Editorial: Lifting each other up on International Women’s Day

It’s International Women’s Day. 

This entire month, and today especially, is an ideal time to honor the incredible women of history and the trailblazers continuing to make a difference today. They are real life superwomen, and they deserved to be recognized and appreciated far beyond the month of March. 

But I think, in light of the year we have all endured, International Women’s Day is also an important time to remember something that has not been vocalized nearly enough.

It’s ok to not be ok right now. You can be vulnerable and still be powerful.

As a new mother and as a woman who is working full time and raising a seven-month old at home, I can honestly tell you, this is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Motherhood is amazing and my son is the love of my life, but it’s incredibly challenging, frustrating, overwhelming and even though I know I’m doing my best, it’s daunting.

Women today have a lot to overcome—we are expected to be successful, optimistic, juggle home and work life, and do it all with a smile. It is unfair. It’s unrealistic. And it’s extremely unhealthy. 

So to my fellow females, please do not put unnecessary pressure on yourself. It’s ok to be overwhelmed. Women are strong, but we are not perfect. And it’s perfectly OK to need help sometimes.

I listed below some resources available in the City of Sisterly Love. I hope for other women, like myself, who are feeling the weight of the past year especially crushing, take time for yourself, ask for help and realize that you are amazing, even on the days you feel like you’re falling apart. 

Healthy Minds Philly

With the goal of supporting and improving mental health for all Philadelphians, Healthy Minds Philly offers online tools and resources ranging from informational blogs to health screenings to online webinars. Upcoming webinars include: Early Language Environment in Philadelphia: Diagnosis and Intervention (March 9), Mental Health and Wellness in the Workplace Webinar (March 11), and A Live Guided Meditation (March 26), to name a few. 

HealthyMindsPhilly.org

Black Women’s Health Alliance

The Black Women’s Health Alliance has built a legacy as the voice of African-American women in Philadelphia’s health community. The organization offers programs that aim to reduce health disparities for minority women and their families. These advocacy efforts include a support group that helps African American women with stress management, educational workshops and community based research including a mental wellness focus group. 

Pbwha.org

Therapy for Women

This Philadelphia-based therapy group offers resources including in-person sessions, telehealth visits, workshops and more, and specializes in depression, anxiety, postpartum and substance abuse. On Wednesday, March 28, they will host a one-hour session on tolerating uncertainty during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Therapyforwomen.com

Penn Center for Women’s Behavioral Wellness

The PCWBW is a collaboration between the Departments of Psychiatry and Obstetrics/Gynecology in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. The PCWBW offers clinical consultations and evaluations, therapy options, online resources and outpatient services. 

med.upenn.edu/womenswellness