an opportunity to reshape your perspective.

2. Be honest with yourself and learn your triggers so that you can develop a coping plan.

3. Maintain social connections: Emotional support animals, affectionate relationships and family.

4. Leisure time is a must. Do something that makes you happy. Physical activity boosts good vibes (yoga anyone?). 😉

5. Share your story, articles, websites and inspirational quotes.

6. Educate yourself. Learn the signs and symptoms of pain/depression/suicide. Learn to recognize the warning signs in others.

7. Encourage those around you. Encourage your employer/organization to create space for programs that promote good emotional and mental health.

8. Fix you so you don’t go on to break someone else. Break the cycle and educate teens and young adults.

9. Speak with someone whom you know to be understanding.

10. Finally, go screen free. On a weekly basis, observe a day of #AntiSocialMedia.

Embrace Your Happy

Eliminate Your Ire

Adults

Books:

Maybe You Should Talk To Someone

The Angry Therapist

Podcast:

Therapy For Black Girls

Provider Search:

Open Path Collective

Better Help

Psychology Today

Yoga:

Yoga for Anxiety and Depression

Children and Teens

Books:

Children's Books About Mental Health

Apps:

ADAA Reviewed Mental Health Apps

Educational Materials:

Anxiety and Depression Association of America

Mental Health Disorders and Teen Substance Use

Provider Search:

Finding Low-Cost Mental Health Care

Yoga:

Cosmic Kids Yoga

Express Yourself