Sis, It’s Time to Check On your strong friend

Gyal Boss,

When is the last time you checked on your strong friend?!

You know that friend who always seems to have it “all together,” even when things are clearly falling apart around them. This is your sign to send a text or call and check in her! 

Many minority women struggle with the stigma of showing weakness even when facing tough times. For decades, remaining present through difficulty has always been highlighted by society as resilience. With minimal regard for the adverse effect, resilience has had on one’s mental health during that time. Mental health and wellness are so important; honestly, it's something many of us take for granted. 

Depression can be hard to detect in someone you interact with on a regular basis, but there are telltale signs that may suggest a friend or family member is struggling with maintaining their mental health. They may appear withdrawn, lose interest in activities they used to enjoy, and have the inability to focus or concentrate when interacting with others. They might also sleep more than usual, have changes in their eating habits, be less social, and appear to struggle with feelings of guilt or worthlessness constantly. If you are sensing any of these behaviors in a loved one, it's important to have an honest dialogue about what they're going through. Don't be afraid to reach out and let them know you're there for them; sometimes, just being heard can make all the difference.

It is always a blessing to have strong, supportive friends in our lives, so it’s important that we do everything we can to help them out when they need it! When you want to help your friend, try simply being there for them. Everyone has their own unique needs and things that work best for them; it's most important to start small and find what works best for you to be there for others without feeling overwhelmed in the process. 

Listen to what they are saying, let them know that you are there for any support they need, and remind them that it’s ok to take time for themselves to process their emotions - whatever those may be. One practical way to express your support is by doing and sharing simple activities, like taking walks, watching movies, or cooking for each other. Keeping yourself available and open to having conversations with your friend also sends the message that they are not alone in this and that you're there to listen nonjudgmentally. 

Don’t worry, Gyal Boss, the ABJ Collective is here for you. If one of your friends is struggling with depression, it is essential to offer your support! While there is no single method to help someone overcome depression, here are some suggestions that may be useful:

• First and foremost, although it may be difficult at times, maintain regular contact with your friend and let them know you are there for them - listening can be incredibly therapeutic. 

• Next, encourage healthy lifestyle habits such as exercising regularly, eating nutritious meals, and getting enough rest - combining this with therapies like cognitive behavior therapy or yoga has also been found to have great benefits in treating depression.

• Thirdly, try to focus on positive experiences - even small moments, such as going on a walk together, can help invite more positivity into the day. 

• Finally, get creative – what would make your friend laugh? Invite them for a fun outing or treat yourself to something that usually cheers you up/both of you up! 

It's important to keep in mind everyone's emotional health is different; extend patience and unconditional love when offering your support. 

read more

〰️

read more 〰️