Black Women: Our Mental Health Matters Too

While attending a viewing party for Black Women OWN the Conversation television show Season 1 Episode 4 entitled Mind, Body and Soul this past weekend.  I was fathomed at the new information I received as it relates to black women and mental health. My mind was instantly blown away. One of the guest panelist, Brittany Cooper who is an author and activist said:

 “You’ll go see somebody (doctor) about everything going wrong (eyes, foot, etc.) but you won’t go get help for your mind?

Let that sink in just for a minute. Why do we as black women take care of everyone else’s needs or make sure we get treated for our body ailments but not our minds? A part of that answer is that in our culture. We have been conditioned to “pray away” everything that affects our minds. Or we are taught from Big Momma that what goes on in the house, stays in the house.

Today, those beliefs are “KILLING” us. My research leads me to this conclusion black women have a distrust for medical institutions. Of course, this is due primarily to racism and gender inequality when seeking treatment and care.

We are strong!!!

Additionally, as black women, we are expected to show strength in all situations. And seeing a mental health therapist is a “white woman thing.” This is the furthest from the truth. Although more and more black women are changing this narrative. However, there are still black women out there who suffer mental illness. But these women are not being treated because of stigmas and other reasons.

We put so much emphasis on the physical body and not enough on our mental health. What if us as black women, came together. Took the time to booked venues across the country to sit with a mental health therapist. Even if it was for an hour or two to sit in a safe space with them. Having an opportunity to deal with the issues that plague our minds. Is revolutionary. Talk about being empowered!

We are all broken.

As a black woman, I have to admit my share of toxicity and trauma. Like most of us, I can share I can stories of abuse. I can even relate to exposure to some very toxic and traumatic environments. Although my mind has healed from my past, I still have triggers that arise.

I’ve learned to use various techniques (ex., meditation, journaling, speaking positive affirmations) to shift my mindset in those difficult moments. Those techniques have helped me get through some very tough and trying times. Tough times that could have affected me mentally in a negative way.

We can heal.

You are not weak if you considering seeking professional help to deal with any mental health illnesses. Better yet any concerns that you may have. We all need that space to filter through our thoughts and deal with our past. It’s okay to do that with the help of someone who is certified or licensed to help us. It’s just like trying anything else new for the first time.

You may have to attend several sessions with several different therapists until you find the right one for you. If you’re apprehensive about the cost, check with your medical insurance company. Because your plan may cover the sessions and you just have to pay a co-pay to be seen.

Final Words

In conclusion, no matter what, black women, we have to start taking better care of our minds. Just like we do everything else. It’s up to us to live for ourselves and then for those around us that we care dearly for. But we can’t do any of this if our minds are not healthy. I am challenging you as you read this to get a wellness checkup of your mind. Don’t be afraid to seek help and if you need other resources check out www.therapyforblackgirls.com. It’s an online resource that is dedicated to the mental wellness for black women.

Keep up with Felicia on her blog here, and more mental health posts, here.