For me, anxiety shows up quietly at first. A tightness in my chest. A thought that loops a little too long. A feeling that I’m supposed to be doing something even when I’m already doing everything. Nothing seems to be enough, so there is no rest. Eventually a shutdown of sorts happens, but not in a way that is noticeable to others. And being Black adds its own layer, because half the time, I’m not just worried about life, I’m worried about how I’m being perceived while living it. It’s like carrying two backpacks: one filled with normal human stress, and another stuffed with the weight of being watched, judged, targeted and misunderstood. Through it all I am expected to be functional, and “grateful” in the mist of blatant oppression.

This year especially, it feels like the world is moving faster than anyone can keep up with. Technology is changing, politics are loud, and every time you open your phone, there’s another headline that makes your stomach drop. And while everyone feels that pressure, being Black means you’re also navigating the subtle and not‑so‑subtle reminders that your safety, your voice, and your peace aren’t guaranteed. That alone can make your nervous system feel like it’s running a marathon.

I’ve noticed that a lot of us carry anxiety in silence because we were raised to push through. We come from families that survived things far heavier than panic attacks, so we tell ourselves we should be able to handle it. But survival mode isn’t the same as peace. And pretending you’re not anxious doesn’t make the anxiety disappear, it just makes it louder when it finally breaks through.

What’s helped me is admitting that anxiety doesn’t make me weak. It makes me human. And honestly, it makes sense. When you grow up hearing stories about what could happen if you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time, or if you speak too boldly, or if you don’t speak at all, your body learns to stay alert. Even when you’re safe, your mind doesn’t always believe it. That’s not paranoia. That’s conditioning.

In 2026, therapy is more normalized in our community than it used to be, but there’s still hesitation. Some of us don’t trust the system feeling that what we share will be weaponized in some way. Some don’t want to open up to a stranger. Some don’t want to revisit things they’ve spent years trying to bury. I get that. But I’ve learned that talking to someone who understands—whether it’s a therapist, a friend, or even a journal—can feel like finally loosening a knot you didn’t realize had been there for years.

I’ve also had to learn that rest is not a reward. It’s a requirement. Black people are often expected to be strong, productive, unbothered, and endlessly resilient. But resilience without rest turns into exhaustion. And exhaustion turns into anxiety. So I’ve been practicing small things: stepping outside for air, putting my phone down when the news gets too heavy, letting myself say no without guilt, and reminding myself that I don’t have to earn calm.

Another thing that helps is community. There’s something healing about being around other Black people who just get it without you having to explain. The laughter hits different. The silence hits different. The understanding hits different. Sometimes managing anxiety isn’t about fixing anything, it’s about not feeling alone in it.

And honestly, joy is medicine too. Not the forced kind, not the “smile through the pain” kind, but the real moments that remind you your life is bigger than your stress. Cooking a meal you love. Listening to music that makes your shoulders drop. Watching something silly. Dancing in your living room. Letting yourself feel good without apologizing for it.

Being Black and anxious in 2026 is complicated, but it’s not hopeless. We’re learning to name what we feel, to ask for help, to rest without shame, and to build spaces where our nervous systems can finally unclench. We deserve that. We always have. And maybe that’s the quiet revolution happening right now—not just surviving but learning how to breathe again.

Staff Writer; Christian Starr

May connect with this sister over at Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/christian.pierre.9809 and also Twitter; http://twitter.com/MrzZeta.

The bottom line is this “doing you’ without consequence is nonexistent for our people. That is like playing Russian roulette with life. Some young people began to understand the lesson I was trying to impart. The problem is too many of them learned the lesson, as my grandfather used to say, in blood. They saw their friends killed, experienced wrongful arrest, experienced assault, and very other kinds of trauma. This was heartbreaking as they were just teenagers.  The problem is why are we fighting with adults now over the same thing?

