How Are You Really Feeling?

You carry a lot, career pressures, family responsibilities, relationships, and the unspoken weight of simply existing in a world that doesn’t always see us. Black women have been told for generations that we have to be strong, unshakable, and resilient. But what happens when that strength starts to feel like a burden? What happens when the weight of it all becomes too much?

It’s time to have a conversation about mental health and self-care, because, you deserve peace, softness, and emotional well-being just like anyone else. We are not here to just survive... we are here to thrive.

The “Strong Black Woman” Myth and Why It’s Exhausting

The world expects Black women to be superheroes. We’ve been told to put everyone else first, to push through pain, to handle everything with grace while never showing a crack in our armor. But that narrative is not only unrealistic, it’s harmful.

Being strong doesn’t mean ignoring your needs. It doesn’t mean carrying emotional burdens alone. Strength is also knowing when to rest, when to ask for help, and when to say "I am not okay."

And we have the numbers to prove just how much we carry. Studies and everyday research show that Black women feel they have to be “strong” no matter what, even when they’re exhausted. That means nearly all of us have, at some point, felt like we couldn’t afford to break, to slow down, or to simply exist without carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders. That’s not just a statistic, it’s a wake-up call.

Signs that the “Strong Black Woman” narrative is weighing you down:

• You feel like you can’t ask for help because you should be able to handle everything.
• You’re constantly exhausted, mentally and emotionally drained.
• You ignore your own needs because you’re too busy showing up for everyone else.
• You feel guilty when you take time for yourself.
• You struggle to express vulnerability because “strong” women aren’t supposed to be “weak.”

If you recognize yourself in any of these, this is your reminder... you are human. You are allowed to feel, to rest, and to put yourself first.

Recognizing When Stress is Affecting Your Mental Health

Stress doesn’t just affect your mind, it shows up in your body, too. It can look like constant fatigue, body aches, migraines, trouble sleeping, irritability, or even stomach issues. Sometimes, we don’t even realize how stressed we are because we’ve gotten too used to carrying heavy loads.

Ask yourself?

• Do I feel overwhelmed even when I’m not doing anything?
• Am I always running on empty, even after a full night’s sleep?
• Do I feel anxious, sad, or numb more often than not?
• Have I been snapping at people or feeling on edge for no reason?
• When was the last time I truly felt at peace?

If any of this resonates, it might be time to re-evaluate how you’re caring for your mind and spirit.

Reclaiming Your Mental Health, Where Do We Start?

Prioritizing mental health doesn’t have to mean making huge changes overnight. It’s about small, intentional steps to take better care of yourself.

Here are a few ways to start

Give Yourself Permission to Rest.
You do not have to earn rest. You do not have to “deserve” a break. Rest is a necessity, not a luxury. Whether it’s taking an afternoon nap, closing the laptop on time, or canceling that event you don’t really want to go to, choose rest.

Therapy is a Form of Self-Care.
Seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. More Black women are turning to therapy to heal, unpack trauma, and learn healthy coping mechanisms. There’s no shame in needing support. Apps like Therapy for Black Girls, Open Path, and BetterHelp make it easier to find a therapist that understands you.

Create a Safe Space for Yourself.
Your environment impacts your mental state. Curate a space that brings you peace, whether that’s lighting candles, playing your favorite music, or keeping a journal by your bedside. Make your home a place where you can exhale.

Set Boundaries Without Guilt.
Not everyone deserves access to your energy. If certain people, situations, or conversations drain you, you have every right to say no. Protect your peace like it’s sacred, because it is.

Prioritize Joy... Without Explanation!
Black joy is resistance. Black joy is necessary. Do what makes you happy, just because. Dance in your kitchen, watch your comfort show, buy yourself flowers, laugh loudly, because you deserve to.

Healing Looks Different for Every Black Woman

Healing doesn’t have one path. It might look like:

• Journaling through your emotions instead of bottling them up.
• Saying no without feeling the need to over-explain.
• Choosing to leave toxic relationships, romantic, friendships, or even family.
• Letting yourself cry when you need to, without shame.
• Taking solo dates and enjoying your own company.
• Reclaiming your mornings with meditation, stretching, or prayer.

A Little Extra Love for You... Because You Deserve It

Prioritizing your mental wellness isn’t just about deep breaths and journaling—it’s about pouring into yourself in every way possible. And sometimes, that means treating yourself to the things that bring you peace, joy, and relaxation.

To help you along your self-care journey, I’m giving you 20% off sitewide—because investing in YOU is always a good idea. Whether it’s a luxurious body butter to nourish your skin, a journal to declutter your mind, or a cozy candle to set the vibe, let this be your reminder that your peace is non-negotiable.

Use code: SERENITY20 at checkout for 20% off your order! or CLICK HERE to grab your discount. But don’t wait too long, this offer won’t last forever.

You Deserve Softness, Too

You deserve to be soft, to be cared for, to rest without guilt, and to experience peace that doesn’t come with conditions. We are so used to being everything for everyone else, but, girlfriend, who is pouring into you?

2025 is the year we stop surviving and start thriving. Remember you are apart of the 92%, you've done the work. Prioritizing your mental health is not selfish, it is necessary. Your peace matters. Your joy matters. You matter.

So, let’s start normalizing softness, self-care, and choosing ourselves first.

Now, tell me, how are you really feeling, Girlfriend? Let’s talk in the comments.