Grieving as an Anxious Black Woman

 

Hey Yall!

Today, we're diving into some heavy stuff: grief and anxiety, the unwelcome twins showing up uninvited at our door. As Black women, we already carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. When loss hits, it can feel like the anxiety we manage daily gets cranked up to eleven.

 

First things first, you are not alone. Grief is a universal experience, but the way we experience it is shaped by who we are. Being a Black woman brings a unique set of challenges to the table. We often face the pressure to be strong, the stoic rock for everyone else, even while our own world crumbles.

Tuesday 06/25, one of my 3 living grandparents, my Gaga, passed. I’m 33 and I’ve had 3 out of 4 grandparents, blessed, yes, but I’m crushed. I questioned God, questioned myself, just confused and all over. One thing for certain is that IM NOT OKAY!

 

Here's the truth: it's okay to not be okay.

 

This grief journey is messy. You might be feeling a rollercoaster of emotions – sadness, anger, guilt, and even fear. That anxiety you manage on a good day might be a constant companion now, whispering worries and doubts.

Over the last 5 years, I have lost a lot of people, causing me to fall into a bad funk. I refused to be there again.

So, how do we navigate this storm? Here are some tips:

Acknowledge your feelings: Don't bottle them up. Talk to a trusted friend, therapist, or write in a journal. Let it all out, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Practice self-care: This isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. Get enough sleep, eat nourishing foods, and move your body in ways that feel good. Take a relaxing bath, listen to your favorite music, or spend time in nature.

Find your tribe: Surround yourself with supportive people who understand what you're going through. Don't be afraid to ask for help – it's a sign of strength, not weakness.

Seek professional help: Therapy can be a powerful tool for managing anxiety and processing grief. Therapists who specialize in working with Black women can be especially helpful.

Remember your strength: Black women are resilient. We've overcome so much already. Tap into that inner strength and know that you will get through this.

Here are some additional resources for Black women dealing with grief and anxiety:

 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/

The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation: https://borislhensonfoundation.org/about-blhf/

Therapy for Black Girls: https://therapyforblackgirls.com/start-here/

Remember, Queen, grief is a journey, not a destination. There will be good days and bad days. Be kind to yourself on both. You've got this.

 

With love and support,

A Black Girl with Anxiety