This idea of I’m going to “do me” is running rampant in our community. As with the young people I understand the sentiment, but the problem is the ones leading the cry now are adults. They have some experience, some understanding, and they know the price that is on the line…or they should. The time we are living in is just as perilous, some would argue, as those that came before us and we are getting closer to their reality. This is not a history book, this is 2026, and the evil in power is trying to turn back time to redefine our understanding of oppression. When some of us think of ICE we think of our brothers and sisters from different places, but do we not understand our people have been harassed, and unlawfully detained too? As adults, how we process the world around us, and how we respond to it will affect our children. We can’t tell them to practice caution in what they wear and where they go, and we can’t do the same. Disciple and control will have to come together in us so that we are not impulsive, and so that we don’t become so fed up with everything we are seeing that we just say to heck with it, I’m “doing me”.

The truth is there are events we may get a gut feeling it won’t be wise to attend. There are times we might decide it is best to stay home. Sometimes the small family gathering will have to be enough. We might not want to venture out into places we don’t know in our state and in various parts of the country. Many of us may have unplugged after the elections not caring about being bothered by the stress of knowing specifically what’s going on in the country. We may be telling ourselves we will just rest for the rest of this admiration’s term. However, the truth is any of these positions at this time might be the ultimate undoing of our people. We want to rest, live, breath, and “do us”. This has a price, and it’s not one we want to endure.

We are an innovative people. We can find ways to express ourselves, be ourselves, have out balance of peace and still be mindful of the reality around us. We may have to redefine what it means to “do you”, so that it doesn’t get us killed. Teaching the youth will mean checking back in. I’m not saying we must march and be everywhere, as I truly believe we will need to find a different way to protect ourselves and our future. But we can’t just walk around like madness is not happening and move haphazardly in spite. As I stated, I have the saying “ignorance is bliss”. In these times I’d prefer, “Just because you can do a thing doesn’t mean you should”.

Staff Writer; Chelle’ St James

May also connect with this sister via Twitter; ChelleStJames.

For so long, Black women have been told to be strong in ways that drained us. Strength meant silence. Strength meant endurance. Strength meant carrying everyone else’s weight while pretending ours didn’t exist. But spiritually and culturally, our strength has never been about suffering. It has always been about connection—connection to our bodies, our ancestors, our intuition, and our joy. And in 2026, reclaiming that connection feels like an act of healing.

For me, strengthening my energy starts with slowing down enough to hear myself again. Life moves fast, and the world doesn’t always give Black women space to breathe. But when I sit still—really still—I can feel the parts of me that need attention. Sometimes it’s my spirit asking for rest. Sometimes it’s my mind asking for clarity. Sometimes it’s my heart asking for softness. Listening to myself is a spiritual practice, even if it doesn’t look like one.

There’s something powerful about remembering that our energy is sacred. Our grandmothers knew this. They protected their spirits with prayer, with songs, with oils, with quiet mornings on the porch. They didn’t call it “energy work,” but that’s exactly what it was. They knew how to cleanse a room with a single hum. They knew how to speak life into a child with one sentence. They knew how to shield themselves from negativity without ever using the word “boundaries.” That wisdom didn’t disappear. It lives in us.

Culturally, we’ve always had rituals that strengthen us. Lighting a candle while you get ready in the morning. Playing music that lifts your spirit. Cooking a meal that reminds you of home. Laughing with other Black women until your stomach hurts. These moments aren’t small. They’re grounding. They remind you that your energy doesn’t come from the world—it comes from within, and from the people who poured into you long before you were born.

In 2026, with everything happening around us, protecting that energy feels even more important. Social media, work, relationships, expectations, they all pull at us. And as Black women, we often feel those pulls more intensely because we’re expected to show up strong, composed, and capable no matter what. But strengthening your energy doesn’t mean giving more. It means giving differently. Giving intentionally. Giving to yourself first.

I’ve learned that saying no is a spiritual practice. Resting is a spiritual practice. Choosing joy on a random Tuesday is a spiritual practice. Letting yourself cry without judging yourself is a spiritual practice. These things don’t weaken you—they refill you. They remind you that you’re human, not a machine built to carry everyone else’s burdens.

