Thread by @drkalicyrus

Black people,

I am a one of the few Black psychiatrists that exist in our nation and I have a message for us:

Yes we are strong.

But it is IMPOSSIBLE to be strong ALL THE TIME.
#CheslieKryst #BlackGirlMagic #BlackTableTalk #BlackWomen #mentalhealth

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It is IMPOSSIBLE to be strong ALL THE TIME.

WHEN oppression feels constant…and is constant. @DrAyanaJordan @DrJessIsomMDMPH @drkarinn @DrKMSimon @ADocNamedDani

/3
Ignoring or downplaying sadness, anxiety, despair, and hopelessness does not help you.

Telling someone else to ignore, pretend, or downplay sadness, anxiety, despair, and hopelessness does not help them.

@BNCNews @TiffanyDCross @CapehartJ @FWhitfield

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Having sadness, anxiety, despair, or hopelessness does not mean you are weak, or that something is wrong with you, or that you have to keep it a secret.

Even though oppression feels constant

And it doesn’t feel like the sadness, anxiety, despair, or hopelessness will end

/5

Killing yourself is not the best, only, or THE solution.
#SuicidePrevention #SuicideAwareness #Suicides

/6
You are not the only one who feels this way.

I work with so many Black people who are sad, anxious, despairing, and hopeless, but they do not give up on their lives.

That’s how the oppressor wins.
#WhiteSupremacy

/7
Don’t keep your suicidal thoughts a secret.

1) Ask for help.
2) Call or text the national hotline: [phone]
3) Tell you teacher, school nurse, pastor, godmother, play cousin, best friend, babysitter, co-worker, lover, primary care doctor

/8
Look for therapists in your zip code on these sites:
psychologytoday.com
therapyforblackgirls.com
inclusivetherapists.com
@AyanaTherapy
@talkspace
@betterhelp

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Friends/family/co-workers/classmates/witnesses:

Asking about suicide does not increase the chance of suicide.

Acknowledging and talking about suicide might actually reduce suicidal thinking.

Check in with a friend this week.