What It's Like to Be ADHD and Black
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- čas přidán 29. 07. 2024
- There are many factors that affect our lived experience of ADHD. This is the first in a series of videos that will explore what it's like to be ADHD and. Given what's going on in this country, I thought it was important to start with what it's like to be ADHD and Black.
00:00 Intro
01:57 Meet The Brains
05:42 Mental Health And The Black Community
10:00 Masking and Code-Switching
12:32 Dealing With Discrimination
19:09 Moving Forward
24:04 Outro
25:03 Endcard
LINKS (in order of introduction):
Romanza McAllister, LCSW Social Action Influencer
ADHD Coach & Race Equity Advocate
mcallisterpsychotherapy.com/
--
Diyah Najah
Artist & Educator
www.ArtistDiyahNajah.com IG:@ArtistDiyahNajah
--
Roxanne Jarrett
Creative Productivity Facilitator
roxannejarrett.com / swellhead.com
--
Joseph Gitau
Writer/musician/blogger
@MisWiredKE
--
Loucresie Rupert MD
Child Psychiatrist/ blogger /consultant
www.underoneumbrella.blog
--
Michelle Ford
Geek of mythic proportions
@mythicgeek
--
Junotta, BSc Nutrition
@ADHD_JC
--
Stacey Machelle
Comic/ADHD Advocate
/ @adhdisthenewblack
--
Autistic Tyla
Autism Advocate / Founder B+ND
/ autistictyla
--
Corey T Queen
The Dad Bod Podcast creator
@CoreyQ_2point0 (IG and Twitter)
--
Inger Shaye
ADHD & Executive Coach
www.ingershaye.com
--
Kini Foster
Software Engineer
kini@introspectiveit.com
--
René Brooks
Founder, blackgirllostkeys.com
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Twitter: / howtoadhd
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Music for "What It's Like to Be ADHD and Black:"
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Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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Before I even watch this video, I just want to say I teared up seeing the thumbnail and title. As a black girl who's been misunderstood for all 20 years of my life, I never thought I'd ever see a video like this in my subscription feed.
Thank you.
this comment alone makes all the work that went into this worth it
Right same!!!!! Bruhhhh this is powerful
I teared up seeing how much this means to you, I'm glad this helped you so much
Same here Sis ...same here. Take care❤🤟🏿
big crunchy You took the words straight from my mouth. I have sought for so long on CZcams for resources like this amplifying black voices in mental health. @HowtoADHD I truly appreciate you using your platform that already helps so many folks with ADHD to amplify these voices that are so fundamentally important and so rarely heard at this volume. 🙏🏽
I'm a Black man and I've struggled with severe inattentive ADHD my entire life. Before diagnosis, earning my degree felt like crawling over broken glass toward a goal that was seemingly always *just* out of my grasp. I thought I was stupid; I believed I was lazy and incompetent.
About two years ago, my therapist, in an attempt to help me better understand what I was up against, emailed me a link to CZcams channel that was dedicated to ADHD and how to live alongside it. I've been watching these videos and attempting to implement these skills and new thinking ever since. Eventually, I earned that degree and even landed a job working for the first Black Mayor of Saint Paul, MN.
I cannot overstate how significant and deeply validating it is to see other Black men and women facing what I'm facing. My sincere ask is that you continue to raise up people of color and allow more people to experience what I just did.
Representation matters. Thank you for sharing these stories, Jessica.
Thank you for sharing yours!
Ya adhd feels like your brain is goop sometimes. Also constantly distracting
I also have struggled with bad undiagnosed or noticed Inattentive ADHD my who life until I was 21. 2 years after high school graduation and 12 years of severe bullying for my differences challenges difficulties etc I’m Latino I also have learning disabilities and a communication disorder never understanding why I had to get bullied all 12 years 1-12 I thought all I was what they called me a slow learner also what my parents had explained to me at young age but no one Especially me knew I had ADHD and Social communication disorder.
