Counseling Services at Coastal Carolina University organized Affirmations for Black Mental Health Feb. 21 to provide students with a variety of affirmations that could be helpful in promoting positive mental health.  

The presenters emphasized the importance of self-care and self-compassion, especially for those facing systemic barriers to accessing mental health resources. Attendees were encouraged to practice affirmations regularly to combat negative self-talk and build self-esteem.  

J’Quan Johnson, a senior majoring in graphic design, attended the event, and he said he wished issues like this were discussed more. 

“It was a pleasant experience,” he said. “In our culture we’re not eager to express and to have people to take the time to do that it could be open thing to the community.” 

The event also highlighted the need for more resources and support for Black Americans managing mental health issues. The statistics presented were eye-opening, with 16% of Black Americans reporting having a mental illness. 

Attendees discussed ways to advocate for increased access to mental health services and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness in the Black community. After the presentation, students were given prompts where they were able to share their own experiences and feelings related to mental health. 

The facilitators of the event led the students in practicing various affirmations, such as: “I am worthy,” “I am enough,” and “I am loved.” Everyone was given the space to share openly and be surrounded by supportive counselors and peers.   

The students were also given the opportunity to create their own affirmations and share them with the group. Many of the affirmations were centered around themes of self-love, self-acceptance, and resilience.