As a black woman, I've thought a lot about mental health in the black community. There is stigma in every racial and ethnic community around mental health, but especially so in the black community. There is the myth of the black superwoman, the memory of the Tuskegee syphilis experiments of the 1930s, those who believe in the power of prayer over medicine, and a distrust of doctors. For numerous reasons, black people do not seek medical help, especially psychiatric help.
There is nothing more important than self-care. It is not a sign of weakness to ask for help. We were not meant to soldier on alone. We are part of communities for a reason.
My advice:
- Seek help. See a therapist. Not everyone is willing to take medication; the side effects alone can be a deterrent. But talk therapy is cathartic.
Do not let the stigma stand in the way of getting the help you need. Nothing is more important than making sure that you are sane, healthy and happy.
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