Strong Black Woman. This is a phrase that became my moniker as soon as I had my son. Initially, I viewed it as a badge of honor, as an unspoken acceptance into a group of elite, superhuman women. I suppose it's only natural that I became a strong black woman, after all, my entire family is composed of them. But the more I settled into my ascribed role, the more it became clear that being a strong black woman comes with its costs
I noticed this in subtle ways, like the time when I was struggling down a flight of subway stairs with a baby stroller, and no one offered to help. More obvious ways was the way health care providers downplayed my pain symptoms, and only prescribed pain medications after I created a case for them. In the United States, Black women have higher morbidity and mortality rates than white women for almost every major health condition. Black women are less likely to be diagnosed with depression or anxiety, yet when surveyed, have more familial, economic, and social stressors than white women. To be a strong black woman means putting on a brave face and showing up for everyone, no matter what. It means focusing on the needs of your parents, your children and your friends first. It means ignoring the signs within your body, telling you that something is not right.
I am reminded all the time of what happens when we decide to shed the generational
baggage of being a strong black woman. It begins with doing something that strong black women have a hard time doing, putting the self-first. Although self care means different things to different people, at its core, it serves as a way to preserve and honor the self. Studies show that self care helps reduce or eliminate anxiety, depression, and stress. It improves concentration, brain cognition, boosts immune function and improves energy. In cases of non-communicable and autoimmune diseases, the reduction of stress significantly increases patient health outcomes.
At Tula Health & Wellness, I put these findings into practice by using a mind, body, spirit approach to help patients struggling with fibroids, reproductive concerns, menstrual irregularity, PCOS and dysmenorrhea. I create a space for black women to unpack the generational baggage of being strong and begin their self discovery and healing journey.
If you, or someone you love has:
Fibroids
PCOS
Chronic Stress
Menstrual Irregularity
Dysmenorrhea
and would like to learn more about my all -natural, holistic health program follow the link to schedule a free consultation.
To Your Health & Happiness,
Aletha
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