May We Breathe: Prioritizing Our Mental Health in a World on Fire

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—and this year, it lands during what feels like a collective holding of breath.
The headlines are heavy. Conversations are tense. The economy is uncertain, political tensions are rising, and social media floods us with a nonstop cycle of stress and struggle. For Black women especially, the weight is compounded—because while we’re often praised for our strength, too few are checking on our softness. Too few are giving us permission to rest. Let’s be clear:

You are allowed to pause.

You are allowed to log off, to say no, to cry, to exhale, to laugh at silly memes, to stretch, to scream into the wind, to sit in silence. You do not have to earn your rest. And taking care of your mind, body, and spirit is not selfish—it’s survival. In this climate, self-care is more than bubble baths and affirmations. It’s boundaries. It’s asking for help. It’s calling your therapist back or finally scheduling that first appointment. It’s reminding yourself that your worth is not tied to productivity, and your burnout is not a badge of honor. We are navigating trauma while still trying to show up at work, at church, at home, and in our communities. That’s a lot. And no, you’re not overreacting. You are human.​

So this month, I invite you to make space for your healing—not just for today, but as a lifestyle. Speak up when something’s off. Rest when you’re tired. Advocate for yourself like you would for someone you love. Because you matter.
Even now. Especially now. 
💚 This May, may we breathe. And keep breathing. Together. ​💚
​Until next time,
Cherie Edwards, LPC-S