Darnell was a 16-year-old Black high school student with a promising future. He was captain of the basketball team and excelled academically. Darnell had a strong support system with his family and friends, but he was constantly pushing himself to do more.

One day, Darnell woke up feeling exhausted and drained. He had been staying up late studying and practicing basketball, and he had a game that night. Darnell’s mom noticed his fatigue and suggested he take a break, but Darnell didn’t want to disappoint his team or jeopardize his academic success.

Darnell went through the motions of the day, feeling like a shell of himself. During the game, he missed crucial shots and made mistakes he never would have made before. His coach pulled him aside and asked what was going on, but Darnell brushed it off and said he was fine.

After the game, Darnell went home and collapsed into bed, feeling physically and mentally exhausted. His mom sat on his bed and talked to him about the importance of self-care and taking breaks. Darnell finally admitted that he felt like he was constantly under pressure to perform and succeed.

Together, Darnell and his mom came up with a plan for self-care. They scheduled regular check-ins where Darnell could talk about his feelings and take a break from his responsibilities. They also set boundaries around his study and practice time, making sure he had time to rest and recharge.

At first, it was hard for Darnell to let go of the pressure to always be productive and successful. But over time, he noticed that he was more focused and energized when he took time for self-care. His grades improved, and he became a better basketball player.

Darnell realized that he didn’t have to sacrifice his health and well-being to succeed. By prioritizing self-care, he was able to thrive in his career and personal life.

One day, Darnell woke up feeling exhausted and drained. He had been staying up late studying and practicing basketball, and he had a game that night. Darnell’s mom noticed his fatigue and suggested he take a break, but Darnell didn’t want to disappoint his team or jeopardize his academic success.

Darnell went through the motions of the day, feeling like a shell of himself. During the game, he missed crucial shots and made mistakes he never would have made before. His coach pulled him aside and asked what was going on, but Darnell brushed it off and said he was fine.

After the game, Darnell went home and collapsed into bed, feeling physically and mentally exhausted. His mom sat on his bed and talked to him about the importance of self-care and taking breaks. Darnell finally admitted that he felt like he was constantly under pressure to perform and succeed.

Together, Darnell and his mom came up with a plan for self-care. They scheduled regular check-ins where Darnell could talk about his feelings and take a break from his responsibilities. They also set boundaries around his study and practice time, making sure he had time to rest and recharge.

At first, it was hard for Darnell to let go of the pressure to always be productive and successful. But over time, he noticed that he was more focused and energized when he took time for self-care. His grades improved, and he became a better basketball player.

Darnell realized that he didn’t have to sacrifice his health and well-being to succeed. By prioritizing self-care, he was able to thrive in his career and personal life.