Coach Chat on the Strong Black Woman with Coach Colette and Jennifer Sterling

Did you know that black women experience depression at a 50% higher rate than white women? One contributing factor is that black women are too often living in a state of hyperarousal bracing themselves for the next microaggression, then shifting into hypoarousal when they become too tired to fight back; which, over time, can lead to depression. Yet, black women are less likely to seek out support for their mental health and wellbeing. In this Coach Chat episode, Coach Colette chats with Jennifer Sterling, founder of The Bodyful Healing Project, an initiative that offers support and resources to black women living with depression. She also is a Registered Dance & Movement Psychotherapist. They talk all about how oppression can affect your body and your mental health, particularly for black women who are living in a constant state of deciding when it's safe to show up as their authentic selves, and when it's necessary to "code switch." Jennifer shares tips to more healthfully release the stress and anxiety that can accumulate from microaggressions and other systemic barriers. If you'd like to learn more about Jennifer's book Dear Strong Black Woman, visit http://www.oneideapress.com/dearstrongblackwoman If you enjoy this episode, please be sure to take a screenshot and share it out on Instagram and tag me @coach_colette and I’ll be sure to share your comments and big takeaways on my Instagram Stories as well. Also, please make sure to give us a review on iTunes (or Google Play, Stitcher, Android, TuneIn, Spotify).