Guest Contributor:
Nyasia Luke
Black Mental Wellness Intern
2021 Graduate of Elizabeth City State University
What are some ways that you promote mental health and wellness through your area of expertise?
On my University’s campus, I serve as a Peer Wellness Ambassador which is a student-led group that enhances the knowledge, skills, and resources on our campus to help students make holistic health decisions. Additionally, I help educate the ECSU community about health and wellness topics such as depression and suicide while improving holistic health outcomes for college students. As a social work student, I serve as an intern while conducting interventions with students to help them cope with grief.
How do you promote change and well-being in the Black community?
In the Black community, there are a wide range of issues that impact us mentally and holistically. I take the initiative to create a safe space through conversation with my peers and other inside and outside of the Black community. At times, it is difficult to promote change when culturally we may not always acknowledge or consider the negatives that impact our mental and well-being. Additionally, I link our community members to resources and simply educate our communities in hopes of jump-starting the change we need to be and see.
How do you make time for your own wellness and self-care?
To attain an abundant life full of healthy self-care practices, there are two main ways that I ensure I practice self-care. Personally, I set reminders and plan days according to my calendar to practice self-care. I also surround myself with accountability partners who continuously remind me of the importance of self-care while engaging in self-care practices with me.
Guest Contributor
Nyasia Luke is a Senior, Social Work student at Elizabeth City State University, and native of Eure, NC. Nyasia believes the physical, mental, and spiritual health of all individuals is equally imperative to one's overall well-being. Her work on campus and in the greater community emphasizes the need for holistic wellness in the professional and personal lives of those she services. Ultimately, Nyasia aspires to influence and implement policy for micro, mezzo, and macro levels of Social Work.