Another part of strengthening my energy has been reconnecting with my intuition. Black women have always had a deep sense of knowing. We feel things before they happen. We sense shifts in people’s energy. We pick up on things others overlook. For a long time, I ignored that part of myself because the world teaches us to doubt our own wisdom. But the more I trust my intuition, the stronger I feel. It’s like having an internal compass that always points me back to myself.

And honestly, community is one of the biggest sources of strength we have. There’s something healing about being around other Black women who understand your experiences without needing a long explanation. The way we affirm each other, uplift each other, and see each other is spiritual in itself. When I’m surrounded by that kind of energy, I feel like my spirit stands a little taller.

Strengthening your energy as a Black woman in 2026 isn’t about becoming invincible. It’s about becoming aligned. It’s about honoring your boundaries, your softness, your intuition, your joy, and your rest. It’s about remembering that your energy is not something the world gets to drain—it’s something you get to protect, nurture, and grow.

And the beautiful thing is, you don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to do it intentionally. Every small act of care, every moment of stillness, every time you choose yourself, you’re strengthening your energy in ways your future self will thank you for.

You deserve to feel full. You deserve to feel grounded. You deserve to feel powerful in a way that doesn’t exhaust you. And you deserve to step into every day knowing that your energy is sacred—and you have every right to protect it.

Staff Writer; Christian Starr

May connect with this sister over at Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/christian.pierre.9809 and also Twitter; http://twitter.com/MrzZeta.

I disagree with my neighbor, and I feel it’s one of the reasons why we are having trouble caring for each other. Everyone will have challenges, and those hardships are priority because they are happening to you. They hit harder because they are personal, and in your face. However, there are people in this world who are experiencing hardships so catastrophic that they would trade places with you in a heartbeat. Likewise, there are situations that you face that are so daunting that you wouldn’t mind trading places with someone else. The thing is, it’s okay to acknowledge how hard a road is for someone else, and it’s okay to realize they may be fighting more than you can carry. It doesn’t make your hardships less than, but it might save your perspective and life. You may look at them and find the inspiration to keep going, because if they can so can you. This is a part of the human experience. When we can see past ourselves, we can walk in true empathy. When we can truly see past ourselves, we can then give those we care about the support we demand. It is important in emotional intelligence to be able to acknowledge that in most cases a scrap on the knee is not the same as a gunshot wound. This may sound cray, but some are being taught their scraped knee that needs antiseptic and a Band-Aid is on par with a gunshot wound. How is empathy born from that? It’s not.

Some of our relationships are tanking because this is how we treat each other. If one has no experience in a situation they feel they don’t have to have to show even proper sympathy…until it happens to them and they demand what they refuse to give. We see it in grief all the time. Someone is broken from losing a parent that was their favorite person tragically, and a friend throws in their face well I lost a cousin…while telling that same person they are having dinner with their parents. Both are grieving…however, one is going to dinner with parents while the other feels like a part of their DNA just left the earth. In this scenario, all grief can be acknowledged…and the friend with both parents could be more caring instead of trying to one up. There is a difference between trying to connect as in I may not know parental loss, but I know loss and I’m here for you, verses my loss is greater than yours because it’s my life. We can acknowledge our own challenges and know they are valid, while being grateful it is not worse because clearly, we see worse exists.

Though my health challenges are severe I saw worse. I am grateful for the conversation in the grocery store. That sister encouraged me and showed me I can keep going. She had a smile I will never forget, and even in her situation she was so positive and full of life. She will never know how much she blessed me, because I saw someone going through more and they were shining.

Staff Writer; Chelle’ St James

May also connect with this sister via Twitter; ChelleStJames.

We know there are systemic issues at play that cause one to ask “who am I”, questioning what we already know about self.   Being able to define self opens up so many other doors whereby we can show up for ourselves. Knowing who you are helps inform how you interact with people, what you will tolerate, and can help one get outside of their heads to progress forward in life.

