At the beginning of the year, I decided to end my relationship of 6 years. It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made, and I agonized over it for months. While my partner and I had enjoyed good times, it was clear that the relationship had become unhealthy over the past few years. We didn’t communicate well, I felt like I wasn’t truly heard or seen, and my partner would frequently gaslight me when I would try to express my frustrations. It was clear that I needed to break things off.
After the relationship ended, I definitely struggled. Even though I knew it was the right
decision, I was still really affected by it. I felt lonely, depressed, and thought I wouldn’t be able to create a healthy relationship in the future. I knew that I needed support, but wasn’t sure where to start. That’s why I was so excited when a friend told me about Alkeme, a mental health and wellness platform tailored to the Black community. In addition to meditation and breathwork, they offer courses and community discussions, all curated and led by Black therapists and mental health professionals.
Alkeme offers both free and paid subscriptions, as well as a 7-day free trial. I signed up right away for the trial and was hopeful that I would find the support I was looking for on my mental health journey. I began with “Getting Started With Alkeme” which offered a lot of helpful short videos (less than 30 minutes) on a variety of topics. I was really impressed with all of the experts and felt like they were able to provide clear guidance on some really challenging topics, like dealing with loneliness, setting boundaries, and impacts of racial trauma.
After working through this initial content, I decided to lean into the relationship “spaces”, which is what Alkeme calls their curated discussions. The videos from Michaiah Dominguez really resonated with me. I loved her approach to relationships and how she focuses on cultivating acceptance of self. I also realized that in my last relationship I didn’t know how to communicate my needs in the bedroom. Her discussion on “Owning Your Pleasure” has given me the tools to express myself confidently in this area in the future. I also loved the content from Kiaundra Jackson, a licensed marriage and family therapist who focuses on healthy relationships and mental health. I’ve definitely gone back to the “Practicing Mindfulness With Loved Ones” video multiple times.
After the 7-day free trial, I knew I wanted to upgrade to the paid subscription. At less than $35 for the year, Alkeme is an incredible value. After just a month of using the app, I feel so much more secure in my decision to end my relationship, and in a strong position to move forward. I feel confident that I’m developing the tools I need to live my happiest, healthiest life. For POC who are looking for an accessible, impactful way to improve their mental health, Alkeme is the answer you’ve been waiting for.
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