Why We Cannot Take Our Mental Health for Granted

Hey everyone, Maggie here!

Allow me to introduce a remarkable woman I first heard speak nearly two decades ago at an African women’s conference in Boston, and boy, were we in for a treat.

I remember that she shared her story; I won’t get into that today, but what came next blew my mind. She spoke passionately about mental health and the importance of finding safe spaces where we can express ourselves and thrive mentally.

She painted a picture of our mothers and grandmothers back in the village, gathering in the morning over a simple cup of tea. They’d talk openly about their lives, sharing everything from marital struggles to financial troubles and even the challenges of raising children.

This was their therapy. It was a way for them to unburden themselves and have a “me too” moment with their friends. Even without professional therapy, they made do with what they had and found relief through each other’s company and support.

Today, while we have many more resources available, we still struggle with asking for help. Beatrice, who is now a mental health coach, professional counselor, podcaster, and author, reminds us that it’s OK to feel sad, to grieve, and to seek support.

Mental health is something no one should be shamed for, and she’s passionate about spreading this message. Interacting with her work again has inspired me to share her top four reasons why we can not take our mental health for granted.

Here are Beatrice’s essential tips:

1. Your mental health is essential to who you are and your journey. It is the master key to experiencing peace, joy, and accomplishment. Our mental health affects how we handle our thoughts and feelings daily and shapes how we do life.

2. Mental health is essential for handling stress and challenges without crumbling. A strong mental well-being also supports us in nurturing genuine relationships and recovering from difficulties and burnout. Being mentally and emotionally healthy is about more than simply being free from conditions like depression or anxiety.

3. Mentally healthy people can live a well-balanced life because they:

Find reasons to be happy and have fun. Fun brings joy to life and makes it more beautiful.
Handle stress and bounce back from challenges without collapsing.
Are flexible in embracing change, processing any discomfort it brings instead of fighting it.
Develop and nurture healthy relationships. Good relationships don’t happen on their own; they require consistent effort.
Prioritize spiritual discipline, practicing prayer, meditation, and an intimate relationship with God.

4. Working on your mental health is not a marathon—it’s a journey. Take it one step at a time. There will be moments where you feel good and others when you face uncomfortable situations. Keep going without giving up.

“Protect your mental well-being by setting clear emotional boundaries. Do not allow outside influences to contaminate your peace. Prioritize your sanity and cultivate a space that nurtures your growth.” — Beatrice W Ndura.

Beatrice’s insights are much-needed reminders that mental health is a journey, not a destination. I encourage all of us to embrace her tips and know that caring for our mental well-being is an essential part of living a balanced, joyful, and resilient life.

If you have experienced abuse and are finding it difficult to move past the toxic environment, reach out to Coach Beatrice for support. Coach Beatrice can also help if you are unable to move away from cycles of frustrations and circumstances that no longer serve you.

You can reach her via beatricendura.com or on her socials for practical tips to help you achieve a balanced and joyful life.