In the latest episode of our ‘Magic Unfiltered’ podcast, we chatted with Marline Francois-Madden, a licensed social worker, about the importance of Black girls seeking therapy. For too long, Black people, and especially women, have been subjected to the belief that prayer alone will heal any mental unrest. Our problems have been held close to the chest, causing immense amounts of self harm and disabling us from allowing ourselves to fully heal.

But, Black opinion regarding mental health is shifting. We’re becoming more accepting of the fact that sometimes, we need help. And that’s nothing to be ashamed of.

A point Francois-Madden made during ‘Magic Unfiltered’ was the significance of checking in with your body. This is a technique that can be used in conjunction with therapy. “We have to do more check-ins with our bodies. I tell people this all the time,” she said. “So, sometimes when people start scrolling on social media, they’ll recognize that their heart starts racing…say ‘okay, is my body getting hot right now, is my heart racing, am I upset about what I’m viewing?'” This bit of self awareness can help protect your mental health.

Listen to the full episode here.