As we approach the end of May, also known as mental health awareness month. It is so important we talk about mental health within the black community among black moms.
Oftentimes, the stigmas surrounding mental health and the common concept of black women always being strong. I think we’re often overlooked when it comes to needing someone or having someone to share our mental health struggles with.
As I shared before, in pregnancy, suicide and depression. I struggled with being happy about my pregnancy because I feared having another miscarriage. For a long time, I couldn’t fathom feeling joyful or the need to celebrate, because I didn’t want to get my hopes up.
I was extremely depressed within the first trimester of my pregnancy. On top of that, I felt as though my physician at the time wasn’t listening to my concern nor did they care about my mental well-being.
I pretty much isolated myself during my pregnancy because I felt as though there wasn’t anyone I could talk to about the things I felt or was dealing with.
I was mentally exhausted and started to wish I wasn’t pregnant at all.
After opening up about my struggles, I wasn’t surprised when many women also reached out to share theirs. However, I was surprised how many women felt as though they had to pretend they were happy, or had to be strong, or that they couldn’t talk to anyone, not even their partners.
Moms, you are not alone.
I went to therapy while I was pregnant. I did group therapy. I switched my physician and found someone who not only cared about my baby’s well-being, but my mental health & well-being.
To be able to share that I’m having a hard time and having someone to listen to provide me with resources to help me during my hard time was such a great blessing.
Moms, don’t be afraid to share that you are struggling, because it is completely normal to have a breakdown about what your body is going through. We live in a society that tells us being sad about having our babies makes us bad parents, when in reality it is completely normal.
Not everyone or every pregnancy is the same. Our bodies are constantly changing.
Our mental health is just as important as making sure our babies are doing okay.
It’s okay to cry, scream and feel. It’s okay to celebrate and be super happy.
Whatever it is that you are going through, you don’t have to go through it alone.
