How writing can help Black women manage anxiety

I started writing when I was younger to help deal with the mix of emotions I was experiencing during my parent’s separation. Having a place to essentially tell all my secrets was so important to me since I was a pretty quiet girl (and still am).

Although I’m older and I’ve learned how to be more expressive about how I feel, I still find myself feeling stuck at times. Writing has become an intermediary for me to practice getting things out of my head and my body, so I can either do something about it or simply move on. Writing is my way of processing hard things.

Benefits of writing for anxiety

There is a reason why so many therapists recommend writing as a tool for dealing with anxiety and stress. When we write, we are effectively processing information and emotions that might otherwise become overwhelming. Writing can help us make sense of our thoughts and feelings, and it can also be a form of self-care, providing a space for us to decompress and release things we’re holding onto.

Stress and anxiety are two of the most common mental health issues that people face today. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, impacting 40 million adults. That’s a lot of people struggling to manage their stress and anxiety daily.

How stress and anxiety uniquely impact Black women

As black women, we are often expected to be strong and stoic in the face of stress and adversity. We are told that we must be twice as good and work twice as hard to succeed. This pressure can take a toll on our mental and physical health, leading to higher rates of stress and anxiety.

Self-care is not selfish. It’s necessary. As Black women, we are often ambitious and have a lot on our plates. We’re juggling work, family, and social obligations while trying to maintain our health and well-being. This can be overwhelming and lead to burnout.

That’s why it’s so important to create more opportunities to slow down and check in with yourself. You have to be healthy. As much as we want to show up for everyone else, we have to show up for ourselves first. Taking care of our mental health is paramount, yet it can be all too easy to put aside our own needs in favor of others. When we do this, we end up running on empty.

It’s important to take time for ourselves — to recharge and refocus — so that we can be our best selves for those who depend on us. This can be difficult, but it’s essential for our well-being. Only when we take care of ourselves can we truly show up for the people we love.

Let’s give ourselves the love and care that we so freely give to others. Let’s not be afraid to ask for help when we need it. Because at the end of the day, our mental health is just as important as our physical health.

Why I’m creating a writing circle for Black women

Writing has been a critical part of my self-care practice and I know there are others out there who are passionate about writing but don’t want to be professional writers. We need more communities for people like us. That’s why I’m working on developing a writing circle for Black women who want to write and share with a small group. There will be no pressure in this circle. You don’t need to be a stellar writer. It’s all about finding your voice and letting some things out on the page.

There are many benefits to writing communities when it comes to emotional well-being. For one, having a supportive and encouraging community can provide a much-needed sense of belonging and connection. Additionally, these communities can offer a safe space to share emotions and experiences, which can be therapeutic in and of itself.

If you’re interested in learning more about joining a writing circle for Black women who want to prioritize self-care, fill out this form and I’ll be sending out information soon.

Can’t wait to connect with you!

Taylor