When was the last time you felt confident about how you see yourself in relation to the world around you? Do you find yourself constantly questioning self? Are you always excusing behaviors that are harmful because you are not sure of your response? Do you find it difficult to be yourself out loud taking the space you need? Are you adjusting how you feel about matters to appease those around you? Do you feel your sense of self is not accurate if others don’t validate you? Do you tend to adapt to the methods of others to be more acceptable in a space? All of these questions can lead to an understanding of if you truly know who you are, and it you value that person. Can you accept that person that is truly you? This is a tough internal work, and for many of us it is painful. As we unpack the question of whether we know ourselves we might end up acknowledging harm that has been done to us, but even more importantly the harm we have done to ourselves. Facing these things are often the biggest deterrents from doing the work to know ourselves and settle with that knowledge. The decision to get to know yourself is one of the best decisions you can make; it is worth the hard work and struggle to be able to sit comfortably within yourself.

Take the time to sit with yourself quietly. If no one would judge you, what do you like. What are the things you are passionate about? What informs your value system? I understand you might be hesitant at first or even feel you need help, and that is ok. However, before you reach out get some truth about you from you. It doesn’t have to always be deep, but its still a part of you. Example, I love black everything, black clothes, shoes, décor, jewelry…everything. Because I was told I look like the walking dead so much I begin to wear other colors so that I would not be ridiculed. That was not the real me. I might not seem like a big deal, but I started to see myself more as a character than as an individual. I became a walking character that others add to, and in that I lost myself. It started off as something so small, yet it an issue that spiraled into other areas.

I even began to internalize the words of others even though they were harmful to me. Before I knew it the majority of my person was created by the expectations and ridicule of others. I just wanted to be able to be present in spaces without the scrutiny. That was accomplished; however, it was at the cost of my person. I was not foreign to myself.  The heartbreaker is, most of the people that are defining who you are negatively will not be present to help put you back together when the false identity implodes…and it will. You can only be a stranger to yourself for so long.

You are an individual and that is beautiful. Take time to know the truth of you and then let those that mean you well help add to it. A very dear sister of mine helped me realize my love for black is okay because it’s who I am. She is also the reason I came to realize I like splashes of color against my beloved black. Again, this is something simple, but as you settle into yourself there will be strong people that will value you as is and introduce you to things you can choose to incorporate. All of this leads to living in truth and living out loud. Even when it is not popular and unvalidated by some…its validated by you and that is want matters. More people will gravitate towards the real you than you dealing with people that only want a shell of you. You deserve to know yourself and like that person.

Staff Writer; Chelle’ St James

May also connect with this sister via Twitter; ChelleStJames.

One thing Black Americans have always had to do was keep watch. Even if we decided not to speak to matters immediately, we saw them; at the very least we began preparing mentally. What some may see as our ingenious brand of comedy is usually a way to begin vetting how we feel about things happening, or what we see is about to happen. Because of this we can begin to face what could be serious issues while maintaining some level of peace because we are not caught off guard. There is not a storm that just shows up that we are absolutely unprepared to address. Due to this, many might say we are prophetic…maybe, but its more so our people have been through enough to anticipate what those around us will do should hell break loose. Unfortunately, this means protecting ourselves from others, and each those of us within our “community” that don’t move like us. This quiet laidback observation with stealth movement has kept us through every major issue this country has faced, and that our people have faced. The important thing is we always saw the storm coming.

Today we are possibly at a disadvantage. Too many of us may be misunderstanding the concept of “protecting peace” and wanting a “soft life”. As stated, these are not bad, with that in mind one must understand it doesn’t look the same for our people as it may for other groups. We can’t shut out the world around us under the guise of peace. We can not misunderstand the true meaning of strength and surrender our greatest personal advantage for a “soft” that will betray us in the future. One of our greatest strengths was seeing hell and being absolutely unbothered because as a people we have seen worse. Our peace was not dictated by the world around us; it was a decision made in spite of the world. This allows us to maintain joy, thrive in various endeavors, build family and community, and move our people forward. Access can be a tool, but not one that should be internalized. None of what we see around us is new…it’s repackaged hatred, confusion, evil, and chaos. We can’t afford to ignore all of it, or to simply pretend the madness in the world is either not happening or won’t affect us.

