Black Women's Mental Health Awareness

For majority of my life, I've been under the impression that as black women we have to be strong against all odds, and we are exempt from the implications of mental illness.Now as a Psychology major with a greater understanding of what being mentally ill is I am here to shed a light on the fact, that while yes, we are strong. While yes, you may be the backbone for your family. While yes, you can make it through everything meant to tear you down. In reality, many black women still suffer. And this is not something that should be kept quiet.This may be for anyone suffering in silence, for fear of being judged, for fear that others won't acknowledge a very real pain for you as so, hold your head up. You are loved.Dear Black Girl,You are allowed to feel. Hurt. Happy. Angry. Loved. Wanted. You are allowed to feel. You are not exempt from mental illness. However, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, etc. does not, WILL NOT, define you. Mental illness does not make you less than the next. Depression could never outshine the beautiful spirit within. And you don't have to silence your feelings to please the world. Before you are black. Before you are strong. Before you were ever ostracized for being you. Before looks could ever matter. Above all, You ARE  a child of God. & you are HUMAN. That's enough. You don't have to validate your humanness to anyone because you battle with something many people could never understand. But always remember, you are allowed to feel. Be bold, beautiful. And allow yourself to feel with no restrictions.