In light of recent political and economic events, Black women may find themselves struggling with a lack of tools to turn to in moments of despair. In times of intense stress or anxiety, not owning safe spaces for free communication can pose a potential threat to those with mental struggles. According to a 2021 study conducted by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 21% of Black Americans harbor mental illnesses, but only 39% receive adequate services and help. To provide a guiding light to individuals in need, look no further than these next few paragraphs to uncover ways for Black women to attain support during their times of need.
Therapy specific to Black women and girls
Talking out feelings with a therapist can help clear up any disorganized thoughts clouding one’s mind. Several resources exist that can be tailored to the needs of Black women; dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), which teaches patients healthy coping skills, has been shown to offer specific benefits to Black women. Due to the intersection of race and gender, Black women may feel frequently invalidated when exploring their identities. Through exploring practices of DBT — or other modes of therapy — Black women can reap several benefits, as per the American Psychological Association.
To avoid the physical manifestations of stress, learning mindfulness techniques and breathing exercises represent soothing ways to curb health hiccups. Meditation can also regulate breathing and heart rate. Self-advocacy techniques prove helpful as well, by teaching Black women how to positively talk about themselves with uplifting words and affirmations. Utilizing online directories, taking recommendations from friends and even seeking out social media for help can aid Black women in finding a therapist that can suit their needs. Institutions such as Black Female Therapists and Therapy for Black Girls serve as accessible platforms for Black women to seek assistance.
In addition to therapy, support groups can also represent a significant benefit. After the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, different bodies emerged for Black women to outsource safe spaces to combat harmful feelings. Organizations such as Black Mothers Matter celebrate the wins of its members, while also providing comfort and solace in the face of any losses. Families can also emerge as helpful safe spaces; mothers, sisters, grandmothers, aunts and cousins may exist as familiar shoulders to cry on in times of anguish. Not all support groups exist in person, though — social media allows for easy, accessible modes of communication for Black women to engage with one another.
“As crazy as it may sound, I think the best mental health resource for Black women can honestly be the right comment section on a social media platform. Some common sections can be very hurtful to Black women, but others can be very helpful. When I stumble upon a video that is talking about something that’s relatable to me as a black woman like something I go through as a black woman. The common sections are always so healing and kind. Many Black women use those common sections to share their testimonies, as well as responding to comments with videos and sharing how they feel about certain subjects,” magnet senior Morgan Day said.
Although various tools can help curb feelings of depression in Black women, difficult days may require further support from external forces. Thankfully, due to the omnipresent nature of the receptionists who work at crisis lines, support can occur at several parts of the day. The Crisis Text Line, which offers quick replies with intentional advice, represents a free avenue for Black women to use. The National Sexual Assault Hotline, geared toward providing support for victims of violent sexual crimes at no cost, assures users that their conversations will remain confidential. Notably, the emerging 988 dialing code can assist Black women at any time necessary; the 988 website similarly showcases a page dedicated to mental health resources for Black women.
Finding other avenues to relax
Amidst a litany of resources that can help Black women through mental hurdles, power lies in engagement with one’s hobbies. Sitting down to solve puzzles, journaling and flower arranging represent ways to focus energy on completing a task as opposed to emotions. Engagement with various pastimes allows for relaxation and paves the way for healing.
“I think one way that Black women can practice this is by just reading by reading books that are not only educational but are also just fun. Reading a book and immersing yourself in this location can allow you to take a step back from the harsh reality that you’re living in. Although it’s nice sometimes to relax and watch a show, I feel as if you can really escape your reality more as you’re reading a book and just closing your eyes and listening to an audiobook could be just as soothing,” Day said.