When ICE began its rampage of violating human rights by pulling immigrants off the streets our people, for the most part, felt this is not our fight. We had every right to be angry and feel betrayed after the election. We knew people in this country voted for their own demise…we warned them, but no one listened. We said it was not our fight, but we didn’t say we wouldn’t observe the situation. Black America had to know they could not afford to go into a bubble whereby they did not pay attention. Sisters we had to know we could not just ignore what was about to happen…and did happen. Some of us tried to say it’s not my business; turn the TV off, turn the phone off, and disengage completely because it is not our fight and we are tired. The sentiment was understandable, but we should also know that is not the America WE live in. It is unsafe for us to completely disengage. The reason we were able to give the warning is because we currently live in the reality that was coming for others. Knowing that, we should also know we would be in the line of fire. We can disengage from the discussion while actively paying attention so that we move in a manner that protects our safety and peace. To ignore everything completely is to get blind-sided. This is not new…it’s always been our reality. Protect your peace by being aware and prepared. Ignorance is not bliss…it’s deadly.

Staff Writer; Chelle’ St James

May also connect with this sister via Twitter; ChelleStJames.

The process began with skepticism. I approached the book wary of platitudes and empty affirmations, concerned that its advice would be generic, offensive, or something that is tone deaf to me as a Black person and a Black woman. Yet, as I read, I found myself drawn into the author’s narrative. The stories and anecdotes are often familiar, sprinkled with failures and small victories that mirrored my own life. I tend to feel like I’ve heard this before. That’s not always bad, because sometimes we need to hear a different voice. The books do not pretend that change came easily or instantly; instead, it emphasized the importance of small, consistent actions—a concept I found both comforting, attainable and necessarily repetitive.

Many self-help books offer a toolkit for living: exercises in gratitude, frameworks for goal setting, methods for reframing negative thoughts. This book was no different, but what set it apart was the way it invited me to personalize the advice. Rather than prescribing a rigid schedule or a one-size-fits-all solution, it encouraged reflection, self-assessment, and gradual experimentation. Some parts of the exercises reminded me that I needed to chart my path

For example, many of the self-help books speak to cultivating mindfulness in daily routines. The author suggested a simple breathing exercise to anchor myself in the present moment. Though initially skeptical, I tried it before stressful meetings or during moments of overwhelm. Over time, this small practice became a refuge—a way to reset my focus and approach challenges with greater clarity.

Another section explored the art of setting achievable goals. Instead of pushing for dramatic transformation, the book recommended breaking ambitions into manageable tasks. This approach helped me rediscover a sense of progress, even on days when motivation was scarce. A checklist at the end of each chapter served as a gentle nudge, a reminder that personal growth is cumulative.

No journey of self-improvement is free of setbacks. I encountered resistance, both internal and external. Some days, the advice felt simplistic or contrived. There were moments when I slipped back into old habits, frustrated by the gap between intention and action. The book, however, anticipated these hurdles. It devoted a chapter to “embracing imperfection” and offered strategies for handling failure—treating it not as a verdict, but as a teacher.

This perspective was transformative. It allowed me to forgive myself for stumbling, to understand that relapse is not a sign of futility but a natural part of the process. Instead of abandoning the book in disappointment, I found myself returning to its pages, seeking reassurance and recalibration.

So, did the self-help book help me? The answer, though nuanced, is largely affirmative. The greatest gift the book offered was not a magical formula for happiness, but a new way of seeing myself and my circumstances. Its lessons rippled outward, shaping the way I interact with others, approaching my work, and care for my own well-being. I walked away realizing my ancestors were right, and that some principles are universal.

