Tips for Black Women Who Are Pregnant and Experiencing Anxiety and Depression
Black women in the United States are more likely to die during childbirth than white women. There are several reasons for this, including systemic racism, a lack of access to quality healthcare, and implicit bias among healthcare providers.
Due to these factors, many Black women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant suffer from anxiety and depression. It is possible that they are afraid of dying during childbirth or that they are concerned about the health of their child.
I will provide some tips for Black women who are pregnant and experiencing anxiety and depression in this blog post. Although these tips are not intended to replace professional medical advice, they may provide some support and guidance.
Tips for Black Women Who Are Pregnant and Experiencing Anxiety and Depression:
Talk to your doctor or midwife: If you feel safe and supported by your medical professional, express your concerns. Ask questions like, how have you helped other patients of yours who are black women who have expressed similar feelings? How can I better prepare for birth to decrease my chances of dying? These questions may seem hard because many doctors and other medical professionals seem busy but imagine that you received an incorrect food order from a restaurant. You would likely inform the waiter or server. Apply this same logic. You are worth it.
Find a therapist: As a black woman, it's hard to seek help because we've been let down by so many medical professionals. We've seen our mothers, sisters, and grandmothers ignored by doctors, misdiagnosed with illnesses they didn't have, and treated with disrespect. As a result, many black women have learned to internalize the message that we're not worthy of help because we are constantly ignored. This is why it is important to find a therapist that is culturally aligned and understanding of your unique identity.
Join a support group: It may be difficult to put yourself out there but there are many support groups available for black women who are pregnant and experiencing anxiety and depression. These groups can provide a safe space to talk to other women who understand what you are going through. It is also good for your mental health to be in a community with others that are going through it.
Take care of yourself your way: You are the expert on you. You should determine what a healthy diet is, and you should exercise regularly in order to maintain it. It has been found that these things can improve the mood of a person as well as their overall well-being.
Be patient with yourself: It takes time to acknowledge, accept, and act on your feelings. Be patient with yourself, and give yourself the time and support you need to get the help you need to heal.
Remember that you are not alone
In times of distress and hardships, it's essential to remind ourselves that we are not alone in our struggles and that we matter. 💜
Additional Resources:
If you are looking for an individual therapist, please book a free consultation here.
