Wellness

Check In With Yourself

How are you, really?

Ask yourself:

• How am I sleeping?
• How is my energy?
• Have I been feeling overwhelmed?
• Am I enjoying the things I normally enjoy?
• Do I have people I can lean on?
• When did I last make room for myself?

NIMH offers guidance for considering how mental health symptoms affect everyday life and when professional support may be appropriate.

Finding a Therapist Who Gets You

The right fit matters.

Finding a therapist isn't just about who's accepting new patients. You should also feel comfortable talking openly and asking questions about whether their experience and approach fit your needs.

Questions worth asking:

• What experience do you have working with Black women?
• What is your approach to therapy?
• What does a typical session look like?
• How do you define progress?
• How do you approach cultural differences?
• What happens if I don't feel we're a good fit?

Rest Is Part of the Plan

Being tired all the time shouldn't automatically become your normal.

Sleep affects both physical and mental health. Hormonal changes related to menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause can also affect women's sleep.

Stress Is Information

Pay attention to what your mind and body are telling you.

Long-term stress can show up in different ways, including sleep problems, headaches, lack of energy, difficulty focusing and changes in mood.

Build Your Wellness Team

You don't have to do wellness alone.

Depending on what you need, support might come from a therapist, registered dietitian, primary care provider, fitness professional, massage therapist or another qualified wellness professional.

The goal isn't to collect providers. It's to understand what support you need and who is qualified to provide it.