Black woman with ADHD-C here! Sending you lots of love! I was in the same boat but I’m getting back on track. I was diagnosed at 25 a few months ago (26 now!). I went most of my life thinking that I’m stupid. I still struggle with that. I failed school so many times, thought I couldn’t do anything right. My gpa was so low they had to take me out of my degree program and place me in a certificate program. If I raise my gpa to a 2.5, I can be eligible to be placed back into my degree program. I ended up bringing my gpa to a 3.33. Now I can go back into my degree program! Thanks to my meds and creating my own schedule, I got my shit together lol.
Thank you for sharing your story!
Black girl with ADHD here who would not have survived grad school without this channel. FYI, also, both Solange and SZA have ADHD! So black women with ADHD, we're in great company. Don't underestimate your own brilliance. 💕💕
I fought through grad school w/ no social life, not knowing I had a problem. I wish I would've known about ADHD sooner.
Solange and SZA ❤️
i did NOT know Solange and SZA had ADHD and that really validates bc i love them
In grad school now with ADHD and it's such a struggle. But patience and self-compassion has taken me far. I'm glad you survived it! ❤️
Damnnnnn GRAD SCHHHOOOLLLL!!??? AHHHHHH IM SO PROUD OF YOOOUUUUU!!! I'm trying to finish my bachelors and Im 6 years in and wanna quit and I just realized Im missing the deadline before the requirements for credentialing/registration requirements change and Im gonna need a masters!!! AHHHHHH I CANT IMAGIIIINNNE how hard that coulda been!! Do you have any advice for me? Also now I need to look that up lol I love knowing about famous people/idols/role models/leaders with similar struggles and letting myself or others believe that anything is possible (you are now an official role model of mine too though fyi just cuz.... GRAD SCHOOL OMG!!!!) What did you study? Sorry if I'm pestering cx
It’s almost as if black parents think mental health doesn’t exist. I’ve literally had my aunt say “why would anyone in our family be depressed? that’s white ppl issues”
Perhaps, and that's just my white mans hunch, this could be a result of centuries of oppression where black people have learned that they need to be sharp all the time or get burned. Intelligent people can live a whole fine life without finding out or accepting that they may have issues because they are so good in compensating.
WOW
“Strength” via ignorance. Basically denial.
It's so sad....because they don't realize the toxic Coping mechanisms that are being adopted just to survive. What does it mean to be alive?... is the question she should answer. If it sounds like JUST surviving, then that gives you a clue of her perception. If you want to thrive....you seek professional help and quick! Good luck bro 🙏
Yesssss!!!
"literally forgot I had an ADHD diagnosis"
THAT IS SUCH AN ADHD MOOD THOUGH
💀💀💀
Same lol
I was her. It’s like I lived a parallel life.
Right?!? It didn’t resonate until it was urgent, which may sometimes be too late.
i forgot for about a decade 😅
As a nigerian, the hardest part was that the people doing the labelling were my parents
🇳🇬 ADHD Nigerians will have a voice in this generation
Yep, i'm dealing with that rn as a ADHD nigerian *sighs*
Same for me, but i'm carribean
Parents and of course other family members. It’s very hurtful. Constantly hearing the shady comments from everyone.
African parents often use insults as a shaming tactic to motivate their children to do better. They have no clue how detrimental it is especially when you have little control over your circumstances. At least now we have the internet for easy access to solidarity. 🇬🇭
I’m not even 2 minutes into this video and I’m tearing up because I feel less alone dealing with this. I didn’t get diagnosed until I was 30 because Black girls are under diagnosed. This made life so much harder. Ugh I can’t explain the joy it gives me know there are other that look like me and have the same experiences.
With you! I wasn’t diagnosed until after 40. Hang in there!
Same! But I got diagnosed in 2nd grade ( I’m 17)
I was diagnosed at 35. It's hard enough without the overcomplication of race... I can't even imagine. Sending you big hugs!
I have been ADHD my whole life I was always labeled as bad. I found out when I was about 36 after speaking with a therapist. Life was hard. Is hard. My job does not respect my disability and I find myself with more depression and anxiety because I’m expected to perform at a level that is beyond my means. I love this channel and Jessica. I completely had the same reaction as you
Your never alone,I with you and you w/me ✊😤
This is a fantastic example of how white creators can leverage their platforms to elevate the voices and experiences of POC. Great stuff as always, Jessica!
thank you!! We really tried! Everyone in the video was so incredible, too.
YES
Please keep it up! I still matters a year later and always.
