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(Raymond, 2018). Let the relaxation begin...

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When I think of vacation I immediately picture water and palm trees. Something about this view relaxes me and puts me in a good mood. I love to travel and experience different cultures, food, and sceneries so I can better understand the viewpoint of others.

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I LOVE to try new dishes but but I can be a bit of a critic. I believe part of this has to do with my background. My grandfather was a chief that owned his own restaurant in Jamaica but my grandmother was the primary cook for the family. My grandparents taught my mother how to cook who in turn taught me. Being apart of the first generation that was born in America, I tend to put my spin on traditional Jamaican dishes. Through meeting other Jamaican families and tasting their dishes, I learned that each family makes their dishes in their own unique way. For example, the dish that I made which is pictured above might be made with ketchup or soy sauce to create the gravy. The techniques of how to make it could even vary from stove top to baked in the oven.

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Working specifically in an OB/GYN clinic has provided me with a wealth of knowledge but it has also introduced to me the amount of misinformation and lack of care that many women receive. Unfortunately in many societies women are disadvantaged by discrimination rooted in sociocultural factors (World Health Organization, 2022). The Women's Health article provides and abundance of facts and articles that can educate everyone.

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World Health Organization WHO Regional websites

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It feels like everyday I learn something new weather it's from my workplace, classes, or just life lessons. Learning is something that never seems to stop and I love to learn new things. For example, I am currently using an app to brush up on my Spanish and learn Arabic. People can learn how to cook, dance, play a sport, and so much more. The knowledge you gain will help you to grow and develop as a person and even assist you in adapting to different situations. The best part of gaining knowledge is that nobody can ever take it away from you.

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You never realize how much music can effect someone. It can evoke emotions, change your mood, or even bring comfort. Music has also helped people to associate or remember important items such as memories or test questions. I personally use music as a soundtrack to my life. Ask me about a song and I can tell you what year it came out and what was going on in my life at the time.

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A statement that holds true for everyone but especially for those like myself in the healthcare industry is this: You can't take care of others unless you take care of yourself first. Many people automatically think physically but forget how important their mental health is too. The older generation were raised to believe that not being okay mentally was a stigma but today's society has changed that narrative and opened up the dialogue. Mentalhealth.org is a website that provides great resources and topics that provides assistance for those struggling with their own mental health or wanting to better understand how to help a loved one.

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Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected.

Mental Health Conditions

Mental illnesses are disorders, ranging from mild to severe, that affect a person's thinking, mood, and/or behavior. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one-in-five adults live with a mental illness.

Many factors contribute to mental health conditions, including:

Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry

Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse

Family history of mental health problems

Some mental health topics include:

A Serious Mental Illness (SMI) is a mental illness that interferes with a person's life and ability to function. Despite common misperceptions, having an SMI is not a choice, a weakness, or a character flaw. It is not something that just "passes" or can be "snapped out of" with willpower.

View SAMHSA's Public Message about Serious Mental Illnesses.

Early Warning Signs & Symptoms

Not sure if you or someone you know is living with mental health problems? Experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviors can be an early warning sign of a problem:

Eating or sleeping too much or too little

Pulling away from people and usual activities

Having low or no energy

Feeling numb or like nothing matters

Having unexplained aches and pains

Feeling helpless or hopeless

Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual

Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared

Yelling or fighting with family and friends

Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships

Having persistent thoughts and memories you can't get out of your head

Hearing voices or believing things that are not true

Thinking of harming yourself or others

Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school

Do you think someone you know may have a mental health problem? Talking about mental health can be difficult. Learn about common mental health myths and facts and read about ways to help you get the conversation started.

Tips for Living Well with a Mental Health Condition

Having a mental health condition can make it a struggle to work, keep up with school, stick to a regular schedule, have healthy relationships, socialize, maintain hygiene, and more.

However, with early and consistent treatment-often a combination of medication and psychotherapy-it is possible to manage these conditions, overcome challenges, and lead a meaningful, productive life.

Today, there are new tools, evidence-based treatments, and social support systems that help people feel better and pursue their goals. Some of these tips, tools and strategies include:

Stick to a treatment plan. Even if you feel better, don't stop going to therapy or taking medication without a doctor's guidance. Work with a doctor to safely adjust doses or medication if needed to continue a treatment plan.

Keep your primary care physician updated. Primary care physicians are an important part of long-term management, even if you also see a psychiatrist.

Learn about the condition. Being educated can help you stick to your treatment plan. Education can also help your loved ones be more supportive and compassionate.

Practice good self-care. Control stress with activities such as meditation or tai-chi; eat healthy and exercise; and get enough sleep.

Reach out to family and friends. Maintaining relationships with others is important. In times of crisis or rough spells, reach out to them for support and help.

Develop coping skills. Establishing healthy coping skills can help people deal with stress easier.

Get enough sleep. Good sleep improves your brain performance, mood and overall health. Consistently poor sleep is associated with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

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Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

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Sometimes songs are meant to just dance to but there are other songs that could be sending a message. As an avid music lover I love to read deeper into an artists lyrics and interpret for myself what message they are trying to send and even apply it to my own life. My personal interpretation of Jhene Aiko's song Speak is about female empowerment as well standing up for yourself which are subjects I truly value in my own life.