Menu
Member Login

Mental Health & Wellness

  • Home
  • Mental Health & Wellness

I Believe in Therapy Toolkit

Prioritizing Mental Health as a Sickle Cell Warrior, Caregiver, and Healthcare Worker

As an individual living with sickle cell, caregiver, or healthcare worker, you may be accustomed to prioritizing physical health needs above all else. However, mental health is critical for overall well-being and should not be ignored. Although mental health challenges can be stigmatized and overlooked in the Black community, it is important to erase the stigma and seek the care that is needed. In this mental health toolkit, we discuss the importance of prioritizing mental health as a sickle cell warrior, caregiver, or healthcare worker and how therapy can help to achieve that goal. This resource is a sample of what is offered in the Sickle Cell Community. If you have additional resources please let us know by clicking here.

Why Mental Health Matters for Sickle Cell Warriors, Caregivers and Health Care Workers

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a chronic illness that affects both physical and emotional health. Individuals living with SCD may experience chronic pain, fatigue, and other physical symptoms that can negatively impact their mental health over time. Caregivers may experience emotional stress from caring for a loved one with SCD, while healthcare workers may experience burnout from caring for chronically ill patients. “Patients often feel misunderstood about the trauma of being ill. Missed work, school, and life in general can make it hard for a person with sickle cell to cope. Trauma surrounds each hospitalization and every emergency room visit.” said Heather Avant, a professional photographer and Sickle Cell Warrior. Seeking therapy can provide warriors, caregivers, and healthcare workers with the emotional support and coping skills needed to manage the mental health challenges associated with SCD. As a result, each group mentioned should regularly assess their mental health from time to time.

Erasing the Stigma of Therapy in the Black Community

The “I Believe in Therapy Campaign” is incredibly important to us because Mental health stigmas can prevent individuals in the Black community from accessing therapy and seeking treatment for mental health challenges. Discussing mental health and seeking care can be especially challenging for individuals in positions of caregiving or healthcare service, as it may feel there is a weight of expectation to be the perceived helpers instead of the helped. “Having support, perspective, and options is essential when addressing the mental health challenges that arise along our health journey, said Dr. Majorie Dejoie-Brewer, a physician and Sickle Cell Warrior. Seeking therapy, however, is far from weakness; in fact, it’s a proactive step towards a path of healing and mental well-being.

To erase the stigma of therapy in the Black community, it is essential to have open conversations about mental health. It is important to acknowledge these conversations can occur in safe and understanding environments such as with medical professionals or, if available, support groups. We must normalize the idea that everyone struggles with mental health challenges and promote seeking help is a sign of profound courage and emotional strength.

Here’s a mental health toolkit for warriors, caregivers, and healthcare workers impacted by sickle cell disease:

Words to Inspire

Sickle cell warriors, caregivers, and healthcare workers, you are not alone in this journey. We understand that many are struggling with mental health challenges, and we hope these resources will help. Remember, it’s essential to prioritize mental health. In fact, seeking out a therapist is a sign of resilience and emotional strength. Let’s normalize therapy and adopt it within our culture, and have more open conversations about mental health within our society. We are all human, and we all deserve to receive the help when needed. Together we can erase the stigma of seeking therapy. Ultimately, we must learn how to prioritize our mental health just as much as we prioritize our physical health.

Please join us and share the “I Believe in Therapy Campaign” message through videos by clicking here to download the full-length videos.

This toolkit is intended for educational purposes only and is not an endorsement nor a replacement for mental health services or medical advice. Please connect with a medical professional for your individual care needs.

This toolkit is provided by: