NORMALIZING AND SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH

Now, normalizing and supporting mental health should begin with pursuing rest. Your vocation, not an occupation will make room for you. Vocation is that sweet spot of belonging, ease and creativity that pays you.

Occupation is more sterile. One you love, the other you operate in. Vocation can be accomplished through employment. Just like any other venture you have to be able to identify your comfort zones. Remaining in a space you have outgrown is just as silly as remaining in a place you do not belong. There is no honor in either. However, being longstanding victims of structural racism makes growing beyond the pain even harder. Maybe this is a good place for a quick history lesson on understanding the origins of mental illness.

Drapetomania was a mental illness coined by, Dr. Samuel A. Cartwright, during the Antebellum period. Where he judged enslaved Black women mentally insane for wanting to leave their master’s house (toxic jobs). It was partly Dr. Cartwright’s job to convince white people that “All men are created equal” did not apply to enslaved persons. ( Black career women)  Although Drapetomania has been debunked as pseudo-science, Dr. Cartwright is the father of Psychiatry and its practice and fingerprint is still alive today. Psychiatrists still judge, label and diagnose the Black woman’s desire for freedom. Your desire for freedom is not a mental illness needing therapy, medication or a diagnosis but information, direction and coping support.oming blog posts.

Getting past mental health signs and symptoms of an impending disease is the issue. Pain is where Black women stop progress doubting they are doing the right thing because it doesn’t feel good. That’s why being in a safe space with healthcare leaders who know the process. That’s why belonging to a community where you can hear your soul speak, gain wisdom and be protected from harm is important. That’s why having a coping plan that leads to health equity is necessary when dealing with job stress.

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