Black Women Bonding - The Cultural Expectation of Strength and Resilience

Black women are often expected to be strong, resilient, and take care of everyone else, often neglecting their own mental well-being in the process. This can lead to a reluctance to acknowledge or seek help for mental health struggles.

Join us as we share personal stories of navigating these conflicting expectations.
Discussion Questions
1. Why don’t the unique stressors and challenges we face get talked about more?
2. How do we navigate the expectation of strength while also prioritizing our mental well-being?
3. How can we promote open conversations about mental well-being among Black Women?
4. How can we advocate for ourselves and our mental well-being? How can we support each other in seeking help?

Other challenges we face that affect our mental health:

• Black women may also face challenges in accessing culturally competent mental health services, due to mistrust of providers and societal stigma.
• The ongoing impact of historical trauma, including intergenerational trauma and the legacy of slavery, can contribute to mental health challenges.
• Microaggressions and racial battle fatigue can also take a toll on the mental health of Black women in the workplace.

Resources:
The Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) that offer culturally competent support and resources for Black women

Really looking forward to connecting with you all!