It would be disingenuous to claim that the book solved all my problems or transformed my life overnight. Its impact was subtle, cumulative, and sometimes difficult to measure. There were passages that felt irrelevant, advice that didn’t resonate, and moments when motivation waned. But the act of engaging with the book—of dedicating time to reflection, learning, and self-experimentation—was itself beneficial. Self-help, I realized, is not about finding answers but about asking better questions. The book’s true strength lies in reminding me that change is possible, even if it’s incremental and imperfect. It served less as an oracle and more as a companion, offering guidance without judgment.

In the final reckoning, the question “Did the Self-Help Book Help?” is not a binary one. The book was neither a panacea nor a placebo; it was a catalyst. It nudged me toward greater self-understanding, invited me to challenge my assumptions, and provided practical tools for navigating the complexities of daily life. Its influence persists in small ways—in the rituals I’ve adopted, the kindness I extend to myself, and the curiosity with which I approach new challenges. I realized that I would engage Self Help books to help confirm what I already know, or to hear what I’ve been taught from a different perspective. As I read, I often heard the voice of elders and parents.

The journey of self-development is never truly finished, and no book can offer a universal blueprint. The self-help book was a helpful addition—a spark that continues to illuminate my path, one step at a time.

Staff Writer; Christian Starr

May connect with this sister over at Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/christian.pierre.9809 and also Twitter; http://twitter.com/MrzZeta.

If you think this is an exaggeration it is time you look at what is rapidly happening in healthcare. Millions are being kicked off their Medicaid. The healthcare of the disabled, elderly, and children are being played with as we speak. Right here in Louisiana urgent cares are closing all over the state and in rural areas. This matters because in some rural places it can take over an hour for those residents to get to an emergency room, or to a doctor’s office. This is serious and it can cause delays in care which for some can be life threatening. The stress of physical health conditions exacerbates mental health conditions that already exist and can create new ones. This is not a joke nor is it the voices of people that are just upset their candidate lost. You know this to be true by the degree of voter remorse that is running rampant. The hatred of some, and lack of care for others has literally led to behaviors that has cause a national healthcare crisis.

I admit I became depressed after the election. I sat back and watched my Medicaid be threatened. I have sat on the phone for countless hours trying to manage how to afford medications and have had to have some of them changed or adjusted. This took a toll on me physically leading to brief hospitalizations as my doctors find alternatives to the medications I was previously on. Unfortunately, I am not the only one…and I’m not the worst case. There are countless horror stories of patients trying to figure out how to stay alive under this administration. Think about it, we are not trying to figure out how to manage…no it’s how are we going to keep breathing. Check on your friends with health challenges because we are not ok. It is hard enough feeling like a burden due to being ill and or disabled.

Yes, family will tell you they love you and you are valued, but you see the strain your condition causes. Many of us wish we could just get up and work, but physically we are unable, and this adds to the feeling of worthlessness. Now we have added pressure from an administration that does not care about its citizens to the point where we are not only being targeted on the streets, but in healthcare as well. Many of us are distanced from family because everything just became more expensive. Unfortunately, some citizens will choose to leave this earth verses fighting for help. They are tired.

The reality is too any Americans were selfish and hateful during this last election. Too many were racist to the point they finally did cut off their own nose despite their face. Unfortunately, the nation is paying the price…not just the people that voted for this madness. Though it is ridiculously hard, we must come together as a community and care for our sick, disabled, elders, and children. Those of us with health issues must fight to remember our life has value. We are worth fighting for, and we must continue to show up for ourselves. Though I found myself in a dark space…I had to get up and get back out into creation. I deserve the right to continue living my life like many others challenges with health issues. Illness under Trump is frightening and difficult, but we can survive.

Staff Writer; Chelle’ St James

May also connect with this sister via Twitter; ChelleStJames.

