In the intricate tapestry of Black women’s health, there exist threads that intertwine mental health, parenting, relationships, physical well-being, and societal disparities. This blog post brings all of these pieces together, giving you one place to learn and grow. And it’s because of our incredible community resource all wrapped in the nonprofit, Black Women 4 Healthy Living.
From the haunting echoes of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to the nurturing embrace of breastfeeding, we embark on a journey that traverses the diverse landscapes of our existence. Join us as we navigate the complexities of trauma, parenting, domestic violence, sexual health, healthy lifestyles, and the transformative power of breastfeeding, and give you resources built just for you to better your health.
PTSD, courtesy of Breanne Ward, CRC, LMHC:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex mental health condition that can be triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. While there are various causes, including stressful experiences and inherited mental health risks, the way the brain regulates stress responses also plays a significant role. PTSD can manifest in several ways, impacting different aspects of a person's life. From intrusive memories, flashbacks, and nightmares, to adverse physical and emotional reactions, such as heightened startle responses, trouble sleeping, and overwhelming feelings of guilt or shame, PTSD shows up in many different ways.
When being supported as a Black woman who is dealing with PTSD, empathy and respect are key. Being offered sincere apologies, acknowledging the difficulty of your experience, and expressing gratitude for your trust can help you and your supporter build a foundation of understanding. Establishing boundaries and clarifying the other person’s role in your healing journey while asking for respect for your autonomy is crucial.
Trauma-Informed Parenting, courtesy of Tammera Bibbins, LISW:
In the realm of parenting, an often overlooked factor is the profound impact of trauma, which can cascade from one generation to the next. Trauma isn't just an isolated event; it's an overwhelming experience that surpasses our usual coping mechanisms. Parenting through the lens of generational trauma can give rise to several repercussions that affect not only parents but also the children they raise. The lack of a secure environment, perpetual parental stress, severed connections from community support, unaddressed mental health issues like PTSD, and unrealistic expectations for children are just a few manifestations. This can result in a vicious cycle where adults, laden with their own unmet needs, struggle to cater to their children's needs, perpetuating emotional and even physical abuse.
The path toward healing entails acknowledging our individual and inherited traumas. We can work on healing through therapy and personal growth, paving the way for healthier parenting practices. While challenges like alcoholism, depression, and violence may be common outcomes of trauma, resilience is also ingrained within us as a community. And what do our kids truly need? Consistent boundaries, empathy-driven consequences, permission to feel emotions, and accurate knowledge of their history. By adopting a trauma-informed parenting approach, we ensure our children's stress systems remain healthier, their emotional responses more balanced, and their relationships rooted in security.
Domestic Violence, courtesy of Courageous Fire:
Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence or domestic abuse, encompasses a range of harmful behaviors within relationships. DV comes in various forms that might not be immediately recognized, including:
Spiritual/Religious abuse
Stalking (both physical and digital)
Coercive Control (a branch of emotional abuse)
Sexual abuse or coercion
Financial or economic abuse
Screening for DV can be done using the H.A.R.K. method:
H = Humiliation
A = Afraid
R = Rape (or unwanted sexual activities)
K = Kick, Hit, Punch, Slap, etc. (physical abuse)
Each affirmative response earns a point, indicating a positive screen for DV.
For Black women, resources such as "Empowerment through the Arts", from Courageous Access, provide therapeutic techniques combined with culturally-based art to break cycles of DV, spot predatory relationships, and offer guidance during transitions. Similar programs exist for youth, teaching healthy relationship models. Accessing therapy is crucial, and lists of recommended Black therapists are available to offer the right support. PsychologyToday.com also features Black therapists in specific regions.
Courageous Access also offers a resource page for healthy lifestyles, aiding the transition from DV to empowered and informed living. The Courageous Access Affirmations Page includes NWAffirmations, specially crafted for Black women to celebrate their unique greatness and strengths.
Sexual Health, courtesy of Wanakee Carr, MD:
Sexual health is a vital part of overall health that can often be taboo or feel awkward to talk about. Without appropriate discussion and discussion of sexual health practices, your overall health and well-being can be at stake.
STIs are an important component of sexual health, and ensuring they are properly diagnosed and treated is key. Some common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and their treatment options include:
Trichomoniasis; treatment: Metronidazole
Chlamydia; treatment: Doxycycline, azithromycin (in pregnancy)
Gonorrhea; treatment: Ceftriaxone (Intramuscular)
Syphilis; treatment: Penicillin
Herpes; treatment: Acyclovir/valacyclovir
HPV; treatment: Gardasil vaccine, topical/surgical methods for warts
Hepatitis; treatment: Managed by GI/infectious disease experts
HIV; treatment: Managed by Infectious Disease specialists, with PEP and PrEP options.
Considering your contraception options is another component of your sexual health. Various contraception methods are available. Some of those options include:
Natural family planning
Spermicides
Condoms
Oral birth control pills
Patches
Vaginal rings
Depo Provera
Nexplanon
IUDs (Copper and Levonorgestrel variants)
Tubal sterilization
Inform your gynecologist about various issues, including vulvar irritation, irregular bleeding, painful periods, long menstrual cycles, pelvic pain, painful intercourse, urinary issues, changes in sexual partners, and efforts to conceive or fertility challenges. Understanding these aspects can help you make informed decisions about your sexual health, reproductive choices, and overall well-being.
Healthy Lifestyle, courtesy of Zakiya Jenkins, MPA:
Nurturing a healthy self-perception is key to a healthy lifestyle. Avoid comparing yourself to others, especially on social media. Instead, create a manageable plan, focus on small changes, practice self-forgiveness, and remember that your health journey doesn't demand perfection. Most importantly, living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be difficult and complicated. This journey can be fun and extremely practical!
There are many ways you can begin striving for a healthier lifestyle, including understanding how to read food labels, learning more about daily nutritional values, and taking on smart grocery shopping habits. Emotional eating and balancing work and health can be challenges when seeking a healthy lifestyle, so understanding how to work through these issues is vital. Remember, you should be seeking progress, not unattainable perfection. Your body deserves nourishment, not deprivation. Lean on your own strength and remember you're not alone. Prioritize your well-being and your family's. Finally, strive for gradual, sustainable improvements every day.
Breastfeeding, courtesy of Jerrica Wynn:
Insights into breastfeeding practices reveal a disheartening discrepancy in maternal care across racial lines. Recent CDC statistics reveal a significant variance: merely 63% of Black women engage in breastfeeding, while a notable 75% of white women choose this nurturing path. Disturbingly, the average duration of breastfeeding among Black mothers is limited to just 6.5 weeks. This contrast brings to light the unequal landscape of infant feeding practices.
We face daunting odds when it comes to nurturing their infants through breastfeeding. Data indicates that Black mothers are nine times more likely to be encouraged towards formula feeding by hospitals, compared to their white counterparts. Another obstacle arises from the scarcity of our representation in the field of lactation consulting, with only 10% of consultants being Black. The repercussions of the racial breastfeeding divide are profound and far-reaching. For both child and parent, the advantages of breastfeeding are manifold. Notably, breastfeeding drastically lowers the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by nearly 50%, and acts as a shield against upper respiratory infections, Type II Diabetes, and childhood obesity.
While challenges persist, a glimmer of hope emerges from the evolving landscape of breastfeeding among Black parents. In the span from 2000 to 2008, breastfeeding rates among Black parents increased commendably from 47% to 59%. The trajectory is further highlighted by the doubling of breastfeeding durations of at least six months, rising from 17% to 35% within the same population. This upward trend signifies a positive shift in infant feeding practices, highlighting the potential to bridge the existing gap in care.
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