Dating as a Black woman comes with its own unique set of challenges. From navigating societal pressures to combatting stereotypes, the journey can be both exhilarating and exhausting. You must show up as the best version of yourself in every aspect of life, including romantic relationships. But to truly do that, your mental health must come first. When you prioritize your well-being, you empower yourself to enter the dating world with clarity, confidence, and a deep sense of self-worth.
Renowned psychologist, Dr. Cheyenne Bryant, has been vocal about the significance of prioritizing mental health, particularly in the context of dating and personal growth. Recently her interviews with Nick Cannon and Cam Newton have gone viral for pulling back the layers of men who prefer to father children with several women rather than settle down. However, the conversations also shed light on the types of women who will endure the treatment these men have put them through. Bryant used her platform to emphasize the profound impact of mental well-being on Black women’s lives, especially when it comes to dating.
Dr. Cheyenne Bryant Going Viral
Bryant’s conversation with Cam Newton stressed the importance of mental health in making sound decisions in relationships. She explained that unhealthy patterns—such as obsessively checking a partner’s social media or constantly questioning their motives—are often rooted in unresolved trauma. Throughout the conversation, she encouraged women to recognize these behaviors as red flags and to seek help to break free from toxic cycles.
In her discussion with Nick Cannon, Bryant dove into the concept of “low-functioning” relationships, where both partners are stuck in a cycle of dysfunction due to unaddressed mental health issues. She noted that thriving in a relationship requires more than just surviving. It demands that both partners work on their mental well-being. A healthy relationship is built on a foundation of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and mutual respect. All of these qualities can only be developed through dedicated mental health practices.
Growing into the Best Version of Yourself
Bryant’s insights extend beyond the realm of relationships. She places emphasis on the notion that mental health is needed for personal growth and self-actualization. Black women, in particular, often carry the weight of generational trauma and societal expectations. This burden can manifest as anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges if left unaddressed. Bryant advocates for therapy, mindfulness practices, and self-care as essential tools in the journey toward becoming the best version of oneself.
The conversation with Cannon also touches on the idea that many Black women have learned to “survive” in dysfunctional environments, mistaking survival for strength. She challenged this notion, asserting that true strength comes from thriving, not just getting by. By working through their pain and trauma, Black women can break free from the cycle of merely surviving and step into a life where they are genuinely thriving.
The Power of Doing the Work
One of Dr. Cheyenne’s most hard-hitting messages is the importance of doing the inner work. Whether it’s healing from past traumas, developing emotional intelligence, or setting healthy boundaries, the work is non-negotiable. In her interview with Newton, she highlights how being proactive in one’s mental health can lead to healthier relationships and a more fulfilling life.
For Black women, the journey toward mental health can be particularly challenging due to the intersecting pressures of race, gender, and cultural expectations. However, Bryant reminds viewers that this journey is not just necessary, it’s empowering. By prioritizing mental health, Black women can reclaim their narratives, make better choices in relationships, and ultimately, become the best versions of themselves.