By LaKisha Watson, MS, LCDCI, Manager of AllOne Therapy
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. A time to pause, reflect, and acknowledge the importance of emotional well-being in all areas of our lives.
Mental health isn’t just about what’s going on inside of us, it’s also deeply influenced by the world around us. Our lived experiences, our identities, the way we’re treated, and the roles we carry all shape how we feel and how we cope. For many of us, the pressure to “hold it together” comes from more than just internal expectations, it comes from how we’ve been taught to survive, succeed, or stay silent.
I think about this often in my own life. I am a Black woman. I’m a military veteran. I come from a middle-class military family. I’m middle-aged. I’m unmarried. I could go on. … Each of my identities carries its own story, its own expectations, and sometimes, its own invisible weight. Sometimes, those layers make me feel empowered. Other times, they make it harder to ask for help or even acknowledge that I need it.
That’s what intersectionality is about. It’s recognizing that our mental health is influenced by the overlapping parts of our identity. It affects how we’re treated, how we internalize stress, how we see the world, and how easy (or hard) it is to access support. For some, it’s the cultural belief that you should “be strong and silent.” For others, it’s navigating systems that were never designed with you in mind.
And yet, despite these challenges, there’s power in naming them. There’s healing in saying, “This is how I’m really doing,” and giving yourself the same compassion you’d offer someone you love.
This week, take time to reflect on your own intersections. What parts of your identity have influenced your mental health, whether by adding pressure or shaping your perspective? How can you honor those parts of you with grace this week?
Whatever layers make up your story, your mental health matters through all of it. If this season has you needing space to talk, process, or simply be heard, you don’t have to do it alone. There’s support out there that honors all of who you are.
At AllOne Therapy, we’re here to meet you wherever you are in your journey. When you’re ready, we’ll be here, with care that sees the whole you.
If you’re looking for support, consider AllOne Therapy. To learn more, visit our website to explore counseling options.