Prioritizing Mental Wellness in the Black Community

With therapy often stigmatized and wellness viewed as a privilege, mental health is frequently left unaddressed in the Black community. Despite Black individuals being 20 percent more likely to experience mental health challenges – often stemming from racial, systemic and generational trauma¹ – only 25 percent seek mental health treatment, compared to nearly 40 percent of white individuals.

The Healing Power of Beauty and Self-Care

While access to traditional mental healthcare remains a barrier, many in the Black community find solace and therapeutic benefits in culturally relevant practices. For Black women, in particular, consistent self-care appointments, such as regular visits to hairstylists, serve as a common form of mental and emotional wellness. However, true wellness extends beyond these periodic appointments, requiring daily intentionality.

Small Rituals, Significant Impact

“The biggest wellness lesson I’ve learned is that wellness doesn’t have to be large or grand,” says Dija Ayodele, founder of Black Skin Directory. “It’s actually about the small, consistent things you do for yourself every day—the quiet rituals that nobody but you sees that build up your mental health reserves over time.”

Expert Insights on Mental Wellness Practices

Here, four beauty and wellness experts share their personal practices for prioritizing mental health:

Dija Ayodele, Founder of Black Skin Directory

Ayodele’s earliest wellness memories are tied to the communal experience of visiting the beauty salon with her mother. She recalls the salon being a space for grooming, affirmation, and community, where women could debrief, laugh, and find support. This experience instilled in her the understanding that self-care is not merely about external appearance but also about emotional and social well-being.

Ayodele emphasizes that prioritizing self-care is essential, especially for those who often give to others. Her top practices include:

• Nature Walks: Spending time in nature without distractions to find clarity and peace.
• Mindful Showers: Using showers as a symbolic act of washing away stress and heaviness.
• Body Lotioning: Taking time to nourish and care for the body, focusing on often-overlooked areas like the feet.
• Hair Care: Viewing hair care as a restorative practice.
• Prioritizing Sleep: Recognizing sleep as a cornerstone of mental and physical health.
• Saying “No” Without Explanation: Practicing self-preservation by setting boundaries.

Ayodele advises others to start small, focusing on one simple practice and building from there. She also recommends seeking out supportive communities and resources, such as the podcasts by Myleik Teele.

Mamy Mbaye, Co-Founder of SLIQ

Mbaye highlights the importance of wellness practices as a baseline for self-assessment. She notes that neglecting these practices can lead to a decline in mental health, making re-prioritization crucial. Her key practices include yoga, which helps her stay present and grounded, and a streamlined washday routine that has transformed from a source of anxiety into a weekly ritual of self-care.

Mbaye’s biggest wellness lesson has been to practice self-compassion and avoid measuring her decisions against others’ expectations.

Pekela Riley, Founder of True + Pure Texture & Salon PK

Riley shares a childhood memory of experiencing a microaggression related to her hair, which sparked a lifelong commitment to celebrating natural beauty and self-love. She emphasizes that wellness practices, such as morning walks, vacations, spa days, and mindful moments, are not luxuries but essential for maintaining psychological safety and recharging the spirit.

Riley’s key takeaway is to tune out external judgment and trust one’s inner knowing, recognizing that self-love is self-regulation.

Tomi Talabi, Founder of Black Beauty Club

Talabi openly discusses her experience with depression and the importance of finding accessible wellness practices. She finds that spontaneous dance breaks, neighborhood walks, listening to music, and prioritizing movement can quickly lift her mood and restore her energy.

Talabi encourages others to start with small, manageable steps, such as taking a short walk, and to recognize that even these small actions can make a significant difference.

Addressing Barriers to Mental Health Care

Despite the need, many in the Black community face significant barriers to accessing mental health care. According to NAMI Texas, Black adults are more likely to report persistent symptoms of emotional distress, yet less likely to receive guideline-consistent care, be included in research, or utilize mental health specialists. Socioeconomic disparities and lack of insurance coverage further exacerbate these challenges⁴.

Understanding Racial Trauma

Racial trauma, or race-based traumatic stress (RBTS), is a significant contributor to mental health challenges within the Black community. It refers to the mental and emotional injury caused by encounters with racism, discrimination, and hate crimes³. Experiences of racial discrimination can lead to symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including depression, anxiety, and hypervigilance.

Resources and Support

For those seeking support, resources are available:

• Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA): Resources for Black and African American communities.²
• Mental Health America (MHA): Information on racial trauma.³
• NAMI Texas: Mental health resources for the Black community.⁴