All Articles Tagged "black women mental health"
How to Tell if You’re in A Funk or Actually Depressed
I have a lot of respect for people who can face this world with a bright smile and positive outlook. It’s not hard to find a reason to feel a little down with the state of our fledgling economy, job shortages and natural disasters. And you know what? It’s ok to be sad, frustrated and to even get a good cry in every now and then. But what’s dangerous is allowing the negativity of the world to totally take over your life.
Women suffer from depression twice as much as men. In fact, one out of four women will have some form of depression at least once in their lives. Many people mistakenly assume that depression is just a serious case of the doldrums that someone can overcome if they are determined enough. But depression can be triggered by a hormonal changes, chemical imbalances and events in life that can leave a person feeling powerless if they aren’t equipped with the resources to manage and express their emotions.
So when are you just a victim of a bad day and when should you worry? These symptoms could indicate that your solemn mood has turned into something more serious: Read the rest of this entry »
When a Mom is Fed Up: “You’re Going to Die With Me”
When I heard about Lashanda Armstrong, the 25-year-old single mother of four (!) driving herself and her children into a watery grave, I couldn’t help but feel pity for her. First, because this woman was obviously suffering from untreated mental illness. As a woman who has had my own struggles with General Anxiety Disorder, I know how pain, stress, no help and four needy children can cause a mother to go to the brink.
“It’s hard for women to seek the mental health they need. And when you have four kids, when do you get the time to seek help? It’s hard for a lot of people who have to work and take time off to see a doctor. And if you’re poor, you don’t have that option. Access and availability to quality healthcare is key.” says Danielle Belton, founder of the popular blog, Black Snob, and managing editor at TheLoop21. Belton has spoken openly about her bipolar disorder in an effort to de-stigmatize mental illness in the black community.
That said, let’s not act brand-new about the struggles black women go through raising children with no protection, support, or commitment. This woman had four kids by age 25, the oldest she bore presumably at 15, with three others by a man whom she forever fought with because he kept cheating, cheating, and cheating.
The one silver lining in this cluster-cuss was that her oldest son, ten-years-old, was able to escape, but not without Armstrong, in her last minutes of life, trying to grab at his pants to ensure he stayed down in that abyss with her.
How to Beat Stress Before It Beats You
Stress is such a big word that we hear it several times a day, in every possible context. Yet, many do not take preventative measures to ensure that there’s very little stress in their lifestyles. Here are key ways of beating stress, before it beats you:
How to Develop Emotional Strength When You’re Down
If you don’t have a therapist on hand at this very moment, it’s OK, you can and will develop emotional strength on your own. One of the most common themes many have shared during this winter season is depression. You or someone you know may be feeling down about the weather, your boo, a few annoying people or series of events. But, have no fear, tips for emotional strength are here!
(Don’t forget to seek the help of a professional should you need it at any time).
