Can we take a moment to be candid? The past year has been incredibly challenging. It has felt almost unmanageable at times. Days have blended into a bizarre cycle of pandemic updates, political chaos, and social upheaval. Occasionally, we catch glimpses of distraction, like royal news or viral performances, but inevitably, we return to the same heavy stories that weigh down our spirits.
After enduring such a tumultuous year (and let’s not forget, merely surviving is an achievement worth acknowledging), everyone in the U.S. should be focusing not just on physical health—reminder: COVID-19 is still very much present—but also on our mental health. If you’ve never reached out to a mental health professional before, now is the perfect time to explore those options. Even if you feel “fine,” nurturing your mental health should be as routine as scheduling your regular dental check-up.
However, I believe there is a specific group that may need a gentle nudge—or perhaps a firm push—to prioritize their mental health: Black mothers. And yes, I’m referring to myself too.
I’m not downplaying the significance of mental health for others; everyone, regardless of their background, should seek to destigmatize and access mental health support. But Black mothers have faced a unique set of challenges this past year, and as a result, our mental health has been severely impacted.
A 2020 article in Prevention Magazine highlighted that Black adults, particularly Black women, often report feelings of sadness and hopelessness more frequently than white individuals, yet only 30% of Black adults who needed mental health care received it in 2017. Historical reasons, such as distrust in the healthcare system, reliance on faith-based solutions, and financial obstacles, have made seeking mental health services difficult within the Black community.
In light of our recent experiences, it is essential for Black mothers to access the support that mental health professionals can offer. Here are three compelling reasons why it’s crucial for us to prioritize our mental well-being now.
1. COVID-19’s Disproportionate Impact
Recent CDC data indicates that Black individuals are 1.1 times more likely than their white counterparts to be diagnosed with COVID-19, face 2.9 times higher hospitalization rates, and exhibit a 1.9 times greater likelihood of death. This reality translates into Black mothers often shouldering the weight of caring for their families amid a global health crisis, sometimes while grappling with illness or grieving losses within their circles. It’s a heavy burden that can leave us feeling depleted.
2. Virtual Education Challenges
Many Black families have opted for continued virtual schooling, even when in-person classes have resumed. This decision stems from a combination of factors, including a heightened concern about virus exposure, particularly for multigenerational households. Additionally, historical mistrust of the education system has fueled this choice. As a result, Black mothers are often tasked with supporting their children’s education while managing household responsibilities, creating an unsustainable situation.
3. Ongoing Systemic Injustice
The recent string of racial violence against Black individuals has left profound scars on our community. Each name added to the list of lives lost to systemic injustice deepens the grief experienced by Black mothers, as we fear for our own children’s safety while mourning the losses of others. This collective trauma is something we need to address with professional help, or it risks consuming us.
To my fellow Black mothers, I urge you to seek out mental health support. This is not a sign of weakness; rather, it demonstrates the strength we possess in fighting for our well-being. And to my allies of all races, I encourage you to uplift and support the Black mothers in your lives as they prioritize their mental health. Our collective strength lies in our shared wellness.
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Summary:
This article emphasizes the critical need for Black mothers to prioritize their mental health, especially in light of the unique challenges faced over the past year. By highlighting the disproportionate effects of COVID-19, the struggles with virtual education, and the ongoing systemic injustices, it urges Black mothers to seek professional mental health support. It also calls on others to support these mothers in their journey toward well-being.
Keyphrase: Black mothers mental health
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