5 Black female therapists offer mental health and wellness inspiration – Reckon

This year is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to think about how to prioritize your mental health. Getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of trying to survive under capitalism can be difficult. For Black women who were raised to be strong and hard-hitting, it can be especially difficult to stop and assess your current mental state.

Self-care has been trending on social media for a while now, but the growing visibility of Black female therapists is providing a more culturally relevant perspective to the conversation. They are especially important when it comes to advocacy to improve the mental health of Black women. Women are twice as likely to experience depression, but black women are only half as likely to receive treatment compared to white women. This may be partially due to mental health stigma and lack of access to quality care in the Black community.

Here are five encouragements from Black women mental health professionals on why mental health and wellness should be a priority in your daily life.

You are more than just your mental health

“Your joy is just as important as your survival. Your joy fuels your survival… Your depression, anxiety, or diagnosis does not define you. Through joy we It can heal.” — Nia Singletary

Pleasure is a necessity, not a luxury.

“We have long found joy in the realm of mere luxuries, but that’s not the case. We deserve it. If I want my nervous system to be managed and my nervous system to be managed and my trauma to be managed, pleasure needs to be part of my medicine.” — Dr. Joy Berkheimer

the revolution begins within you

“Inner revolution is connected to outer revolution. Space is made for suffering so joy can also thrive. Healers remind activists of their humanity and prevent burnout. If you respect the spirit, you will develop empathy even with your adversaries.” — Candice Anderson

Black sisterhood is healing.

“In the sisterhood that Black women share, there is often an inherent sense of security, support and acceptance that is affirming and life-saving.” — Joy Harden Bradford doctor

Make self-care a priority even as the seasons change

“What made you happy at different times of the year? Write it down often so it’s consistent. If you like going to brunch with friends, You might make it a habit to do it twice a month or once a month.Also, try to change what you do in the summer for the winter.”