From social distancing, mandatory mask wearing and the isolation from our family members, these coronavirus realties are unprecedented times. Naturally, this abrupt shift in our on a regular basis movement has modified the world as we realize it, leaving lasting effects across the globe, but in addition to our mental health. Whether we notice it or not, undergoing a world pandemic that modified on a regular basis life for nearly everyone, and took the lives of over 6 million people worldwide, will at all times affect us; How we elect to maneuver forward nevertheless, is as much as us. 

The Black community, having already faced inequity in the case of the health care system and mental health awareness have also experienced a special reality with the consequences of Covid-19, a reality we don’t discuss enough. 

Through the Essence Fest The Joy of Mind & Body panel, Moderator Roxanne Battle, sat down with Dr. Yusra Benhalim and Dr. Cleo Booker to debate mental health in these modern times, especially within the Black community.

“It’s no surprise to anyone that even before the pandemic communities of color were really facing health inequities accessing the health care system and particularly the mental health care system. All the pieces that we’ve been through, as much as we would like it to be over the reality is we’re still seeing an increasing number of people who find themselves struggling, fighting depression, suicide and substance use and misuse” shared Dr. Yusra Benhalim.

Panelists went on to share that our current realities don’t have to be the tip all be all, and there are a lot of healthy coping mechanisms we will look into once we take mental health serious as a community. They went on to list out ways to seek out joy amidst the times, and truly take heed to your mind, body and spirit as we transition through this pandemic as a nation. 

To listen to the total conversation head over to Essence.com