Damita Miller-Shanklin, Editor-in-Chief

May is a month of new beginnings with graduations, entering into adulthood, going to college and making life decisions for the future. But even with the excitement and life changes, many people can struggle with sadness, anxiety, loneliness and more.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.This is important because many people in our community manage their mental health in silence. However, there has been a recent call to stop the silence and the stigma, making room for getting help and support. Our community does have barriers of finding black counselors, moving past the judgment (which is not easy), and getting the help needed to manage their mental health issues.

Our faith and spirituality has been our support systems. These are needed but to live in a way that feels good and allows you to have some happiness and focus, receiving help for our mental health needs to be done. In recent times, we have seen not only talk therapy but we see holistic approaches, self-care and education to help realize how to care for your mental health. 

In this issue, we will address and provide information about Mental Health Awareness Month. If you need immediate help, please call Integral Care 512-472-4357.