“Ask the ‘strongest’ woman in your life, ‘Are you OK?’ was tweeted by KairaAkita in the light of the death of Karyn Washington, founder of the For Brown Girls website.
Washington’s death wasn’t by natural causes. The 22-year-old committed suicide. It was reported by a friend that Washington struggled with depression after her mother died. I think this is just another reminded that African-Americans -men and women- need to seek help for mental health issues they find themselves dealing with.
Washington inspired many African-American women, especially those darker completions. She encouraged girls and women to love their natural selves, from hair to skin color and everything in between. After A$AP Rocky said red lips and dark girls don’t mix, she launched the #DarkSkinRedLip Project to empower women to wear red lipstick no matter their complexion. As a result, women began posting photos where they had worn red lips.
Twenty-two-year-old Karyn Washington was the founder of the inspiring website, For Brown Girls. She reportedly committed suicide Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of For Brown Girls website)
As I read the story while out to dinner with a friend, tears surfaced. Mental health issues aren’t something I’m new to; I face them and many of my friends do as well. I cried because it could have been any one of them, or me myself, who committed suicide. Too often, it is covered up and ignored. Too often people suffer in silence. Too often people die needlessly.
I didn’t know Washington personally and I don’t know her story. But. her story is similar to so many stories out there.
Stories of women who are taught crying is not an option; sharing feelings is unwanted; and praying is better than seeking help. They are also taught that if you cry, share or seek help, then you are not ‘strong; and leaves feelings of shame.
Washington’s dedicated her life to empowering Black girls and women to living their lives proud of themselves and their bodies.
She truly lived by words; her words inspired women to love their skin color no matter how light or dark it may be. RIZZARR, Inc. lives by words; we inspire young adults to recognize the ripple they create. Washington’s ripple impacted thousands of women in her life and will continue to do so in her death.
But, we all have a job to do; otherwise she has died purposeless. I urge you to honor her memory by asking every “strong” woman if she’s okay, like Akita said. Honor her member by working to reduce the stigma of seeking help for mental health issues. Honor her memory by cultivating a society that allows for us to answer truthfully when asked, “Are you okay?”, “What’s up with you?” and “How are you doing?”. Honor her memory by doing all you can to ensure we don’t lose any more Black women to suicide.
When I picked my healthcare plan from the Marketplace that was created from the Affordable Healthcare Act, I was grateful there was coverage for mental health. No longer would I have to worry about the cost of mental healthcare. If you did not sign up for health coverage by the March 31 deadline, there will be another opportunity for coverage that will start next year.
Sometimes people who are contemplating suicide:
- Talk about wanting to die
- Look for a way to kill oneself
- Talk about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious, agitated or recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings
These warning signs are associated with suicide but may not cause the suicide. The more signs a person shows, the greater the risk. If you see someone exhibiting signs of suicide please get them help. Remember not to leave the person alone, remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects, call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255), take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental helath professional.
[Current Song: Rain by Breaking Benjamin]
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