Depression is a battle many face in silence, especially within the Black community where stigma often keeps individuals from seeking help. For Black women, who may face unique pressures and challenges rooted in systemic racism, sexism, and often socio-economic factors, finding effective and culturally sensitive treatment options is crucial.
In the broader mental health community, hypnosis is becoming a topic of interest in discussions about mental health therapies, yet it carries several myths that might deter people, especially Black people, from considering it a viable option.
I am not going to lie, when I would hear the word hypnosis, I would immediately think about a performer in a dingy, smoke-filled venue bringing someone on stage, telling them to they are getting sleepier and the forcing them to cluck like a chicken. And then when that Jordan Peele movie “Get Out” hit the theaters…shiiiidd!
But a few years ago, I met a Black woman who actually does hypnosis. Through her practice, L Hypnosis, LaVerne helps Black women with various things just as weight-loss, smoking and their overall mental health.
So I gave it a try; and bay-bay, the way she had me so relaxed yet focused at the same time! I was so impressed with her work, I asked her to come on my podcast and talk about hypnosis and how Black women can use it in their mental wellness regime.
In this blog, I would like to highlight some of the benefits LaVerne and I talked about, dispel the myths about hypnosis, and see how it could potentially help Black women manage depression.
Myth 1: Hypnosis is Mind Control
One of the most common misconceptions about hypnosis is that it puts the hypnotist in control of the person’s mind. In reality, hypnosis is more about helping individuals gain more control over their own minds. It’s a state of highly focused attention or concentration, often referred to as a trance. During this time, a person can be more open to suggestions, but they remain fully aware and in control of their actions.
Myth 2: You Can Be Hypnotized to Do Things Against Your Will
This myth is prevalent in popular culture where hypnosis is often dramatized. However, in therapeutic settings, hypnosis is used as a tool to empower the patient to overcome mental blocks and heal. No one can hypnotize you into doing things against your will. Instead, hypnosis is used to facilitate positive changes and healthier behavior patterns.
Myth 3: Hypnosis Can Make You Forget Unwanted Memories
While hypnosis can be used to help manage memories that are painful, it does not erase memories. Rather, it can help individuals change how they relate to and perceive past events, which can be particularly helpful in managing depressive symptoms that might be linked to past traumas or experiences.
Benefits of Hypnosis for Depression
For Black women, who often carry the dual burdens of racial and gender discrimination, depression can manifest uniquely, necessitating culturally competent approaches to treatment. Here’s how hypnosis might help:
Stress Reduction: Hypnosis can promote deep relaxation, helping to alleviate stress, which is a significant contributor to depression.
Enhanced Emotional Regulation: Through hypnosis, individuals can learn better coping mechanisms for managing intense emotions. It can be a great way to practice mindfulness – a tool that is extremely helpful in emotion regulation.
Behavioral Changes: Hypnosis can encourage the formation of healthy habits, such as regular exercise or better sleep patterns, which are crucial in combating depression.
Improved Self-Esteem and Empowerment: By addressing negative self-talk and promoting a greater sense of self-worth, hypnosis can empower Black women to feel more in control of their mental health.
Final Thoughts
While hypnosis is not a one-size-fits-all solution, it offers a promising supplementary treatment for those struggling with depression, particularly when combined with other therapeutic approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication. For Black women dealing with depression, breaking down the myths and understanding the benefits of hypnosis is the first step towards considering it as part of a comprehensive mental health care strategy.
Understanding and addressing the unique ways depression impacts different communities is key in providing effective mental health support. By exploring all avenues, including those less traveled like hypnosis, we can offer more holistic and empowering mental health solutions.
Hope this was helpful!
Until next time…
Take care + Be well,
Regina Renaye
A Recovering Strong Black Woman
