paramount. I recommend four practical ways to embrace your emotional wellness today:
1) Deal directly with your emotions
If you don’t deal with your emotions, it can create the illusion that they are no longer there. Oftentimes, we begin to mask these emotions with other things that are not healthy such as maladaptive behaviors like addictions, overeating or drinking in excess. Give a name to the emotions you are feeling and allow yourself to experience those emotions.
2) Discover the root cause of your stress
One great way to discover the root cause of your stress is by journaling. Sometimes we can have emotions we experience that we can’t quite put our finger on. When we journal, it has the ability to allow us to identify some of those triggers.
3) Seek a therapist that gets you
It’s important to seek counseling with the right therapist for you. Find someone who has some shared experience and an understanding of unique cultural values that you bring to the table. This will allow you to be in an environment where you feel comfortable and open to share your thoughts and feelings.
4) Don’t Be Afraid to Delegate
Sometimes we take on too many tasks and responsibilities. We need to stop and ask ourselves, “Is this something I can delegate or give to someone else?”
We all do this. Whether it’s overextending ourselves to family members and friends or to our jobs, we can all benefit from not committing to more than we can actually take on.
Resources like Therapy In Color help minorities have access to mental health therapy by someone who promotes authenticity and cultural diversity.
It’s a mental health directory and a community of healers dedicated to removing the stigma associated with seeing a therapist. Visit www.therapyincolor.org to see what mental health providers are in your area.
About Ashley Bryant, LPC
Ashley Bryant is a Psychotherapist who works with individuals and couples encountering mental health challenges. Ashley specializes in helping those who are wanting to find themselves after experiencing trauma. Her expertise has been featured nationally on TLC’s My 600-lb Life, US Weekly, Life & Style Magazine, InTouch Weekly, Daily Mail, PBS, Good Day DC and more.