Hey there, my beautiful sisters! Emma Knows Money here. I recently read an article about Megan Thee Stallion’s mental health journey, and today I want to have a heart-to-heart about something deeply personal and incredibly important—our mental health. Megan, a powerhouse in the music industry, shared a powerful story about her own struggles with mental health and the lessons she learned from her late mother. This struck a chord with me, and I believe it’s something we all need to talk about.
Megan’s Story: A Lesson in Mental Health
Megan reflected on her mother’s struggles and how she wished her mom had sought therapy to ease her burdens. Growing up, Megan saw the strong women around her masking their struggles, which led her to believe they were financially secure when they weren’t. This realization has fueled her advocacy for mental health, especially within our community.
The Stigma We Face
Let’s be real—seeking mental health care in our community can be tough. Many of us grew up with the idea that asking for help is a sign of weakness. Historically, we’ve faced systemic racism and exploitation, leading to a deep-seated mistrust of the medical establishment. This has caused many of us to internalize our struggles, often turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms like drugs and alcohol to get by.
The Cost of Financial Stress
Financial stress doesn’t just hit our wallets—it hits our bodies and minds too. Chronic financial stress can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and even mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. The constant worry about money can cause sleep problems, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system, which can all lead to more serious health issues down the line​ (NerdWallet: Finance smarter)​​ (Everyday Health)​. Therefore, it is crucial to address these stressors early on.
Impact on Retirement
Financial stress can also derail our plans for a comfortable retirement. Many people find themselves working longer than they planned because they haven’t been able to save enough due to financial anxiety and stress. In fact, 60% of individuals believe they may need to work longer than anticipated, and 40% feel it will take a miracle to retire securely​ (NerdWallet: Finance smarter)​​ (Financial Health Network)​. This ongoing stress can prevent us from enjoying our retirement years fully and may even result in higher medical costs and poor health in our later years.
Turning to Substance Abuse
It’s no secret that trauma can lead us down a dark path. Substance abuse is a common way to cope, but it’s a harmful cycle that only worsens our mental health. I’ve seen it firsthand—friends and family turning to alcohol or drugs because they felt they had no other options. But sis, there are better ways to heal.
The Legacy of Trauma
Did you know trauma can be passed down through generations? That’s right—our ancestors’ struggles can affect us today. This intergenerational trauma means that we might be predisposed to mental health issues due to the collective experiences of our community. It’s a heavy load to carry, but understanding it is the first step toward healing.
Breaking the Stigma
Megan’s openness about her mental health journey is a beacon of hope for us all. She’s showing us that it’s okay to seek help—that therapy is a strength, not a weakness. By sharing her story, she’s encouraging us to break the stigma and prioritize our mental wellness. Moreover, finding culturally competent therapists who understand our unique experiences is crucial.
We need to start having these conversations openly and without shame. It’s important to normalize talking about our mental health just like we do our physical health. Let’s support each other in this journey.
A Call to Action
So, my dear sisters, let’s take Megan’s story to heart. Let’s be brave and seek the help we need. Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength. Let’s support each other and break the cycle of silence. Together, we can create a future where mental health is prioritized and stigma is a thing of the past.
For more on Megan Thee Stallion’s reflections on mental health, you can read the full article here.
With love and strength, Emma I. Foulkes
P.S. Check out our post about The First Black Millionaire Tweenager: Sarah Rector #HiddenFigures
