I'm a STRONG BLACK WOMAN....

§  Overall mortality was one-third higher for Black Americans than for White Americans in 1999

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§  African American death rates significantly exceed that of the general American population by 38% for stroke, 28% for heart disease, 27% for cancer, and more than 700% for HIV disease (Washington, 2003, p.23).  

§  African Americans constitute 13% of American women but suffer greater illness and death rates than other women.

§  16 % of African American women say they suffer from a health condition that limits their mobility.    

§  Among African American women aged 45 to 64, 57% suffer from a condition requiring treatment, such as hypertension and two in every five have arthritis, the highest reported percentage of all American women.  

§  Many complain of anxiety and depression and nearly half the African American women in this age range were on prescription drugs.  

§  Diabetes death rates are 20% higher for African American men and 40% higher for African American women compared with their White counterparts. 

Ø You say almost daily - “I’ve got too much to do, I can’t stop right now” OR “I don’t have time to think about that right now” OR “I need a break”…and you don’t know how or rarely do and just...power through. .

Ø You often say, "I'm tired" but may not be able to clearly explain in what ways? e.g., physically, emotionally, in general?

Ø You are "driven" and press on, in spite of...  hyper-focused on completing a goal, proving yourself on the job; taking care of family, handling everything, or just plain staying busy most days, rarely have quiet moments, or taking an intentional pause.

Ø You rarely show or discuss your emotions during major life events, hold them in, feeling you have to stay in control of yourself, or not be in touch with your emotions or say, “getting upset won’t change anything; I’ll just pray about it”

Ø At some level you know you need to reach out for help/take action on medical, emotional, psychological, general daily tasks but tell yourself, “I can handle this” OR “I don’t want to worry anybody” OR “I don’t want people in my business.” 

Ø You find yourself almost automatically taking charge of, doing for, or speaking for others; especially young adults or adult children. 

Ø You frequently, automatically help others but find it difficult to allow others to help, serve you. 

Ø You eat well, exercise, live spiritually based but most times may not be able to identify your feelings, e.g., sad, happy, lonely, hurt, etc., so you frequently respond, “I’m good” when asked how you’re feeling. 

If you honestly answered “yep! that’s me” to more than 3 of the SBW flip side behaviors, you are probably living life on the flip side of SBW and could be compromising your overall health and wellness.

No worries though, you’re in the right place and guess what….you’re not there by yourself!