Henrietta Lacks, a black women from Baltimore, was diagnosed with cervical cancer. A doctor, without her knowledge stole her cells for research. These cells continued to multiply, and became immortal. Immortal cells continue to multiply and never die. These immortal cells changed the world and have had such a huge impact on medical science. Henrietta’s family filed a federal lawsuit, and have unfortunate not received any monetary compensation.

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There’s almost an expectation for Black women to uphold the persona of a Strong Black Woman (SBW). The assumption is that a SBW can handle anything that comes her way without experiencing emotional impact. This schema, or pop culture portrayal, may prevent women from being vulnerable. There’s more focus on “getting over it” and less regard for the mental and physical burdens that may result from this way of thinking. In fact, the SBW schema has been associated with negative psychological disorders.

According to recent investigations and emerging bodies of research, Black women experience an increased risk of psychological turmoil. The SBW construct is a risk factor, and there’s a relationship between SBW endorsement and negative mental health outcomes. Strong Black Women aside, society and researchers paid little attention to the mental health needs of Black people over the years. Additionally, both Black and non-Black communities contributed to the problem. 

What Is The SBW Schema? 

The SBW is a race-gender schema that paints a culturally specific expectation for Black women. Assumption of multiple roles, caring for others, and an unyielding strength contribute to the narrative. Among Black women, though, there is a central notion or theme of strength, which belongs to their identities. As beautiful and positive as it is to possess strength and courage, it can have a damaging effect on physical and mental health. 

Recent research suggests that Black women are 10% more likely to struggle with serious mental health disorders than non-Hispanic whites. In addition to the increased risk for issues, Black Americans report some of the lowest levels of mental health treatment. Stigma, income inequality, stereotypes like the SBW schema, and more all play a roll in low rates of treatment. The reality is that Black women don’t always have to be “strong” to fit the schema. In fact, some may say that it takes more strength to express vulnerability and understand mental health. 

The Negative Outcomes Of The SBW Schema

Anxiety, depression, and binge eating are all linked to the psychological effects of pursuing or maintaining strength as a Black woman. Qualitative studies report that Black women feel overwhelmed by societal pressures to embody strength. Being resilient for families and communities may inconvenience personal feelings or needs. This has led to a series of emotional issues because seeking help goes against the SBW schema. You can think of not seeking help as a form of self-silencing, which is an unfortunate reality that often goes unnoticed by the masses. 

Depression Among Black Women

According to a 2014 report, percentages of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness were significantly lower in Non-Hispanic White women than Non-Hispanic Black Women 18 years and older. In the report, 9.9% of Non-Hispanic Black women reported that everything was an effort compared to 5.8% of Non-Hispanic White women. A separate survey from 2013-2016 found that depression was nearly twice as common among women as among men. Additionally, the percentage of adults with depression increased with lower family income. 

Statistically, Black women are at a socioeconomic disadvantage, which has implications on mental health. Black people living below the poverty line, compared those living over twice the poverty line, are three times more likely to experience psychological distress. Statistics aside, Black women are less likely to utilize psychological services, which may connect back to the SBW schema and self-silence. 

It’s possible to accept struggles and still feel as though they are hard to deal with. Talking about these struggles or personal issues can help someone avoid bouts of depression. Seeking care for mental health issues is a choice, and a strong, brave choice at that. Talk to a professional to find the best course of action that decreases symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. The reality is that mental health issues don’t discriminate, as they affect people of all races. You are not alone in your struggle and seeking help or talking about these struggles helps break down the stigma around mental health. There is strength in vulnerability, so don’t forget that. 

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When it comes to your health, it is encouraged to be selfish. For black individuals, however, it can be hard to identify with a health and wellness industry that often caters to white individuals. Even though influential black wellness figures, who constantly generate positive and informational content, exist on social media, they are often eclipsed by white influencers.

2020 has left the black community vulnerable and devastated. From the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Atatian Jefferson and countless other black individulas to the coronavirus pandemic, which affected more people of color, there has never been a more important time to empower the black community. As a response to these events, black individuals and platforms produced content to uplift the black community, providing resources, information, love, and more to those suffering. 

