It’s Self-Care Month (designated by the World Health Organization in 2019).

Photo by Tasha Jolley

Thanks WHO! Did you know the concept of self-care in the United States originated as a medical term in the 1950s for long term care patients?  Later the ‘self care’ concept was adopted by activist groups during the civil rights movement as a way to manage the wear and tear on one’s body when on the front lines. BUT, if we take a moment and decenter western history around the concept, we can see that indigenous forepeople have been attuned to the needs for time for holistically caring for the body (and the planet, for that matter) as a collective responsibility for a community long before the concept was named and, now talked about by influencers. ( I mean, I remember my grandma talking about “resting her eyes”... can anyone else think of terms or phrases from elders that talked about ideas of rest?) Anyway…

The self-care that WHO talks about involves activities and practices that individuals can engage in regularly to reduce stress and maintain and enhance one’s health and well-being. This includes:

• Physical activities like exercise and healthy eating.

• Mental health practices such as mindfulness, therapy, and hobbies.

• Emotional activities like journaling or spending time with loved ones.

• Social activities that foster connection and support.

Photo by Jared Rice

Look, there’s nothing wrong with focusing on one’s self and taking time for you. If your tank isn’t full, how can you support someone else? You can’t… without depleting yourself. It is important and still what about those in your community. If your surroundings or those around you are also in chaos and depleted, how much will all that self-care individual self-care practice you are doing will you be able to hold? 

Self-care within the concept of community (e.g. community care) recognizes that individual well-being is closely connected to the well-being of a community. One cannot truly exist without the other. Remember nap time in preschool? Everyone had to take that nap.

Photo by Sierra Koder

The basic concept of community care emphasizes collective responsibility and mutual aid. It involves supporting and caring for each other within a community. This can include:

• Sharing resources and skills.

• Providing emotional support and solidarity.

• Engaging in nurturing activities; cleaning your home, your block, playing with children

• Creating inclusive and supportive environments.

Photo by: Andrew James

Indigenous practices look at communal healing as a way to bring people together in a space of care. Some might go to a church as a way to access communal care and healing. (We can also acknowledge where the basis of some of these practices might originate). I had an old colleague who was from the First Nations tribe share her cultures practice of ‘hocokah’ which is  Lakota for a sacred circle or healing circle which also means altar. Within a ‘hocokah’, folks gather to form a talking circle where they engage in prayer, ceremonies, singing, dancing, sharing stories, information or lessons, all dedicated to aiding and healing each other - which is a form of caring. The mutuality of the experience was beneficial to the individual, as well as, the community. The care did not happen in isolation. 

Self-care within community care is self-care. It is equally important to support and be supported by your community. This reciprocal relationship enhances the well-being of yourself and the community as a whole. 

And I think it is a privilege to be able to consider all forms of this concept. Try them both and take good care.

Written by Tanisha Christie, LCSW (she/her)

Tanisha Christie, LCSW (she/her) is the Founder and Practice Director who champions the liberation of individuals through the acknowledgement and affirmation of their stories. With a collaborative, holistic, and directive approach, Tanisha guides clients toward healing. Her extensive experience includes roles at Mount Sinai Hospital, the Ackerman Institute for the family and private practices, offering specialized expertise in polyamorous and couple relationships, executive coaching, and clinical supervision.