As members of the Black community, we’ve just about heard all the side-eye comments and therapy-needing statements from every aunt, uncle, and grandmama when it comes to supporting our mental health.
So today, if you’ve got the time, we want to play a game.
In an effort to highlight and dispel the stigma, we want you to hit the reply button and share with us all the timeless negative or deterring comments you’ve heard surrounding your mental health. We’ll kick it off by giving some common ones, followed by some clapbacks.
What do you have to be depressed for?
Scientifically, people can suffer from depression for many different reasons, including their genetics and environmental, biological, and psychological factors. But if we’re keeping it 100, anyone can suffer from depression simply because we’re human. Next question.
Why go to therapy when you’ve got Jesus?
If our body was hurt, we’d go to the doctor, right? If our car was broken, we’d take it to the mechanic? Same thing, Auntie! Our minds deserve the same respect and reverence. And Jesus put way too many resources and support in our lives not to lean on them. He can take the wheel. But just know he’s driving us to our therapy appointment.
Depression is a white people thing–we can’t afford that!
Statistics would determine that that was a lie. With over 16% of African Americans brave enough to admit that they’re suffering from a mental illness and suicide rates within our community rising, it is clear that depression is an EVERYONE thing.
Why go to therapy when you’ve got Jesus?
If our body was hurt, we’d go to the doctor, right? If our car was broken, we’d take it to the mechanic? Same thing, Auntie! Our minds deserve the same respect and reverence. And Jesus put way too many resources and support in our lives not to lean on them. He can take the wheel. But just know he’s driving us to our therapy appointment.
“One of the hardest things in life is having words in your heart that you can’t utter.”
— James Earl Jones
Let’s Celebrate Our Sista!
Today we’re raising a glass to our Sis and Senior Policy Lead,,Sharron, who was recently selected by Inseparable as one of their inaugural Mental Health Policy fellows.
Case Update: Terrence Richardson and Ferrone Claiborne
The hearing date for Terrence Richardson has finally been scheduled and shared. It will be held at the Virginia State Supreme Court on November 2, 2023.
We would like to pack the court with support for Terrence and Ferrone. Time and building location will be provided once available. Please continue to sign their petition of support and share their case with your network.
Legislative Policies To Watch:
California AB 360 became law on October 8 2023. This legislation is the first in the United States to prohibit coroners, physicians, medical examiners, etc from using the term “excited delirium” on death certificates. Historically this term has been used when people die in police custody and has been known to disproportionately impact people with mental illness, and commonly Black people with mental illness.
National health organizations have deemed the term racist and dangerous.
Do you think other states will follow California’s lead?
Article of the Week
Check out what we’re reading and make sure to hit reply and tell us your thoughts!
California Bans Excited Delirium
“The term is used to describe someone who becomes distressed or aggressive from mental illness or stimulant use, but medical groups say it is used to justify deaths in police custody.”
A Mental Health Tip For You!
Did you know that you could have depression and not even know it? It’s true. It’s called high-functioning depression. And for most Black women, this diagnosis can go untreated for years. Because, as we said, we’re taught to be strong. We’re taught that there are no chinks in our armor, or worse, we’re weaker for admitting there are.
As the article shares, some signs of HFD include (but are not limited to) feelings of worthlessness, weight gain, insomnia, and fatigue, amongst other things. And while these symptoms can clash with a host of other biological diagnoses in women, it’s important to note if any of these symptoms seem never-ending.
If they do, contact a mental health professional for assessment and support. And if you haven’t felt any of these and have the capacity, take a moment to check in on other Black women in your life. Forward them the article and ask them to keep spreading the word. That #blackgirlmagic can be strong and soft. Most importantly, it deserves to be preserved.
Spread Some Blessings!
The consequences of police violence extend far beyond the loss of life. For families affected, it’s the loss of income, the sacrifice of basic necessities, and the start of a high-cost legal fight. If you have the capacity, consider donating to 1M4. Proceeds help support impacted families and sustain the work of 1M4 toward ending police violence for good.
October is Depression Awareness Month. A month dedicated to raising awareness and ending the stigma. And our community feels the impacts of the stigma at heightened levels.
So even though starting the conversation and talking back may put the fear of God in you and make you feel like your edges have just been snatched, do it, Sis.
Do it for you. Do it for the kids that look up to you. Do it for your partner. Do it for everyone in your life. Do it because you could be saving theirs.
Your Sis In All Of This,
