October 10th is World Mental Health Day, a global reminder to prioritize your inner well-being. From depression to anxiety, Black women are statistically proven to struggle the most. While women are twice as likely to experience an episode of major depression than men are, those numbers nearly double when it comes to women of color.
As society does its due diligence to undo the “Strong Black Woman” narrative, World Mental Health Day serves as a timely reminder to allow yourself to ask for help. Give yourself permission to be vulnerable, soft and proactive about protecting your peace. It’s also important to celebrate the wins along the way. You’ve already survived so much, proving you’re well-equipped to handle whatever else may come next.
Empowering Mental Health Quotes
If you’re struggling, you’re certainly not alone. In fact, there’s a long list of influential Black women who had to fight for their peace, too. As a reminder that if they did it, you can too, here are some empowering mental health quotes from Black women.
“I don’t have to be anybody else. Myself is good enough. When I am being true to that self, I can avail myself to extraordinary things. You have to allow for the impossible to be possible.” – Lupita Nyong’o
“Only make decisions that support your self-image, self-esteem, and self-worth.” – Oprah Winfrey
“When I’m not feeling my best I ask myself, ‘What are you gonna do about it?’ I use the negativity to fuel the transformation into a better me.” – Beyoncé
“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” ― Angela Davis
“It’s tougher to be vulnerable than to actually be tough.” – Rihanna
“Determine to live life with flair and laughter.” – Maya Angelou
“These are the cards that God dealt me, and for whatever reason, he felt like he knew I could handle it. God is never going to give you more than you can handle. I don’t harp on the negative because if you do, then there’s no progression. There’s no forward movement. You’ve got to always look on the bright side of things.” – Taraji P. Henson
“When the heart is right, the mind and body will follow.” – Coretta Scott King
“Even if it makes others uncomfortable, I will love who I am.” – Janelle Monáe
Tips On Protecting Mental Wellness
Maintaining the health of your mental well-being is a lifelong commitment. Here’s a checklist of tasks you can commit to daily to keep your mind and body healthy.
Therapy
It may seem like an obvious one, yet it somehow remains taboo within the Black community. While 60 percent of Black women experience symptoms of depression, only 12 percent seek professional help. There are many platforms, from Therapy For Black Girls to Black Female Therapists, that prioritize providing a safe space for Black women to heal. Be brave enough to invest in your wellness and your spirit will flourish in gratitude.
Sisterhood
There’s nothing more healing than a sense of community. Beyond that, the sisterhood that Black women cultivate can save lives. From phoning a friend to blowing off some steam with a good laugh, to reaching out for help when you’re too weak to handle your daily tasks, nurture your friendships. They’re your lifeline and will aid in uplifting you when you can’t quite do it yourself.
Mindfulness
From mediation to breathwork, there are plenty of ancient mindfulness practices that still prove effective. It can seem silly to sit in silence or write down a gratitude list every morning. However, the small changes it invokes will eventually build into an entirely new you. All you need to do is carve out the time to commit, even if it’s just five minutes a day.
Movement
A happy body lends to a happy mind. Getting in a regular amount of physical activity weekly can release endorphins and do wonders for your joy. Remember, there isn’t just one way to exercise. If loud gyms with pulsing testosterone are your personal nightmare, there are plenty of other ways to strengthen your body. Go on a walk with a friend, take a dance class, or try out pilates. What’s important is dedicating the time to give your body movement.
Medication
Supplements like magnesium, ashwagandha or vitamin D can make a huge difference in how you feel on a day-to-day. However, for some, that simply isn’t enough. Don’t feel ashamed to admit to needing mental health medication. Supplememts and meditation are incredible tools, but they aren’t always the fix you need, especially if there’s a severe chemical imbalance in the brain.
Get Outside
There’s nothing more healing than nature. If you work from home or an office with fluorescent lighting, it can be easy to forget to get outside. The sun’s vitamin D, soft wind on your skin, grass beneath your feet, or the smell of an ocean will completely cleanse the chaos of your inner world.
Nurture Your Inner Child
Adulthood can suck a lot of the color out of life, from financial stress to relationship strife. It’s important to make sure that you’re still taking care of the inner child within. Maybe she needs a hobby, a new book or a sparkly dress to dance in. Check in with little you and make sure you’re leaving room for curiosity, adventure and play. It can make all the difference in how you feel emotionally.