From an early age, Black women are conditioned to care for everyone else before themselves. With struggles of your own, it can be difficult to know where or how to ask for help when you need it most. With barriers of racial bias, gender discrimination, and a lack of representation, getting access and support for your mental health and well-being can feel like you’re climbing a mountain without a foothold. It’s exhausting. Unfortunately, this is affecting Black girls at progressively younger ages and the statistics are rising every year.
Within the past decade, the suicide rate for Black girls aged 15 to 24 years old rose by over 59 percent. In fact, Black children are twice as likely to die by suicide than White children, with Black girls between the ages of 12 and 14 years old making up nearly 40 percent of that statistic. It’s more important than ever to remember…
You are more than a statistic.
You are more than your circumstances.
You are more than what you do or don’t do.
And you are more than enough.
The stigma of suicide, or even talking openly about mental health, is still present in the Black community and real discussions about the impact of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and hormonal changes on the body are nearly non-existent. We can reduce the rise in suicide for Black girls and help end the stigmas of mental health issues by starting the conversation.
Talk About It
Whether you’re a parent or a concerned adult, talking openly about your mental health struggles can significantly impact how young Black girls see their circumstances and learn to do more than just survive. It can help them identify the signs of depression and mood disorders as well.
Prioritize Health
Physical health has a direct impact on your mental health as connections are found between adverse childhood experiences and higher risks of anxiety and depression in adulthood. Prioritizing your mental health as soon as possible reduces overall health issues in the future.
Promote Care
Black girls deserve comfort. Black girls deserve safety. And Black girls deserve luxury. By promoting thoughts of self-care within yourself and voicing care for mental health in the community, we can make a difference in how Black girls learn self-love at a young age.
Get Help
A culturally competent therapist provides therapy for Black girls and women with actionable steps and personalized tools to get through depression and look forward to a future they want to live in. A Black female therapist makes you comfortable in sharing race-related traumas and understands the context of your struggles and your progress.
Find Support
Connecting with people who are learning to overcome similar struggles can show you how quickly circumstances change and how temporary negative feelings can be. From community groups to local events, support can include more than your loved ones and result in amazing progress for your mental health.
Choose Life
There is nothing shameful about your struggle with depression. And there is nothing more human than wanting to do more than just survive. You are worth living for. Your feelings are valid. And you deserve to give yourself a chance at a life you love. KQH Counseling has culturally-competent licensed therapists ready to help you live and feel better.
If you are struggling with depression, thoughts of suicide, or other mental health struggles, reach out to us today and let us help you put an end to your depression and choose life.
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You can also call the following numbers for anonymous support in making that first step:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-8255 (Open 24/7)
Samaritans 24-Hour Crisis Hotline - 1-877-870-4673 (Open to call or text 24/7)
United Way Crisis Helpline - 211 (helps find basic necessities, healthcare, and therapy