We make sly comments about those that appear to depend on others, especially if it’s a man, while we low key lament not having a support system that shows up for us. This can lead to the sabotage of a proper support system because we are in denial that one is needed while our hearts plead. The few people allowed near us, or survive our hypocritical standards, are often pushed past their capacity because they know we are not as strong as we depict…and if they don’t answer no one will. As we prepare to go into another year, as a collective and individually we as Black women must understand living alone…and isolated can be scary. Embracing this truth does not make us week…it is allowing self to acknowledge the humanity and vulnerability within. We do not know what the upcoming years will hold, but if we are internally uncomfortable with a state of living alone, we need to acknowledge this to ourselves before anything can change.

When we think about living alone, we tend to limit that to just being in a physical living space by ourselves. Often times we neglect that we can be surrounded by others and be in a state of living alone. Physical isolation is not required to be isolated. With that being said, for some that isolation is played out physically. It’s understood that some of us have no choice in that matter, but some of us do and choose loneliness to our own detriment. Let me just say we are not talking about putting oneself in hostile and toxic environments for the sake of living amongst others. No, we’re talking about allowing oneself to accept help, be among others that would love and protect us, and acknowledging when the world becomes a scary place in whatever way that surfaces.

For some of us health challenges and the anxiety that comes with them can be exacerbated when the risk of having a health episode alone sinks in. For others it could be realizing you are alone in an unsafe environment you can not manage. However, it can also be something as simple as not facing internal hardships alone…not saying a single word when you have people that would gladly show up for you. This community could be made of various individuals, organizations, and institutions…by now we understand it doesn’t have to be blood. Sometimes the hardest part of this matter is coming to terms with the fact that those that show up very well may not be biological family. Struggling with the trauma of conflict with biological family runs deep for so many of us. There might be times that we long for blood family so much that we push away the cultural and spiritual family the universe has given us. This not only leads to living alone in a sense, but also more emotional trauma. Life will already bring various hardships…we need not make it worse by isolating self while chasing those that harm us.

Recently I experience this scary loneliness as my home was broken into. Part of me wished a strong man lived in my home instead of me being single. There was part of me that felt like my space being violated cut me off from others so though people cared I felt alone. There was the feeling of wishing the little blood family had would move towards me like they cared. The reality of my deteriorating health was overwhelming as my mind grappled with the what it’s that could have happened. I would have not been able to defend not help myself. However, in all of this once thing I forced myself to acknowledge is I do have a village. I do have people in my life that care and at this moment I need them. I need to not live in loneliness and fear. No degree of independence could accommodate for the need of human connection. I say this knowing it’s not easy. If you are feeling alone allow the village that loved you to kill the fear and embrace you.

Staff Writer; Chelle’ St James

May also connect with this sister via Twitter; ChelleStJames.

The Hidden Dangers of Depo-Provera

Depo-Provera, also known as the birth control, shot, is an injectable contraceptive that contains medroxyprogesterone acetate, a progestin or synthetic version of the hormone progesterone. But unlike birth control pills that should be taken daily and require strict adherence, this medication is administered just every three months, which makes it a favored option for those seeking a low-maintenance form of contraception. Yet its risks have been a subject of debate for many years.

The legal use of Depo-Provera began when the country’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it in October 1992. However, prior to this, concerns about its long-term effects were already raised. Studies showed that prolonged use of this medication can cause bone density loss, which prompted the authorities to issue a black box warning in 2004 advising against its continuing utilization for more than two years. Despite this, some women, including those in the Black population, were prescribed Depo-Provera for extended periods. Researchers found that continuation rates for this medication were notably high among inner-city and minority adolescents—with more than 50% of these groups still using it after two years. But this extended use has led to harmful effects. Based on a clinical trial, users of Depo-Provera for over two years experienced a significant decrease in bone mineral density, and tragically, this did not return to baseline levels even after they stopped using the medication and underwent treatment. Other reported side effects also included an increased risk of tumors, breast cancer, mood disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.

