A Note to My Fellow Black Mothers: Prioritize Your Mental Well-Being

Can we take a moment to be real? The past year has been incredibly challenging.

By challenging, I mean nearly insurmountable. Overwhelming. Completely unmanageable. The days seem to repeat in a bizarre cycle of pandemic updates, political strife, and social turmoil. Occasionally, there’s a diversion—maybe the latest royal news, a celebrity performance, or a viral moment. But inevitably, after the excitement fades, we return to the same exhausting routine, and the burden of navigating these unprecedented times weighs heavily on us once again.

Considering everything we’ve endured (let’s celebrate our resilience), it’s crucial for everyone in the U.S. to focus not only on physical health—remember, Covid-19 is still a threat—but also on our mental well-being. If you’ve never sought help from a mental health professional, now is the perfect time to explore those options. Even if you feel “fine,” investing in your mental wellness should be as normal as scheduling a dental check-up.

However, I believe one group, in particular, needs a gentle nudge—or perhaps a firm reminder—to prioritize their mental health: Black mothers. I’m speaking to you, and I’m also addressing myself here.

This isn’t to downplay the importance of mental health for anyone else. Regardless of background, we all need to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and actively seek support. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, sadness, or something else, help is available.

That said, Black mothers carry a uniquely heavy burden, especially in the last year, and our mental health has taken a serious hit. A 2020 article in Prevention Magazine noted that Black adults, particularly Black women, report feeling sad and hopeless more frequently than their white counterparts, yet only 30% of Black adults in need of mental health care sought it in 2017.

Barriers to accessing mental health services in the Black community are well-documented: distrust in the healthcare system, reliance on faith, and financial obstacles. After everything we’ve faced lately, it’s critical for Black mothers to seek the help that only trained professionals can provide.

Here are three reasons why we cannot afford to overlook this urgent need:

Covid-19’s Disproportionate Impact: The pandemic has hit Black and Brown communities particularly hard. CDC data shows that Black Americans are more likely to be diagnosed, hospitalized, and die from Covid-19 than their white peers. This reality means that Black mothers often bear the strain of caring for their families during a time when they themselves may be grieving or facing health challenges.
Challenges of Virtual Education: Many Black families have opted for continued virtual schooling even when in-person classes resumed. This choice stems from a deep concern about the risks of Covid-19, especially in multi-generational households, and a longstanding mistrust of the educational system. The burden of supporting children’s education often falls heavily on Black mothers, who are also managing households—creating an unsustainable situation.
Systemic Injustice and Grief: The ongoing dehumanization and loss of Black lives due to systemic racism have left many Black mothers grieving. Every name added to the tragic list of lives lost resonates deeply within our communities. The fear for our own children’s safety compounds this grief, creating an emotional weight that is increasingly difficult to carry without proper support.

Thus, I urge my fellow Black mothers to seek out professional help for mental health. This is not a sign of weakness; it showcases our strength and determination to safeguard our well-being.

And to friends of all races—please support Black mothers in prioritizing their mental health. A healthier society benefits everyone. We have an incredible capacity for change, and together, we can uplift each other.

For more insights on navigating mental health during challenging times, check out this excellent resource here.

Additionally, if you’re interested in fertility topics, you might find this post on fertility boosters for men insightful.

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In closing, let’s prioritize our mental health and ensure we have the support we need.

A Note to My Fellow Black Mothers: Prioritize Your Mental Well-Being

Here are three reasons why we cannot afford to overlook this urgent need:

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