This!!
Agreed 👍🏽 wholeheartedly
Thank you. I am tears. As an African American man I feel alone with these issues. Glad to hear that I am not alone. It’s been real hard these past few months. Thank you
*hugs* and tissues. You are seen and loved.
How to ADHD thank you
As an Afro- Guyanese, I Thought I was alone too.
😭😭
You aren't alone bro!
Jessica: "we will be donating all proceeds throughout july to organizations that specifically benefit mental health and the black community"
Me: proceeds to play her videos all the time for the rest of the month
Right? I made a mental note of which ones would be repeated. Including this one.
@ Everyone - don't forget to turn off ad block!
I would 100% watch a 5 hour version of this. No question about it.
Right?? Like that's my whole Sunday right there.
I can second that.
Please make 5 hour special
Me too! Please! Make a 5 hour version!
I would also watch a 5 hour of this, much love out there to everyone, and stay strong
Jessica: "I wanted to Include more but it would have honestly been 5 hours long"
Me: 5 HOURS OF THIS? GIMME!
Yes! I would so watch more of this.
I was thinking the same thing!
make a series!
I would love to watch more of this! Truly fantastic. As a counselor and future counselor educator we need more videos like this! Keep up the fantastic work that you do. It is invaluable!
Yes, please publish all five hours!
when she said “how many streets am i at the intersection of?” that hit hard man
Same. I share all the same intersections and it is exhausting.
Agreed!
Same!!
This is really cool. In Latino culture, ADHD and mental illness is not taking seriously. I was told that It’s all just in your head and my experience was never taken seriously of given the attention it deserves. That’s why this channel is so valuable to people who live in cultures like that. Thank you for using your platform to be more inclusive! We need more of this in the world
I say to folks like that, just because it’s in my head don’t make it less real. Yeah it’s from Dumbledore to Harry Potter, and I don’t like the author much, but it’s an accurate way since it is a brain thing.
@@bookhuggah if people are having a hard time understanding i like to show them the brain scans of a neurotypical vs ADHD brains. The difference is REAL
I know! When my brother and I got diagnosed my mum just said "everyone has that these days, it's because of cell phones". However, my psychiatrist thinks it's very likely that both my parents have it.
100% My siblings and I are 1st gen born in the US, and we're only really learning about mental health now as adults.
And honestly the most accessible and comprehensive fountain of information I've found regarding ADHD has been this very channel. Not only has it been incredibly helpful from an informative aspect, but it has taught me to be gentle with myself and that I shouldn't feel shame for having the brain that I have. ❤️
honestly i feel you, if it wasnt for my US boyfriend i would never find out i had adhd (he has it to) and i would have live a never ending depression and rejection/disapproval/disappointment from friends and family
As someone who just discovered this channel and a possible diagnosis, this couldn't have come at a better time.
Welcome to the tribe! As Jessica says.
I, myself, was a late discoverer of my Neuro-Diversity. I found out at 38y/o.
No diagnosis - doctors just accepted and ignored me, then it disappeared as far as they are concerned and they put it out of mind.
I spent 38 years having difficult times and people being dismissive, if not hostile, due to my strange ways.
Now I know myself, found myself, and found this channel soon after and my understanding blossomed.
Now my life is much simpler if not easier.
I've changed my perceptions on interactions with the people who just don't know or understand, so I no longer feel hurt from those moments, just sigh and try again.
I have adapted to my capabilities, limits, and adopted new methods to achieve my goals - attainable goals.
I hope your path through discovery brings you a little peace of mind and a glimmer of hope to see you through the hardships too.
❤ to u!
So were you diagnosed?
welcome to the brains
@@psluxton Thank you! I'm also discovering how my brain works, and it's fascinating. It's also interesting rethinking my relationships with my family members who may have passed it down to me.
@@CoffinKid1 Not yet, but I have an appointment booked! 😊
As a teacher, I can say that Black ADHDers are met with MUCH more discipline than their white counterparts. In some cases, their race was seen as the cause of their “problems” and the reason they were seen as difficult. 😑
Totally agree. The children often internalize that they are bad, and get used to be disciplined for things th as t are not even their fault. Many parents tell my "oh, my mom just hsd to give me that look" 😣
Wow!! This is deep-and it makes me so sad.
