Hey ya'll hey!
During the month of March, we celebrate Women’s History. However, we would like to designate this space to create awareness for Black women’s mental health and normalize the discussion of prioritizing yourself.
Too often, Black women and the Black community endorse the Strong Black Woman Persona resulting in Black women pushing through persistent and misdiagnosed depression and anxiety.
Access to mental health care and providers with a culturally sensitive approach are often cited as reasons Black women do not prioritize mental health. While experiencing micro and macro level aggressions, sexism, poverty, healthcare inequalities, unique challenges in their careers and educational pursuits, gender bias, racial discrimination common in workspaces, and other systemic issues that impact mental health in daily life; Black women are less likely to seek and accept help.
Being mentally healthy contributes to continuing to create Black women’s legacies and history to celebrate. We want you to celebrate the Black women in your life and ask them to prioritize their mental health; and support Black women at whatever age and stage they are in their life.
Check on the Black women in your life (including the strong Black women you know and love) and make sure they’re doing okay and let them know that it’s okay to not be okay. If you are a Black woman, celebrate your own accomplishments and do a mental health check-in this month. See a few tips below.
Tips for Black women to be mentally healthy:
- Take control of your mental health: read books and listen to podcasts to feel less misunderstood, less alone, and for relaxation.
- Get rest, 7-9 hours per night are recommended for adults, and while hustling and accomplishing may be emphasized, breaks are necessary.
- Put yourself first, it’s not selfish, but breaks are needed to maintain positive mental health.
Click here to schedule a session with a licensed mental health professional.
You may also find additional resources at the links below.
Millions of Americans have mental health and substance abuse disorders. Find treatment near you.
if you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988
24/7 crisis counseling for emotional distress related to a disaster. Call 1-800-985-5590
Free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral information service. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357)