The legal use of Depo-Provera began when the country’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it in October 1992. However, prior to this, concerns about its long-term effects were already raised. Studies showed that prolonged use of this medication can cause bone density loss, which prompted the authorities to issue a black box warning in 2004 advising against its continuing utilization for more than two years. Despite this, some women, including those of the Black population, were prescribed Depo-Provera for extended periods. Researchers found that continuation rates for this medication were notably high among inner-city and minority adolescents—with more than 50% of these groups still using it after two years. But this extended use has led to harmful effects. Based on a clinical trial, users of Depo-Provera for over two years experienced a significant decrease in bone mineral density, and tragically, this did not return to baseline levels even after they stopped using the medication and underwent treatment. Other reported side effects also included an increased risk of tumors, breast cancer, mood disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.

Not fully understanding and disclosing the nature of Depo-Provera and its disadvantages before its approval means that many women were not adequately informed about the dangers. And what seemed like a straightforward and low-maintenance birth control option became a source of medical uncertainty for those who trusted it.

Depo-Provera’s Disproportionate Impact

The risks of Depo-Provera were overlooked in ways that unreasonably affected specific groups. Black women were more likely to use this medication. In fact, an early analysis found that this group, including Hispanic women, were more likely to receive the birth control shot compared to their white counterparts. This pattern raises serious concerns about medical decision-making and whether certain populations were being steered toward specific birth control methods without full disclosure of the dangers.

The aggressive promotion of Depo-Provera is not new in marginalized communities. The latest data revealed that this medication is often a popular choice for lower-income women. This trend is concerning, especially when considering how systemic biases may restrict recipients’ options and, in some cases, direct them toward long-term use of contraceptives without proper counseling on the associated risks and available alternatives.

Laws surrounding informed consent are meant to protect patients from these situations. Yet the detrimental impacts of using Depo-Provera highlight serious gaps in enforcing these regulations. Many women were never told about its detrimental effects, while some are only now discovering the potential consequences of a contraceptive injection they trusted. With recent scientific findings, lawsuits are also emerging, which shows victims have started to seek accountability for the lack of transparency that puts them in jeopardy unknowingly.

Re-evaluating Long-Term Drug Safety

The history of Depo-Provera should serve as a serious reminder of how long-term contraceptives should be evaluated, regulated, and prescribed. This issue is particularly critical given that many negative consequences are often preventable. One notable study published by the British Medical Journal underscores this important lesson.

Research indicates that women who used Depo-Provera for more than a year were found to be at a higher risk of developing cranial meningiomas, a type of brain tumor that, although typically benign, can lead to serious neurological complications and may require invasive surgery. This study analyzed over 18,000 cases and revealed that individuals using this birth control injection for an extended period were more than five times more likely to develop meningiomas.

Considering the serious disadvantages of fast-tracked medications, pharmaceutical companies should not be allowed to distribute and sell medicines without a complete understanding of their long-term effects. The FDA and other regulatory agencies must strengthen post-market surveillance to immediately address any emerging safety concerns. Most importantly, healthcare providers must be strictly required to offer comprehensive counseling on contraceptive options to give women the necessary information to make truly informed choices.

No woman should have to face health risks simply because the birth control, she thought was safe ended up compromising her well-being. This is why it is important to rethink drug safety and informed consent, not tomorrow but right now. While strict measures ensuring women’s safety are yet to be implemented, those who were diagnosed with meningioma after using Depo-Provera may pursue a claim for compensation against liable manufacturers. Paralegal firms like Atraxia Law support women who meet specific eligibility criteria. To pursue a claim, you must have received at least two Depo-Provera injections after 1992 and been diagnosed with meningioma afterward. If you meet these criteria, reaching out to a legal expert could be the first step in holding the manufacturer accountable and seeking justice.

About the Author; Stan Gottfredson is the President and CEO of Atraxia Law, a paralegal firm in San Diego, California aiding victims of toxic exposure.