Breaks my heart
My brother was almost put in special education in grade school for his anger management issues because he was seen as "emotionally impaired." Turns out, his ADHD (which he was JUST diagnosed with after almost failing out of college) was giving him troubles.
If it werent for my mother's advocating on his behalf who knows how our white school district would have stifled his potential. And while there is NO shame in needing such support, it simply wasn't what my brother needed from his teachers.
Especially when the symptoms of ADHD support the stereotypes some people have of POC.
I have adhd and aspergers and I'm so happy you're having this conversation with the black community. Maybe one day you can have this talk about neurodiversity in the Asian American community
i second this!
And the Hispanic community! I’d love learn more how these issues affect everyone across all ethnicities!
Absolutely
Yess
adhd and nvld so basically a similar scenario lol
This made me cry, as a black female it’s hard because black culture just doesn’t recognize ADHD
Or they refuse to believe it
The visual of ADHD being "white boys only" hurts those that don't fit that visual. So far we've seen either the gender or age difference preventing people from being diagnosed and recieving help, so I'm incredibly happy that we now have a video addressing how *race* also affects this.
Exposure and spreading awareness can only help us, those of us that have been diagnosed, and those that have yet to.
Very true
Exactly one reason we didnt pursue diagnosis w me coming up. Plus the whole we dont trust drs or like being labeled. We will get that whole problem child vibe
Many in the white community chastise us with ADHD. They call us lazy and immature for having ADHD. Had a teacher who would scream at me when I zoned out. This happened constantly. ADHD is a challenge. Keep finding people who support you. Thanks for your input.
@@bl8388that seems crazy that happened to a kid at school, if that happened to me I don't think I would've been back or at least not in a way that involved being healthy in my head
"Literally forgot about my ADHD diagnosis" the most ADHD thing I've ever heard
Word up
I didn't even think to think I had ADHD my whole life because I always did pretty well in school, until I hit a wall in my third year of college. I didn't even realize all the support systems I had set up before then, and they all came tumbling down because I didn't have any close friends in my classes anymore, didn't have my parents to rely on for reminding me and keeping me accountable either, and I just spiraled because I was too afraid to reach out to help from my counselors or professors.
It was then I found Pina's ADHD comics and your videos and went, "uh oh", when I resonated with me, I took a couple (several, really) online evaluations, and I've just been kinding ignoring them all telling "uh, you really should get that checked out" because I'm incredibly afraid I don't have ADHD and I'm just and lazy, flakey, and have no passion. I struggled so hard with this because I've always been incredible insecure about my intelligence and struggled with being "amazing" because it felt like it was the only way to be perceived as valuable as a black person.
Isn't it strange how college really pulls it out? I feel like so many people miss it, then in the middle of college learn they have ADHD. Just an observation I've discovered quite a bit.
I had to drop out of college despite breezing through grade school. I feel you on this one.
Are you familiar with Gifted Child Syndrome? Lots of adults who were successful pre-college identify with it. I've got no tips but awareness is the first step.
Damn. I feel like you have typed my life.
This is me. I’ve held back on going doctor because I feel like it’s just me not doing a good enough job. I’m going to start the process to get diagnosed. I’ve always performed well in school but could never and still don’t do well with any of the time management and attention . I’m just now realizing I’ve been overcompensating my entire life for these issues. No matter how much I try using planners and such, I still cannot attend very long 😭.
The girl who started talking about being loud and when she's passionate about something she just sounds angry... I'm about to burst into tears because this is literally MY LIFE. At one of my jobs i was constantly being picked on for this... "You don't smile enough".
I deal with that as well.
I cannot thank you enough for this video. I work in prison support. The cultural disbelief of ADHD in black and indigenous communities has directly contributed to the amount of children in youth detention centers. Untreated ADHD is a huge factor in the school to prison pipeline.
It has been estimated at least 50% of the peeps inside have undiagnosed mental health issues and especially ADHD!
That is so sad, it's breaking my heart
YESSSSSSSSSSS......THAT PART
Let’s talk about it! I’m in the middle of trying to figure my ADHD out, I feel like an alien most of the time. I’m learning to love all my ADHD flaws. Black people NEVER want to talk about mental health, they just ignore it.
