Examining the harmful effects of the “superwoman” stereotype on mental health for Black women. Analyzing the pressure to do it all and its consequences.
National Suicide Awareness Month
National Suicide Awareness Month is a time to talk about the increasing number of Black women aged 18-65 who are at risk of suicide. A study found that even Black women with high incomes are at risk. Chandra Gore, a publicist from Virginia, has struggled with suicidal thoughts and wants to change the idea that Black women have to be strong all the time. She has faced mental health challenges, including bipolar disorder and PTSD, but found hope through therapy and support from her children. Gore now focuses on self-care and helping others who are struggling. She believes in the importance of seeking professional help and finding ways to heal. Through her own journey, she has learned to prioritize her well-being and find peace in solitude.
National Suicide Awareness Month is an ideal time to discuss the rising number of Black women 18–65 years old who are at risk of committing suicide. The demographic being at the highest risk for suicide among women, irrespective of their socioeconomic status, according to a study published in 2023, led by researchers from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and Howard University. The study found that Black women in the highest income strata had a 20% increase in the odds of suicide/self-inflicted injury compared to white women in the lowest socioeconomic strata.(https://www.bumc.bu.edu/camed/2023/10/04/bu-study-black-women-aged-18-65-years-have-highest-suicide-risk-among-women)
Chandra Gore, a publicist and business consultant who is based in Stafford, Virginia knows how exhausting it can be to wear a smile on her face but feel like she is breaking inside. She seeks to change the mindset in which some Black women are viewed as superheroes who must maintain a strong persona, absent of exhibiting outward signs of fear, sadness or tears.
“I’m choosing to tell my story around suicide because I’ve been quiet for so long and this battle that I’m fighting is not one that is easy,” said Gore. “I attempted suicide once when I was 16, again when I was going through my divorce, and most recently this year, 2024.”
She added that she had to be honest with herself and share her experiences to prompt others to be kinder and more understanding of one another.
Gore recalls being raised by her grandfather, Clarence Myers. She felt good having support in her formative years.
“He was my mother’s father, and he raised me to be strong and focused and compassionate, but to always be myself. Growing up in South Carolina, my family was a little bit different as I had my great-grandmother and my great aunt and support was there,” she added.
Two impactful life events that shaped who Gore has become include finding herself living away from her grandfather at 16 years old, and later becoming a divorced mother. Gore recalled feeling tired of fighting financial challenges, being a provider for her children as a single parent, and dealing with the overwhelming pressure to succeed.
“My divorce was very impactful on my mental health because it led to me being diagnosed correctly and medicated, pushing me to do more to learn more about my mental health and to become more aware of what triggers, and also to be more focused on finding the coping methods work best for me as a young mom, and now as a mom of adult children to keep going.”
Professional treatments that she received for a short period of time included going to intensive therapy and trying out different medications. Gore stated that she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder; PTSD; severe depression; anxiety; and ADHD.
“Counseling has been a key component for me in overcoming the traumatic events of my life. For a period of time, I was in intensive therapy because I could not get past certain things,” said Gore.
Her three children gave her more reason to live. Eventually, greater hope rose within the mother.
“My life started turning around when I started putting this energy into creating something that would be beneficial to those who are going through things like myself. Also, finding out that I matter, especially to myself and to my children, and those who care about me help me to see the light at the end of the tunnel. My life is a constant evolving space and so it will forever be going on a path,” she said.
Gore also began to face her fears and face self-doubt. She stated that she lost some people who meant the world to her. She understood that she did what was necessary to create spaces to thrive and to be at her best.
“Being able to start a healing journey and adhere to it has been the best thing that I’ve done. I have refocused myself on my professional and my personal life honoring those who have lost suicide and understanding that was their choice,” she added.
When a friend’s life ended, Gore was prompted to focus on helping others, although she had always been a helper who wanted to see others achieve greatness. Pursuing professional help was key in Gore’s progressive healing.
Gore currently gives thanks to God. She reads books and engages in other forms of self-care.
“I also go down to a local beach and put my feet in the water. In these moments of solitude, I write, I meditate, I pray, and I enjoy the time to connect with myself and my thoughts again,” said Gore.
Learn more about Gore via www.chandragoreconsulting.com.
Black women, superwoman myth, mental health, pressure, consequences
#BlackWomen #SuperwomanMyth #MentalHealthAwareness
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