Intentional reflection is essential to understanding what affects mental health. First, empower yourself by understanding the historical, systematic, social, economic, and cultural factors that shape your life. Then, delve into your social and cultural identities, including societal perceptions about mental health and well-being. 

• When did you realize that you were ___________? (i.e., Black, White, Latinx, Asian, & more) What contributed to that realization? How did you process the incident or situation? 
• What are your identities? Are they supported at work, in your personal life, or the larger society? 
• What are your daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly struggles and challenges? 
• Do you have a support system (family, friends, mentors, etc.)?
• How do you deal with grief? 
• How do you deal with failure and disappointment? 
• How do you define mental health and well-being? 
• How do you define healing? 
• Are you ready to heal? 

How you were raised also affects how you think about mental health and wellbeing. 

• Were you raised thinking you could not rely on anyone else? It is mind over matter, and you were weak if you couldn’t get over it? Or did you need to pray more? Or that you have been cursed.  
• Have you been cast as the superhero and expected to give until there’s nothing left? 
• Have you been socialized into thinking that showing emotions publicly is feminine? 
• Are your emotions and behaviors policed by yourself and others? 
• Do you know what the adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are? 
• Do you know your ACE score?
• Have you reflected on your upbringing and understand how it affects how you operate as an adult? 

Remember, mental health is intricately linked to physical health. You deserve quality care and support. 

• Do you have access to affordable and equitable healthcare?
• Do you have a primary care doctor that you visit regularly? 
• Can you locate a licensed mental health professional with similar identities or lived experiences in your county, state, or region? If so, could you afford their services? 
• Have you completed your annual psychological and physical examinations? 
• Do you know how to identify your emotions beyond anger, sadness, and happiness? 
• Do you understand the concepts and social constructs of ableism and disability? 
• Do you have two or more co-existing conditions (such as hypertension, anxiety, depression, diabetes, etc.), and how are they treated and managed? 

Low morale experiences, toxic and hostile workplaces, and inadequate staffing harm library workers. 

• How do you view work and labor? 
• Do you take mental health days, vacations, or sick days? 
• Are you expected to “be a family” or be a “team player”? (Maintaining an unsupportive work environment) 
• Do you have boundaries?
• Do you know about triggers and glimmers? 
• What do you know about trauma and trauma responses? 
• How much time do you dedicate to yourself? How do you invest in yourself?
• Are you aware of the different types of rest? 
• Are you aware that you don’t need to earn rest? 
• Do you have a trusted colleague at work, in the institution, the association, or librarianship?

Take into account that work will always be there; you will not. Prioritize what is essential to your current and future self. You are enough.

Answering the questions will help guide you through the reflection process and help you develop an action plan. Don’t let stigma be one of the reasons you suffer in silence. You deserve to be healed, healthy, and happy.