Let’s be real for a moment: the past year has been incredibly challenging. It has been nothing short of overwhelming. The days have become a monotonous cycle of pandemic updates, political turmoil, and social upheaval. Occasionally, a distraction appears—a celebrity moment or a trending topic—but once that fades, we return to the heavy weight of our altered reality.
After everything we’ve endured, it’s crucial for everyone, especially those of us in the United States, to focus on our health—not just physically, as COVID-19 remains a threat, but also mentally. If you haven’t yet considered reaching out to a mental health professional, now is the perfect time. Caring for your mental wellbeing should be as routine as scheduling a dental check-up.
I want to highlight a specific group that may need a gentle nudge, or even a firm push, to prioritize their mental health: Black mothers. This isn’t to downplay the significance of mental health for anyone else. Regardless of background or identity, we all need to work towards destigmatizing mental health services. But Black mothers, in particular, have faced a unique set of challenges recently, and our mental health has taken a serious hit.
Research indicates that Black adults, especially Black women, report higher levels of sadness and hopelessness compared to their white counterparts. Yet, only a fraction of those who need help actually seek it. Historical factors such as distrust in the healthcare system, reliance on spiritual practices, and financial hurdles have made it difficult for many in the Black community to pursue mental health care. However, after the trials we’ve faced, it’s more urgent than ever for Black mothers to seek the support that mental health professionals can provide.
Here are three reasons why prioritizing our mental health is essential right now:
- The Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic has hit Black and Brown communities the hardest. Data shows that Black individuals are significantly more likely to contract, be hospitalized by, and die from COVID-19 compared to white individuals. For Black mothers, this means carrying the emotional and physical burden of caring for families during such trying times, often while grieving losses within our communities.
- The Struggles of Virtual Learning: Many Black families have opted for virtual schooling even as schools reopen. This decision stems from deep-seated concerns about the safety of our children in school settings. The mistrust built over decades of systemic racism has led us to prioritize our families’ health over traditional education paths. Black mothers are often the primary caregivers and educators in their households, which has added substantial stress and responsibility during an already challenging period.
- Systemic Injustice and Grief: The ongoing violence and loss of Black lives due to systemic injustice weigh heavily on our mental health. Each tragic event compounds our grief, affecting our ability to cope. The emotional toll of fearing for our children while mourning others is immense. Without the means to process this collective trauma, we risk our wellbeing.
To my fellow Black mothers, I urge you to seek mental health support. It is not a sign of weakness; it’s an acknowledgment of our strength and the necessity to preserve our mental health. And to those of other races, I encourage you to uplift and support the Black mothers in your lives as they prioritize their wellbeing. A healthier society is one where everyone is taken care of.
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