Will I Ever Be Seen as More Than Just a Strong and Independent Black Woman?

Warning: this post can be triggering, but we felt it important to share it exactly as the author intended it to be read.

I can be as open and vulnerable as the next person.

But for some reason, these characteristics don't fit in with the stereotypes that are forced upon black individuals. There is more to me and to many others, but my true self is now overlooked by my race. I think it's time to change that way of thinking.

I feel like discussing mental health in the black community is not taken seriously enough. It's still seen as taboo. What we as black people may be going through mentally and emotionally is so easily dismissed. So easily turned into a joke or told to be brushed off. Making it difficult for us to open up.

Racism and inequality both have major impacts on our mental stability too. With the stress attached, whether it being the constant display of injustice from the police systems. Or the uncomfortable interactions we face being a minority in the workplace. We do struggle, but in that struggle it's in our disposition to keep pushing.

But when do we make time to pause and actually acknowledge we need to take a break? As a black community to keep having to witness social and moral inequalities over and over again, can take its toll. Yes, we can be 'strong' and 'independent', but not always. We are human. Sometimes we breakdown, feel weak and in these moments our mental health is at risk, because we are so foreign to the idea of processing our emotions.

If we want to feel down and upset at times, that should be normalised to. In both black men and women. We shouldn't allow the pressures of society to dominate how we tackle our issues. If we're uncertain, we should be aware of the resources and health services that are there to help us. But because of the stigma surrounding mental health in our community, we may not be leaning towards this.

Having a safe space to discuss how we truly feel is vital in society today. So, being able to speak to someone who won't gaslight our emotions, and help us towards a healthy state of mind should be promoted more right?

Black Minds Matter U.K has been created to help facilitate professional mental health services for black individuals in the UK specifically. With its launch fast approaching, its aim is to be a reliable service to those who may be battling with their own mind or those who need an unbiased opinion to listen to. The awareness on mental health in this community is so vital, we thank organisations like this for creating a platform that was otherwise non-existent.

The times we are living in can be stressful. Whatever we're dealing with may become overwhelming and can disrupt our peace of mind. Let's try and remove the stigma surrounding mental health and promote a better well-being. Focusing on bettering our communication and improving our quality of life, no matter what problems we may face.

-Seraphina