Can we be real for a moment? The past year has been incredibly challenging. By challenging, I mean nearly impossible. It’s been debilitating and utterly overwhelming. Days blur together in a bizarre cycle of pandemic updates, political turmoil, and social unrest. Occasionally, something new breaks through—celebrity news, award shows, or viral moments. But inevitably, we return to the same heavy narratives, and the strain of navigating these unprecedented times weighs heavily on us once again.
After everything we’ve endured (and let’s take a moment to celebrate our sheer survival), it’s crucial for everyone in the U.S. to focus not just on our physical health—remember, Covid-19 is still a concern, particularly in certain states—but also to prioritize our mental health. If you’ve never thought about reaching out to a mental health professional, now might be the perfect time to do so. Even if you feel “fine,” taking care of your mental well-being should be as routine as your dental check-ups.
However, I believe there’s one group that deserves a gentle nudge—or perhaps a firm push—to prioritize their mental health: Black mothers. Yes, I’m talking about myself here too. This isn’t to reduce the importance of mental health for others; it’s about recognizing that Black mothers have borne a unique weight over the past year, and our mental health has taken a significant hit.
According to a 2020 article in Prevention Magazine, Black adults, especially Black women, are more likely than their white counterparts to report feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Yet only 30% of Black adults who needed mental health care in 2017 actually received it. Seeking mental health support has always been laden with challenges in the Black community, stemming from a lack of trust in the healthcare system, reliance on faith-based coping methods, and financial barriers. But after the year we’ve experienced, it’s clear that Black mothers need the support that only mental health professionals can provide.
Here are three reasons why it’s essential for Black mothers to seek mental health services now:
- Covid-19’s Disproportionate Impact
Black and Brown communities have been hit especially hard by Covid-19. Recent CDC data shows that Black individuals are 1.1 times more likely to be diagnosed, 2.9 times more likely to be hospitalized, and 1.9 times more likely to die from the virus than their white counterparts. This stark reality means that Black mothers have often had to shoulder the burden of caring for their families during a pandemic that has left many of us dealing with illness or the loss of loved ones. This has drained our capacity to cope. - Educational Struggles
Many Black families have chosen to keep their children in virtual learning, even when schools have reopened. This decision is complicated. Concerns about Covid-19, particularly in multigenerational households, weigh heavily on our minds. Additionally, longstanding mistrust of government and public school systems has led many Black parents to prefer remote learning options. The result is that Black mothers are often left to manage their children’s education while also supporting their families financially. With women leading households in about 30% of Black families, the challenges are immense. - Systemic Injustice and Grief
The ongoing attacks and injustices against Black lives have left a deep scar in our community. With each tragic loss, we are reminded of the fear we carry for our own children. The grief is profound, and it’s a shared burden. It’s crucial for Black mothers to find ways to process this collective trauma, and mental health professionals can help facilitate that healing.
To my fellow Black mothers, I urge you to seek mental health support. It’s not a sign of weakness; it’s an act of strength and self-preservation. And to my friends of other races, I encourage you to uplift and support Black mothers in prioritizing their mental well-being. Our society thrives when we all take care of our health, and we need to recognize the incredible strength that resides within Black mothers.
For more insights on this topic, check out this post and learn how to better support mental health in our communities. If you’re looking for expert advice, this resource can provide valuable information. For further reading on pregnancy and home insemination, visit this excellent resource.
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In summary, Black mothers are facing unprecedented challenges and must prioritize their mental health. Seeking help is a powerful step toward healing and resilience, and we should all work together to support one another in this journey.