Jul 19, 2020
This is Super Self-Care Commentary with Love and Life Coach Deya Direct, where she shares perspective and quick tips about hot button issues.
This is ironically #minoritymentalhealthawarenessmonth, and unfortunately, singer and reality Star Tamar Braxton allegedly attempted suicide this past Thursday. Tamar who’s 43, was found unresponsive in her room at the Ritz-Carlton in downtown Los Angeles.
Deya discusses how strong Black women struggle too. Research shows that African Americans are highly likely to struggle with emotional distress but least likely to seek help.
Black women in particular are expected to possess unlimited strength and resilience. This expectation puts immense pressure on her to uphold the “Strong Black Woman” title pretending we’re superhuman and it’s killing us.
Here are 4 Caring Calls-to-Action that you can do now:
- Remove the negative stigma of being crazy because someone is struggling mentally or emotionally. Just like it’s healthy to take care of our bodies, it’s healthy to take care of our minds
- Create a save space letting them know it’s okay not to be okay sometimes. This can be demonstrated by being vulnerable enough to share your own struggles.
- Asking for help doesn’t make you weak, it makes you wise. Be intentional about lifting the load of the strong women in your life.
- Finally, if you or someone in your life is struggling with depression go and see a therapist and if there are thoughts about suicide call 1-800-273-8255.