Written by: Dee Burrowes, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Life happens, life shocks, and at times, it gets in the very way of us. Our daily lives get out of sync, and everyone’s emotional wellbeing can get knocked out of the socket during times like these. It is reported that black women normally have to surmount higher hurdles than others to get the help they need to treat mental health.
The conversation surrounding mental health among black women has increased quite a bit in the last previous years, yet still, there is much more advocacy that needs to be done.
Often, the strong black woman struggles with their own expectations, mindset, and responsibilities thrown on them from family, finance, self-care, and professional scope that have them neglecting their own health and well-being. We are faced with the stereotype of the ‘strong black woman,’ which is much more than just a cultural ideal but extended to coping psychologically. Societal stigma makes it no easier to cope with mental illness and the barriers and challenges faced by a black woman.
There is a deafening silence about how we intend to improve black women's health as we strategically concentrate on their emotional and mental health wellbeing. Yes, we are Superwomen with all the multiple roles and responsibilities but typically can get stuck in a blatant negative stereotype rather than the positive compliment it was intended to be that ripples in such a burden.
‘Journal entry 5/12/20 – I nurture and take care of everyone as I think it’s duty and the best thing to do. I will continue to portray and embody strength at all times. I will not break. I can’t do that as I am dependent on family, friends, colleagues, and community. I will continue to be everything to everyone, catering to them, prioritizing their needs, and neglecting my very own. I am ok with that, but kind of wish things were a bit smoother, or someone would think of me for even a second.’ Better days will come. xxx
At times, it appears impossible to juggle with all the care and duties of life, motherhood's responsibilities, being a wife, and fostering intimate relationships. I always feel it’s my duty to go above and beyond while my colleagues, peers, and even family leaving my own professional and self-development are compromised.
The efforts of tirelessly toiling do feel undervalued, not that validation is needed but rather some level of acknowledgment or appreciation both at work and home. Many would not know what it is to work with others who do not value you as a human being and all the external pressures of the World.
Compared to other ethnic groups, Black women's personal and professional profiles are quite different and are facing many other challenges. Like most of us, Black women, we have experienced the phenomenon of quit and stay in the workplace, which highlights how we have mentally checked out – subconsciously. As this intensifies, we meet the minimum expected value of what is expected then somehow glides under the radar mysteriously. No doubt this stifles our mindset and emotional mentality, limits employee interaction, and slows productivity instead of enhancing Black women's potential.
Depending on their distinctive social identities, they are faced with varied obstacles as they desire to improve their scope in their careers. The thoughts of feeling alienated are also married with no one else who looks similar to them that do have a seat at the table; it's become very lonely. It is encouraged that Black women must seek out their own network and support system for accountability and emotional support. There is a better balance doing so with others you can trust with your emotions and those who do have their back no matter what you face. Having a lack of purpose ultimately leads to disconnection causing many women to quit. Exercising a level of fairness should be something that stands out rather than disregarding people's ability who supported the success of the company they belong to.
“I understand your pain. Trust me, I do. I’ve seen people go from the darkest moments in their lives to living a happy, fulfilling life. You can do it too. I believe in you. You are not a burden. You will never be a burden.” — Sophie Turner.
Impact on Mental Health
For many black women, our story spans to perseverance and resilience even in times of desolation. After all, we have survived slavery, the great depression, then surely, there is hope to survive bouts of anxiety and sadness. In part, the challenge is that too often. There is a delay associated with acknowledging that mental illness is much more than feeling melancholy. It is also not a sign of weakness as we fail to recognize mental illness as an actual “illness,” it is no different from an illness as diabetes, cancer, or hypertension. There is a high shame factor attached to mental health, and not until those concerned have started to share their dilemma, only then they realize they are far from being alone.
Black women's desires are no different from what other women in other ethnic groups hope for. Everyone's goal is to live a happy and healthy life with positive control, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
Ignoring the problem and having it internalized will become unresolved. It’s only by accepting the problem and supporting collaboratively then we can overcome this challenge.
Journal entry 06/12/20 – I’ve realized I am having serious psychological distress. Who can I trust? Where can I get help without feeling ashamed? Despite putting up a brave face to everyone, I have sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, and anger. Oh well. I must carry on my responsibilities. xxx
It may appear easier to remain in that zone of comfort regardless if there’s a void that we are struggling to satisfy, a hole so very deep it will take much more effort than awareness to fulfill. Unfortunately, there is a misconception that anything less than their best is a sign of being inadequate. In context, for these reasons, black women are in denial due to possible becoming an outcast with their community resulting from their mental health problem.
Black women are increasingly experiencing anger, anxiety, and feeling of powerlessness in the face of discrimination and racial injustice.
Circumstances do put black women at a higher risk for mental stress due to severe economic insecurity, lack of social support, and physical illness, to name a few. Eventually, this spiraled due to tension, worry, and fear. Additionally, the everyday struggles of coping with other externalities as racism, further exacerbate mental and emotional stress. These triggers of discrimination, inter-generational trauma, and ongoing mental stress are woven into the fabric of our very being. Support is needed by each other without shame, and there is power in taking that first step in asking for help.
Journal entry 07/12/20 – I am priceless, blessed, and valuable beyond measure. My contributions to this world will be noticed, although that seems a bit off guard or unnoticed at the moment. I am supportive, loving, nurturing, and encouraging, which will have a ripple impact on those lives that I touch. My influence will be seen and affect generations to come. I know my worth even though it wavers sometimes and is not defined by the different roles I do have. I am enough, I am necessary, and I am loved. xxx
It is totally about championing change and the amplification of silent voices needed to reclaim power, which is the first step to care for our mental health.
5 Tips to Championing Mental Health
Stigma remains among the most persistent hurdles for people living with a mental health condition. The key is connection, adaptability, identification with culture, knowing your limits, and family.
Listen to yourself – Be in the know. You can make a difference in your family, community reaction and comprehend exactly all that there is to mental health. Listen and educate yourself as mental health is personal. However, it is essential to educate people and learn from those who have experienced it.
Speak up and speak out – Whenever there is an opportunity, it is a topic that needs to be spoken about in the board room, in homes, and in schools. The importance of mental healthcare must be at the forefront, and if there is a negative conversation about mental illness, do not stay silent. Silence should be avoided at all costs.
Be an advocate - Bringing awareness to mental health issues and supporting those living with mental illness. Social media platforms are a quick method of productive engagement and reach widespread very quickly with any intended initiative.
Music to the soul – Plug into playing soothing and uplifting music on the regular. It will gradually calm the mind and increase dopamine level – a touch of happy hormones is what the doctor orders.
Seek therapy – Therapy is a productive and effective means of managing mental health illness, making it viable to those who most need the sessions. Therapy involves one to one contact with a certified specialist who will also design exercises and activities to practice at home to manage mental health.
For more information, visit my website!
Dee Burrowes, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Dee Burrowes, Certified Professional Coach, NLP Practitioner, Speaker, Trained Teacher, International Awards Judge, and Mental Health Coach with Behavioural Disorder, helps you gain more confidence in being more effective at bringing happiness to your life. By identifying your core values and what drives you, you will gain clarity on what your life and career vision should be. By learning how to eradicate self-doubt, boost self-confidence, and form good habits, all of us can overcome our challenges and live more mindfully, consciously, and authentically. Life passes us by, and the fear of not being authentic kicks in, and it is the right time now to identify your inspiration by designing a lifestyle that would capture the very essence of you. Dee is a visiting professor in Events and Hospitality management in both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. She continues to participate in the hospitality industry. Dee is very much passionate about Mental Health, and as a Mental Health Advocate, she supports corporate companies on Mental Well-being.
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