Today is Black Girl Day Off. Every year, October 11 is set aside to encourage Black women to take a mental health day to focus on their emotional well-being.

The movement is dedicated to honoring and placing importance on the health and happiness of Black girls and women. Although not officially acknowledged nationally, it stands as a compelling encouragement to embrace moments for self-care, introspection, and fostering community connections.

Black women are known to have a high risk of heart disease, breast cancer, and other chronic illnesses. This is due to many factors, including lifestyle, and access to healthcare.

Black women are also more likely to die from these diseases than white women. The University of Chicago Medicine reported, “Breast cancer studies have uncovered a troubling trend. Black women are still dying at a nearly 40% higher rate from the disease than white women.”

The National Institutes of Health examines a concerning cycle in their Qualitative Assessment of Gender- and Race-Related Stress Among Black Women, noting "the twofold consequences of social stress resulting from the interaction between racial and gender discrimination compounded by health and socioeconomic disparity."

National Day offers helpful tips for supporting Black women, encouraging them to prioritize a day for themselves.

Additionally, create a supportive environment in the workplace by introducing group therapy sessions. Ensure inclusivity and develop opportunities where employees can comfortably express themselves.

Lastly, contribute to the cause by donating financially or volunteering your time at minority mental health centers.

And to Black women: know that you are seen, heard, and matter. Self-assess your work-life balance to ensure you have time to pour into yourself. Our lives literally depend on it.