As a black-owned business that focuses on health and wellness, Dherbs is always on the lookout for like-minded individuals and companies. We are all on this journey together, and we want to see as many people as possible thrive, succeed, and achieve optimal wellness. Rev up your wellness game by following the black wellness Instagram accounts below.

@dherbs

Shameless plug. Sorry, not sorry. From day one, Dherbs has helped people reclaim their birthright of optimal and vibrant health. There’s no room for negativity at Dherbs, and we publish informational and inspirational content that helps boost physical and mental health. Start following us if you haven’t already done so!

@blackgirlinom

Black Girl In Om is “…a space for black women to breathe easy.” The Instagram account offers meditation, yoga, and journaling workshops that emphasize holistic wellness. Their vision is to create “…a world where womxn of color are liberated, empowered, & seen.” Check them out for meditations and more!

@mynameisjessamyn

This woman is absolutely incredible. Not only is she an incredible yogi and founder of Underbelly Yoga, but she also promotes body positivity through her pictures, videos, and workshops. Jessamyn Stanley breaks the stereotypes of the fitness industry and shows how anyone of any age, gender, race, or physical condition can improve their health.  

@alextoussaint25

Alex Toussaint is a senior instructor at Peloton, and he has a large following of dedicated fitness enthusiasts. Toussaint’s tough-love fitness approach motivates NFL stars to the average Peloton app user. He inspires people to do their best and attack life with a tenacious spirit. If you want help reaching your fitness goals, follow Toussaint.

@lightwatkins

Light Watkins has been a Vedic meditation teacher since 2007, and has helped people from all walks of life discover the importance of meditation. In this time of social unrest, Watkins has helped many people work through grief, anger, frustration, and other emotions that tax the body. He continually shares videos and you can listen to his podcast for in depth conversations.

@qtpocmentalhealth

Rest for Resistance is a trans-led organization that focuses on uplifting LGBTQIA+ individuals and marginalized communities. This includes Latinx, Pacific Islander, Indigenous, Black, Middle Eastern, multiracial, and Asian people. These communities rarely get adequate access to social support, so Rest for Resistance creates this safe space for people who are too often silenced. Their art is powerful!

@hannahbronfman

Founder of HBFit and global Adidas ambassador, Hannah Bronfman aims to inspire followers with her posts about fitness, beauty, self-care, and healthy eating. She recently published a book that details her incredible journey to wellness. It also explains how she created a community of people with the common goal of embracing their bodies and feeling good.

@blackfemaletherapists

A stigma exists around mental health, or seeking therapy to improve your condition. Black Female Therapists work to put a stop to this, while simultaneously educating black people about mental health and the available therapies. They constantly post resources, books, Q & A’s, products, and natural remedies that help improve your mental state.

@thenapministry

“We examine the liberating power of naps.” Rest is such an important part of recovery and you can’t function properly without it. The Nap Ministry aims to highlight the importance of rest because sleep deprivation is both a social and racial issue. Tricia Hersey, founder of The Nap Ministry, believes that rest is a form of resistance, and it “…is a radical tool for community healing.”

@diveinwell

“Creating space, community, conversations and change for diversity in wellness,” Dive In Well offers online resources and tools to empower all who seek to improve their wellness. Maryam Ajayi, founder of Dive In Well, energy healer, and entrepreneur, recently re-launched and company in an effort to offer more digital workshops, resources, and consulting about self-care and affordable health solutions.

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In honor of Black History Month, we want to celebrate African-Americans who have made a difference in the health world. People of color were not always welcome in the medical field, and even African-Americans who made forward strides in medical research were often overlooked in historical accounts. The figures in this article, however, have either been doctors, patients, public officials, activists, or researchers. Thanks to these individuals, there have been advancements in breast cancer research, vision health, asthma, and health care policies. Let’s meet some of these inspirational people and continue to honor their achievements.

Henry Blair (1807-1860)

There isn’t much information about the life of Henry Blair, but he did invent the seed planter, which allowed farmers to plant corn quickly and efficiently. He was also the second African-American to hold a United States patent. He also invented a cotton planter that deposited seeds evenly in freshly turned soil. He was also the second African-American inventor to be rewarded a patent for his invention.

Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler (1831-1895)

In 1864, Dr. Crumpler became the first African-American woman to earn a medical degree. After working with clinics and conducting research to help improve the health of black communities, she dedicated the rest of her life to providing medical treatment to newly freed African-Americans in the South after the Civil War.

Daniel Hale Williams (1858-1931)

Dr. Williams started the first African-American-owned hospital in America. He was a renowned cardiologist, who was actually one of the first doctors to perform open-heart surgery on a human patient. Before he died, Dr. Williams co-founded the National Medical Association for African-American doctors.

Mary E. Mahoney (1845-1926)

A Boston native, Mary E. Mahoney was acknowledged as the first African-American woman to finish nurse’s training, graduating from the New England Hospital for Women and Children in 1879. Not only was she among the first African-American members of the American Nurse’s Association (ANA), but she was also one of the members in the inaugural class of the Nursing Hall of Fame, inducted in 1976. Since 1952, the the ANA has awarded the Mary Elizabeth Mahoney Award to individuals who make significant contributions to nursing.

Henrietta Lacks (1920-1951)

Henrietta Lacks was the progenitor of the one of the most important cell lines in medical history: the HeLa cell line. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer at age 30. A doctor at Johns Hopkins Hospital removed a piece of her tumor and discovered that her cells never died. Even though she died in 1951, her “immortal” cells helped unlock the polio vaccine, and were essential for gene mapping and in vitro fertilization.

Charles Drew (1904-1950)

Charles Drew was the first African-American to graduate with a degree in medicine from Columbia University. He was a blood plasma specialist who helped pioneer blood transfusions. Drew became the head of the Red Cross and helped abolish prejudiced policies about blood donations from different races.

Phill Wilson (1956-present)

Phill Wilson and his partner were diagnosed with HIV in the early 1980s, a time when the AIDS epidemic was on the rise in America. From the time he was diagnosed, Wilson has been an activist with the belief that African-Americans needed a stronger response to the AIDS epidemic. Wilson founded the Black AIDS Institute in 1999 to conduct trainings and publish studies & articles about HIV/AIDS awareness around the country. He continually fights to raise awareness and will never lose hope.

Dr. Joycelyn Elders (1933-present)

This woman has been a powerful voice in public health for several decades. After serving in the army, Elders enrolled in medical school in 1956. By 1961 she was the chief resident at the University of Arkansas, where she oversaw the all-white and all-male interns and residents. in 1978, Elders became the first Arkansas resident to get board certified in pediatric endocrinology, and she continued research in this field through the 1980s. At the time, Gov. Bill Clinton made Elders the head of the Arkansas Department of Health in 1987. She lobbied for improved local sexual education courses and initiated conversations about this on a national level as well. After Clinton was elected president, he named Elders U.S. Surgeon General in 1993, but she only lasted 15 months because her views on contraception was considered controversial.

Dr. Teletia Taylor (1961-present)

According to research, breast cancer is the number one killer of black women. Dr. Teletia Taylor, assistant professor of Medicine and Psychology at Howard University, was a researcher in a study that revealed that women who faced frequent discrimination had a higher risk of developing breast cancer. She is continuing her research, investigating how stress management therapy may be a better option than chemotherapy for cancer patients.

Michelle Obama (1964-present)

While Michelle Obama may be relaxing after serving as the First Lady for two terms, she was no slouch in the White House. Michelle is a health advocate and continues to raise awareness about childhood obesity with her Let’s Move! program. Her mission is to help lower child obesity rates in America, and this work has helped bring healthier lunches to schools nationwide.

Tracye McQuirter (1966-present)

Tracye McQuirter, a long time animal rights activist, 30-year vegan, and nutritionist, released a free vegan guide to help African-Americans reclaim their health. She partnered with Farm Sanctuary, an animal rescue organization, to release this guide. Only 3% of African-Americans are vegan, but McQuirter believes that African-Americans benefit most from eating plant-based diets, primarily because it is a part of their cultural heritage.

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Hysterectomy is medically defined as surgical removal of the uterus, performed to remove fibroid tumors of the uterus or to treat chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, severe recurrent endometrial hyperplasia, uterine hemorrhage, and precancerous and cancerous conditions of the uterus.

Types of hysterectomy include total hysterectomy, in which the uterus and cervix are removed and radical hysterectomy, in which ovaries, oviducts, lymph nodes, and lymph channels are removed with the uterus and cervix. Menstruation ceases after either type is performed.

Because hysterectomies are being performed due to fibroid tumors and removal of them, black women are the most likely to have them done. Fibroid tumors are very common to American women or U.S. females, especially African-American, Caucasian or White American, and Hispanic or Latino-American females.

The uterus is the seat of the female brain and a female’s emotions. It is the female command center. Her memory is locked into this organ. The uterus is the seat of female intuition and feeling. A woman feels from her second chakra (sacral chakra or 2nd chakra) area. All of the memories and information of her relationships (including sexual relationships) are stored here in this chakra and the corresponding organ (uterus), which has a mind all of its own just like every other organ in the human body, which are thinking organs.

The female womb is so important to the physical and emotional makeup of the woman. Metaphysics teach us “as within, so without,” therefore, the outer house is a reflection of the inner house (womb).

In getting away from the home due to working jobs, women have gotten away from their wombs. In forgetting the womb and neglecting the womb, disease has manifested in the reproductive chamber.

Part of the healing of the wounded womb is getting the woman back to her sanctuary. Back to her garden, to her kitchen where she can prepare her own foods for herself and her family and thus improve her and her family’s health.

Post-Hysterectomy

The body will still expel what the physical uterus is no longer there to eliminate. The body uses the upper back and neck to throw off toxins via hot sweats which have become commonly called “hot flashes.”

This is what hot flashes are: attempts to throw off toxins that the uterus used to take care of but which the woman decided to have removed perhaps pursuant to fear induced by medical advice.

You see, though hot flashes are a normal part of menopause and will naturally occur in Western women, when a women removes her uterus she brings on menopause and its symptoms abruptly and prematurely. Menopause comes on quickly in a woman who has undergone a hysterectomy because there’s no uterus channel the toxins.

Natural Alternatives

The only alternative to hysterectomies is to cleanse, detoxify, rebuild, restore, and rejuvenate the uterus, which can be done. You just have to believe; as long as you’re alive your organs are alive and can be rejuvenated.

Change your thoughts and thinking to positive ones or positive thinking! Healing, like sickness and disease, begins in the mind.

Change your attitude about healing. Yes, Nature takes longer to heal but there are no adverse side effects with her healing. Learn to be patient. Take responsibility for your actions: you have uterine problems because of things you did based upon things you thought and felt. You gave yourself fibroid tumors based upon what you ate and what you allowed to be entered into your vagina and stored there. Change your attitude to a healthy, productive, and positive one.

Change your lifestyle. Avoid casual sex. Protect and respect your womb. Schedule a consultation with us to learn more about this.

Refrain from inserting unhealthy things into your womb that have no business there, i.e. plastic dildos, vibrators, condoms (unless you use them for birth control purposes), tampons, etc.

Perform gentle exercises, i.e. yoga, stretching, Pilates, tai chi, walking, swimming, etc. Avoid strenuous exercise such as jogging and running (greatly damages the uterus), weight lifting, etc.

You have options and alternatives to hysterectomy.

However, whatever you decide to do, it is your personal choice and you need to make choices that you can accept and more importantly, make choices that you can live with.

Dietary Intervention

Change your diet. Consider going vegan (75%) and raw foods (25%).

Give up meat, dairy products (the greatest physical culprit of fibroid tumors), refined grains, fatty foods, sugary foods, etc. Refrain from eating so much processed and refined so-called foods. Eat predominantly fruits, vegetables, seeds, legumes, nuts, and grains.

Drink plenty of water (alkaline water is best) and drink plenty of herbal teas.

Dherbs.com Solutions

Dherbs offers these products to assist with hormone balancing:

• Full Body Cleanse
• Fibroid Cleanse and Regimen
• 10 Days Electric Greens Combo Regimen
• Total Female Cleanse
• 10-Day Supreme Colon Cleanser
• Fibroid Formula
• Fibroid Tea
• Menstrual Cycle Formula
• Moon Cycle Tea
• Female Hormonal
• Yoni Cleanser
• Female Health Tea

Thank you for reading!

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