My name is Bushira Nakitende, I am a young african woman who grew up in Uganda, moved here in 2012 to unite with my family. Mental health back home is not an aspect of one’s life that is often shed light on. In fact, people have become desensitized to it. Growing up in Uganda, I was never aware of mental health until I moved to Canada, that is when everything shifted and changed for me. It’s not that back home we don’t experience mental health because it is very much so there, it’s the shift and differences of environment which tends to then help coping with mental health itself. Back home you're always surrounded by people and never alone versus here where the environment makes you feel alone even when you're surrounded by people. Mental health takes forms in various shapes and ways. Some mental health battles I experience are anxiety disorders, mood disorders, OCD, BDD, PTSD...I have been in denial for being someone who battles with mental health because of the stigma that “black people do not have mental health related issues.” I tend to hear this phrase a lot within the african-caribbean communities and not just in that community but the BIPOC communities, therefore; it reduces the chances for individuals to truly seek the right tools and platforms to help us with this battle. I recently traveled back home in November of 2023, taking that journey helped me center myself and my mental state. Being in Canada sometimes is not easy most especially if you're from another country, finding jobs and housing is difficult. Prior to my travel, I have been on the hunt for jobs continuously and in the economy today it has been difficult and highly competitive. The rejections and the difficulty to secure housing was extremely stressful, insomnia took over my nights and I became depressed. The trip back home brought me in an environment where I am surrounded by love, family and friends that made me feel peaceful. That dark cloud that was hovering over me started to shed light. Throughout my journey with mental health I have tried to find various positive ways that help me deal with my mental health like meditating, journaling, partaking in activities that will help boost up my energy as well as my aura. Mental health is a long battle but with the right environment, safe and brave space, healing will start to take place. We as humans need to learn how to be more empathic, Understanding, mindful, encouraging, patient and provide non-judgemental support. Please remember everyone goes through something, be more compassionate.