Writer and researcher, Serena Robinson, writes for Mindwalk Yoga on the importance of placing Black womxn’s mental health front and center this World Mental Health Day and beyond.
On Saturday 10th October the world acknowledged World mental Health Day. Let’s take this opportunity to also acknowledge the inequity of mental health and go to the heart of who is most affected.
As Black womxn we are forced to be in constant control of our own perception - “you are scary, inadequate, ugly or hyper-sexualised – and you just have to accept it”. In the UK, depression, and anxiety are the most prevalent among Black womxn, but where are the much-needed context, representation, and solutions?
Many of you may have seen the story about black barrister Alexandra Wilson who was repeatedly misidentified as a defendant three times during a recent visit to the courts to confer with a fellow barrister. She said she was "absolutely exhausted" by the experience.
The way we are viewed in society plays an integral factor in our mental and physical health. Micro-aggressions, racism, and sexism all intersect to cause trauma, triggering poor mental wellbeing.
Sadly, inequality and discrimination can continue when accessing treatment through to receiving mental health support. The BME Mental Health Report found that community, voluntary and social enterprise based services can be a beneficial way to promote awareness of mental health within diverse localities, as these services are more likely to be intersectional and inclusive of those who are vulnerable such as asylum seekers or those with no immigration status, gender non-conforming, trans individuals, LGBTQI+ and/or those with disabilities.
At Mindwalk Yoga we believe community is vital for healing. From zoom classes to community hubs, having a trusted and accessible group to heal with is important.
