Why Black Women Need to Talk About the Link Between Financial Health and Mental Health:

  The Post-pandemic Reality

 Sunya,

May is Mental Health Month, and today I want to talk about the connection between mental health and financial health and why this discussion needs to be a priority.

The Covid pandemic has exposed and exacerbated many ongoing systemic issues including the important link between financial wellness and mental health.  Black women and women from other marginalized groups had higher rates of job loss, higher rates of covid, higher rates of losing loved ones, and higher rates of having to leave the workforce.  Higher inflation rates affecting food, shelter, and life's necessities add to the pressure. As the world slowly begins to recover from the pandemic, it is important to break any stigma around discussing financial struggles in order to make it easier for women in our communities to seek help when its needed.          

Breaking this stigma is particularly important for Black women, who face unique challenges when it comes to financial wellness and mental health.  Black women are more likely to experience financial insecurity due to systemic racism and gender inequality. This can lead to stress, anxiety and depression, as well as work /performance insecurity, etc., which can affect the woman's overall physical health, financial decisions, and overall well-being.

As always, there is hope.

By breaking down the stigma around discussing financial struggles and seeking help when needed, Black women can take control of their financial and mental health.  This can include seeking out financial resources and education, therapy, financial therapy, coaching, or other services that can provide tangible support.

I believe it is also important for policymakers to prioritize economic justice and provide access to financial resources and education.  We can advocate for policies that address systemic racism and gender inequality, as well as programs that provide financial assistance, education and start- up business resources in marginalized communities. In today's polarized climate, our voices need to be heard.

In the post-pandemic world, it is more important than ever for Black women to prioritize financial and mental health. Each are important, and yet are often neglected. When we break down the stigma around discussing financial struggles and getting help when we need it; when we advocate for policies that truly promote economic justice and provide access to financial resources, education and support, we can create a more just society for everyone.

Check out the following YouTube video and listen in to a candid conversation as my friends and I share some of our experiences at the intersection between financial health and mental health, and why we prioritize both:

https://youtu.be/9aGMM-Xp1Fk 

• I'll be following up this chat with a LIVE broadcast on YouTube May 29, 2023 at 10:30 am on my channel Mind and Manna. We will share information to encourage further conversation as well as provide helpful information, practical and affordable resources for those who wish to center holistic financial wellness and mental health practices in their lives. Please like, share, subscribe if you find the content of my channel helpful!
• PS- A special THANK YOU goes out to those of you who took advantage of my complimentary laser coaching appointments last month. Your participation helped me to refine upcoming coaching packages which I will announce in June. 

 Wishing you the best, and continued blessings-

xo,
Sunya

 A little about me:  I enjoy helping people- especially women who are thinking about their retirement years, and who want to increase their cashflow and build a better financial foundation so they can live more intentional lives of freedom, rest, travel, and ease. Moreover, I center much of my content to reflect the voices and concerns of Black Women.  As a Certified Financial Social Worker, I am also a member of and ambassador for the Professional Financial Wellness Community. I have two adult children, two grandchildren, two sisters, and a large extended family. As a creative practitioner, (textile artist and musician), I am figuring out how to integrate all my passions into my life in Mexico where I reside most of the year. You can find me on social media platforms as Mind and Manna (Fb, IG, Tik Tok) and Sunfolayan (Fb and IG).