Designing a Life of Happiness for Black Women | Tiffany McIntyre | TEDxTowsonU

Burnout Definition and Impact - The American Psychological Association defines burnout as mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion, often with decreased motivation and lowered performance [3] - Burnout can lead to internal shame, especially for Black women due to societal expectations of strength and resilience [4][5] - Suppressing emotions, though praised, increases the risk of mental and physical health conditions like high-functioning depression, anxiety, gastrointestinal issues, heart problems, and migraines [15][16] The "Strong Black Woman" Schema - Black women face intersecting pressures that decrease their experience with happiness and joy [7] - The "strong black woman" schema describes Black women as resilient, avoiding vulnerability, self-sufficient, and in service to others, which can be exhausting [10][11] - This expectation can lead to suffering being seen as a badge of honor, distorting experiences with happiness [11] Recovery and Self-Care - Addressing burnout involves honesty, self-care, and recognizing the need for help [8] - The most radical act for Black women is to care for themselves fully and unapologetically [20] - Resisting the myth that strength means self-abandonment and choosing self-care are crucial [21]