It’s okay to not be okay.

In Black culture, historical narratives of Black women's strength are prevalent. The image of the strong Black woman — resilient, motivated to succeed, committed to those around her – has been passed down through generations. Some women regard it as a noble history that protects them from the insults of entrenched inequality. However, as it relates to mental health, that shield could be a double-edged sword.

Many black women become trapped in their concerns about others, particularly their children and loved ones, resulting in them neglecting their self-care. They are so busy taking care of and looking after others, which leads to improper eating habits, a lack of exercise, and not doing all the things that they know would be helpful for themselves.

Finding help can be difficult, and when you add the societal stigma surrounding mental illness into the equation and the difficulty of finding a therapist you can relate to and who culturally understands you, Black women face additional challenges than others to getting support.

Strong Black Women Need Therapy They Can Relate To.

As a woman of color, you may prefer to seek out a health care professional who looks like you or has had comparable life experiences. It's understandable but challenging to implement. Unfortunately, women of color account for less than 5% of all licensed mental health clinicians available to treat clients.

Holly Ashley & Associates is providing a space for all the amazing, strong Black women that carry the weight of the world to uncape, unmask, unhide. Our services are catered towards:

• Helping clients manage stress and anxiety.

• Fostering openness about racism.

• Understanding that Black women are not the same.
  

We specialize in:
Women’s Issues    
Women and Relationships    
Mother/Daughter Problems
Single Parenting  
Mood Disorders  
Self-Esteem/Self-Worth  
Sex Workers Issues
Self-Identity  
Body Image  
Pre/Post Cosmetic Surgery Issues
Trauma/Abuse  
Self-Care   

So, ladies, don't just let someone declare you a strong Black woman and leave it right there. Permit yourself the space to identify as a strong black woman AND as someone who deserves (and sometimes needs) to seek support.

Make Mental Health Your Priority