Recorded live at ESSENCE Fest 2025, this powerful FYH.News conversation features Adjoa Kyerematen of the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) in discussion with Dr. Mimi, a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in women’s and reproductive mental health.

Together, they unpack a critical truth: depression doesn’t always look like sadness—especially for Black women. It can show up as exhaustion, emotional numbness, irritability, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, or feeling disconnected. Too often, quick screenings miss these signs. Layer in stigma, cultural expectations, and the “strong Black woman” trope, and many women suffer in silence.

They also explore how mental health intersects with serious illness like cancer, and why advocating for yourself in medical spaces can be lifesaving.

This episode offers practical, actionable tools for protecting your mental health and navigating care with confidence.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why depression in Black women often goes unrecognized—and how to spot the signs beyond sadness
 • Dr. Mimi’s “Core Four” framework: sleep, nourishment, movement, and social connection
• How journaling can make therapy more effective
• How to “date” therapists to find the right fit
• Why bringing an advocate to appointments can change outcomes
• How pain, anxiety, and depression share biological pathways—and why whole-person care matters

If you or someone you love needs a reminder that rest and vulnerability are strength, this conversation is for you.

For more health news that empowers communities of color, visit fyh.news