Tiesha Taylor, LICSW is well known when it comes to educating and advocating for mental health care. Sheis the host of the Faces of Black Mental Health Podcast, owner of Faces Therapeutic and Wellness, and a passionate advocate for mental health, mental wellness and mental stability.
In a world that often celebrates strength and resilience, women frequently find themselves grappling with a unique set of challenges that are both profound and pervasive. From juggling the demands of work and family to navigating societal expectations and personal aspirations, the journey of a woman is marked by a delicate balancing act. Yet, beneath the surface of this seemingly seamless performance lies a silent struggle—one that is rarely acknowledged, let alone addressed.
Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, yet many women suffer in silence, battling their own internal wars. The pressures to conform, to excel, and to nurture can create an environment where admitting vulnerability feels like an admission of failure. As a result, countless women endure their mental health struggles alone, often without the support or recognition they desperately need.
In the quest to be everything for everyone, many women neglect to prioritize their own mental health. The stigma surrounding mental illness, coupled with the ingrained expectation of unwavering strength, leads to a pervasive culture of silence. This silence can be deafening, as women internalize their pain and soldier on, believing they must carry the weight of the world on their shoulders.
The consequences of this silence are far-reaching. Without adequate support and coping mechanisms, mental health issues can manifest in various ways, from anxiety and depression to physical ailments and strained relationships. The toll is not only on the individual but also on families, workplaces, and communities.
This article aims to shine a light on these unspoken battles, offering a voice to the countless women who navigate their mental health struggles in solitude. By exploring the common challenges faced by women and providing practical strategies and coping skills, we hope to foster a culture of openness and support. It is time to break the silence and acknowledge that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a testament to the strength it takes to prioritize one's well-being.
As we delve into the daily struggles women face and the silent battles they fight, let us remember that mental health is a journey, not a destination. Together, we can create a world where women feel empowered to speak out, seek help, and thrive in the face of adversity.
Key areas of struggle for women
1. Establishing a healthy home/work-life balance can be challenging. We often face the challenge of balancing professional responsibilities with family and personal life. Here’s how to cope:
Improve time management but using planners or digital calendars to organize daily tasks, events and children’s schedules.
Set and maintain appropriate boundaries to avoid burnout. Ensure that work hours are clearly defined and remember to take your lunch break away from your desk.
Practice self-care activities like finding a fun exercise class like Zumba to give yourself something to look forward to.
2. Managing and dealing with societal expectations to fulfill gender roles are not easily recognized and can be impossible to manage. We are conditioned to believe that we must be everything to
everyone, oftentimes putting our own needs last. So how do we manage this:
Learn to say “no” and set appropriate boundaries without feeling guilty.
Establish a solid support network by connecting with like-minded individuals to share experiences and offer advice to one another.
Offer yourself positive affirmations to reinforce self-worth and confidence.
3. Managing the emotional needs of others while neglecting one’s own needs is a growing trend among women today. Many times, we tell ourselves that our families are depending on us or if we don’t do XYZ, ABC won’t happen. We push ourselves past our own limits of comfortability just to ensure other’s emotional needs are met. Here’s how take care of yourself:
Practice mindfulness to stay present with yourself and reduce unnecessary stress.
Share responsibilities at home and at work and give yourself permission to delegate to others to not take on the sole responsibility of doing.
Normalize therapy to learn healthy coping mechanisms and ways to manage stress.
4. Struggling with body image issues and self-esteem due to societal standards is not an easy lift. Women go through body changes by way of childbirth and menopause that can often lead to low self-esteem and a negative self-image. So what do you do?
Limit exposure to social media or other platforms that promote unrealistic body standards.
Engage in positive self-talk and celebrate the uniqueness of your body. Find a theme song and blast it every time you have a negative thought about yourself or your body.
Focus on being healthy rather than your appearance.
5. Navigating complex relationship dynamics to include romantic, familial and social relationships creates it own unique set of challenges. Anything that involves relying on another person to act in a certain way puts the stress in stressful. So, what’s your move?
Develop effective communication skills to express your needs and resolve conflicts. Get in the habit of using “I” statements and work on not overgeneralizing everything by using words like “always” and “never”.
Establish and maintain healthy boundaries within your relationships. Remember, don’t get caught up in love bombing. Boundaries are for you… not the other person.
Practice regular reflection to determine what your individual needs are and the goals of the relationship. As people, we evolve and change. Who you are today should not be the person that you were 3 months ago. Reflect and implement the change that you desire.
Coping skills and strategies for managing your mental health alone
Self-care routine: Develop a daily self-care routine that includes activities you enjoy and that promote relaxation and well-being.
Journaling: Use journaling as a tool to process emotions, reflect on daily experiences, and track mental health progress.
Mindfulness and meditation: Incorporate mindfulness and meditation practices to reduce stress and improve emotional regulation.
Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to boost mood and overall health.
Healthy eating: Maintain a balanced diet to support physical and mental health.
Sleep hygiene: Prioritize good sleep hygiene to ensure adequate rest and recovery.
Learning and growth: Engage in continuous learning and personal development to build resilience and coping skills.
Seeking professional help: Recognize when to seek professional help, such as therapy or counseling, for additional support.
Tiesha L. Taylor-Baldwin, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Tiesha Taylor is a leader in providing mental health care treatment in her community. After returning from Afghanistan, she faced mental health challenges and struggled to verbalize her feelings. Dedicated to addressing these issues, Tiesha has since focused her education and skills on educating her community about mental health, working to erase the stigma attached to mental health and therapy, and creating a safe space for those seeking help. She is the host of the Faces of Black Mental Health Podcast and founder of Faces Therapeutic and Wellness, LLC. Her mission is to erase the stigma attached to mental health and normalize therapy so that everyone can experience mental wellness and stability.
