Tag: life

Let’s Talk Dirty

Tick, Tick, Booom!

ROAR! I’m back, it’s been a while and I apologize for the hiatus but cubs, it’s been a struggle. The new year started for me with some difficulty, I won’t go into details but old Rafiki was stressed all the way out. My mental health was on a decline, my stress levels elevated and my physical health went through its own negative journey as a consequence. As time went on my mental health took a turn for the negative and I just had to take a break. After long talks with trusted friends and family, a few sit downs with my therapist, some really excellent distractions, 6 king sized coloring books, a plethora of Crayola products, and some really creamy cheesecake…I am almost myself again.

I’ve realized that I am not alone. There are others out there who might be going through worse things than I have gone through. So I decided to share some nuggets, I hope they help.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it is often overlooked or stigmatized in many cultures. It covers our emotional, psychological, and social well-being and affects how we think, feel, and act. Mental health influences how we cope with stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Just like physical health, mental health is vital to living a fulfilling life.

The state of our mental health impacts every area of our lives. It affects how we interact with others, how productive we are, and how we handle day-to-day challenges. Poor mental health can become obvious in many ways, such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, or even more severe conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. These mental health conditions can influence our personal relationships, careers, and overall happiness.

On the other hand, positive mental health helps us thrive. When we have a balanced emotional state, we are better equipped to deal with life’s challenges, form healthy relationships, and pursue our personal and professional goals with clarity and focus. It provides us with the confidence to cope with difficulty, whether it’s the stress of work, the challenges of a good student/family member, or the loss of a loved one.

Unfortunately, despite the increasing recognition of its importance, mental health is still surrounded by a stigma by many. People often feel ashamed or embarrassed to seek help, fearing judgment or being misunderstood. This stigma can lead to individuals suffering in silence, which worsens their mental health challenges and delays getting the right help.

It’s crucial to break down these barriers. Mental health struggles are just as real as physical illnesses, and seeking help should be viewed as a sign of strength, not weakness. In many cases, talking to a therapist, counselor, or mental health professional can lead to effective treatment, which can dramatically improve the quality of life.

Physical and mental health are deeply connected. Poor mental health can negatively impact physical health, leading to chronic conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system. On the other hand, physical health problems can trigger or worsen mental health issues, leading to a cycle that can be hard to break.

Taking care of one’s mental health can result in better physical health outcomes, and vice versa. For example, regular physical activity is known to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, while practicing mindfulness or meditation can reduce stress and promote a sense of calm and well-being. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes both physical and mental self-care, individuals can enjoy a more balanced, fulfilling life.

Maintaining mental health requires planned effort. Just as we take steps to stay physically fit, we must also adopt practices that nurture our mental well-being. Some effective strategies for maintaining good mental health include:

  1. Seeking Professional Help: Whether it’s through therapy, counseling, or medication, professional support can be vital in managing mental health conditions.
  2. Building Strong Relationships: Having a support system of friends, family, or community groups is crucial for emotional well-being.
  3. Exercise and Nutrition: Physical activity and a healthy diet play a significant role in promoting mental health by improving mood and energy levels.
  4. Stress Management: Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help manage stress and reduce its negative impact on mental health.
  5. Sleep: Ensuring adequate and quality sleep is essential for emotional stability and cognitive function.
  6. Setting Boundaries: Learning to say no and managing workloads can prevent burnout and stress.

Mental health is a fundamental aspect of our overall well-being, and its importance cannot be overstated. By prioritizing mental health, we not only improve our own lives but also contribute to the well-being of those around us. It’s time to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health, promote understanding, and ensure that everyone has access to the resources and support they need to lead a fulfilling life. Whether through self-care practices or seeking professional help, taking steps to nurture mental health is an investment in a brighter, healthier future for all.

Sock it Up for World Down Syndrome Day!

Ever heard of World Down Syndrome Day? Every year on 21st March, people around the world come together to celebrate individuals with Down syndrome—a genetic condition that means a person has an extra chromosome. But here’s the thing: that extra chromosome makes them unique, not less.

So, why should you care? Because inclusion matters! People with Down syndrome are just like you—full of dreams, talents, and personalities that deserve to be recognised and respected. Whether at school, work, or in the community, they should have the same opportunities to thrive.

One of the easiest (and coolest) ways to show your support? Wear colourful or mismatched socks on 21st March! It’s a fun, eye-catching way to start conversations and spread awareness. Why socks? Because chromosomes kind of look like tiny, twisted socks under a microscope—so it’s the perfect symbol!

But let’s go beyond fashion statements. Inclusion is about respect, kindness, and action. It means standing up for friends with disabilities, making sure they feel valued, and challenging stereotypes.

This World Down Syndrome Day, let’s celebrate diversity, promote understanding, and rock our socks with pride! Share your best sock selfies with us on Instagram @pmsroar using #SockItUp and let’s make the world a more inclusive place—one mismatched sock at a time.

Heritage Hurrah!

by J’nascia Charles

On February 28th, there was an unforgettable celebration for Heritage Day, hosted by the Social Science Department. The event kicked off with a heartfelt prayer session led by Miss James, setting a serene tone for the day. This was followed by the beautiful and soulful performance of the Negro Anthem by Miss Humphreys, which truly touched the hearts of everyone in the room.

Our dynamic MCs, J’nascia Charles and Virlissa Benjamin, warmly welcomed the audience and seamlessly guided us through the exciting lineup of activities. The first performance was a vibrant dance by our talented third formers, grooving to the infectious rhythm of the song “Tum Bum”. The energy was electric, and even when the music experienced a few technical hiccups, the dancers remained unfazed, continuing their performance with true professionalism and an undeniable African spirit.

Of course, no PMS event would be complete without the incredible PMS Serenaders, who had everyone on their feet with a sensational performance of “Hurricane”. But the excitement didn’t stop there! The Music Department also treated us to a spectacular performance by none other than the legendary calypso artist, King Zakari, whose performance was nothing short of magical.

As the event drew to a close, J’nascia Charles, one of our incredible MCs, took the stage once more to express her gratitude to the audience and all the participants for making this Heritage Day so special. From beginning to end, the vibes were truly “immaculate”. It was a day filled with energy, culture, and pride—an event that will be remembered for years to come. Stay tuned for more exciting moments at PMS, the Home of Champions!