Michelle Obama Encourages People to Be Honest About Their Mental Health During Uncertain Times

From Harper's BAZAAR

• Michelle Obama took to Instagram to clarify a comment she made during an episode of The Michelle Obama Podcast regarding her mental health amid a time of uncertainty in America.

• In a note to her followers, the former First Lady assured everyone that she is doing just fine and shed light on the importance of acknowledging one's emotions during this time of unrest.

Michelle Obama wants to erase the stigma around speaking out about mental health.

Yesterday, the former First Lady took to Instagram to clarify a previous statement she made during her podcast. On the second episode of The Michelle Obama Podcast, Obama mentioned that she felt as if she was "dealing with some form of low-grade depression" due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the slew of Black deaths that prompted the current Black Lives Matter movement, as well as the heavy importance surrounding the upcoming presidential election.

Obama shared a black-and-white casual photo of herself while addressing her previous comment to assure fans and followers that she is indeed doing fine and was merely keeping it real regarding how the nation's current climate can affect one's mental health.

"I just wanted to check in with you all because a lot of you have been checking in on me after hearing this week's podcast. First things first—I'm doing just fine. There's no reason to worry about me. Like I said in that conversation with @Michele__Norris, I'm thinking about the folks out there risking themselves for the rest of us—the doctors and nurses and essential workers of all kinds. I'm thinking about the teachers and students and parents who are just trying to figure out school for the fall. I'm thinking about the people out there protesting and organizing for a little more justice in our country," wrote Obama.

Obama continued, expressing the importance of checking in with your loved ones—especially right now—during a time when it seems as if so much is at stake within the United States.

"The idea that what this country is going through shouldn't have any effect on us—that we all should just feel OK all the time—that just doesn't feel real to me. So I hope you all are allowing yourselves to feel whatever it is you're feeling. I hope you're listening to yourselves and taking a moment to reflect on everything that's coming at us, and what you might be able to do about it," the former FLOTUS continued. "And to all of you who've reached out—thank you. I hope you're also reaching out to all those you're closest with, not just with a text, but maybe with a call or a videochat. Don't be afraid to offer them a shoulder to lean on, or to ask for one yourself. Love you all."

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