I feel you on feeling like an alien. Even having friends and seeming pretty normal,on the inside you are not right,and when young never really know why or how to explain it,and probably avoid thinking about it as much as possible.
I worked with black American and Hispanic children and many parents were very afraid thst their children would get another label. 😕 As a parent I understand because not even schools administration are educated enough to support really children.
If need someone to talk to. I'm here because sometimes talk to my friends and family. Its always give it to God. But God also said you have to help yourself, as for me.. I have learned to fight back because I'm special and God put me here for a reason and it wasn't a punching bag!!! PeriodT...
Yessss 😩 this made me feel so good I thought I was the only one !!
Don’t worry I understand I am also in middle school and have ADHD I do feel like a alien sometimes. Teachers sometimes don’t help me even though I really need it a lot. I have gotten bullied because I acted weird. People stare at me because I am doing stuff with my hands so I understand you it’s ok.
"I didn't have to fake that I was okay"
that one hit me hard.
Yea that comment is the part that choked me up.
I had that feeling sort of in a homeless shelter because the people there don't put as much effort into putting on the show of being fine, it was a relief to feel there's nothing to fear by just seeming however I felt
It’s crazy how much overlap there is between the black community and my experience as a Mexican-American.
I was just thinking that.
I'm hispanic and absolutely feel the same way. Mental health is so stigmatized and shunned in hispanic communities as well.
I basically misled my father when I needed him to complete a questionnaire for my diagnosis. Sad thing is that I believe that he too has ADHD. My thought to is even if he did get diagnosed, where would he go for for help since his insurance has limited options for Spanish speaking mental health providers.
Yeah, out communities approach to mental health are very similar
we're always more alike than we know !!
Hi Everyone! I just want to publicly tell Jess and her team at How to ADHD for asking me to be apart of this life changing video. I was and am still so flattered, honored and humbled to be apart of this video with these INCREDIBLE and AMAZING people. I also wanted to thank each and everyone of you for your sweet and kind comments to the video (I have been trying to read and like each and every one). I am so glad that this video is helping so many people so we realize that we are NOT alone. One Love.
This is what being an ally looks like. Using your platform to boost voices in the black community and I'm grateful of the way you handled it! Super proud of you and your team!
I was diagnosed in 6th grade. My parents allowed my doctor to put me on medication and put me through counseling. My grades improved and so did my behavior. However once I got in 8th grade and we moved from the city to the suburbs, my parents made the decision to take me off the medication and cancel the counseling sessions. It was almost as if someone told them that if my environment changed, I would be ok. Sure enough my grades suffered and for a couple of years, I was put in the low level classes. I was put on punishment for entire semesters because of my low grades and behavior. I struggled academically all through High School and college. It took me 10 years to finish college and that was after I remembered I was diagnosed with ADHD as a child and my doctor put me back on a low dose of the medication. I often resent my parents for making the decision that they did, but I trying to pass that.
Some times you can tell the wrong person that you have ADHD and they begin to treat you like you are dumb especially when I am advocating for myself during group projects .
Just think what it must like be for people who are assumed to be stupid and lazy as soon as their skin tone is seen. I can't remember not hearing that Black people are lazy from people who have no clue that I have Afro-Carribbean ancestry. Think what it must be like in the classroom for a child with ADHD on their first ever day of school and their teacher already sees a "problem".
Yup. I don't say it anymore until I really really know someone.
People knowing you have ADHD can lead to getting made fun of or treated even worse because of it.
Or when you try to help people understand that you think and communicate differently, but are told not to use it as an excuse. Like f off, I dont need to excuse myself, you just need to stop expecting everyone to be exactly like your neurotypical self...
@@youtubingbabs Me too. I'm the same way. I have to play it safe.
Mental health is really something that is hushed within the black community. I’m seeing a psychologist next week for an assessment for inattentive adhd. The older I get the harder life becomes. So I’m looking forward to getting my life into order! 🙋🏽☺️ thank you so much for making this video! I really appreciate how you’ve used your platform so well! You’re incredible! 🙏🏽😆💖✨✨✨
Same, I just kept trying medicine and ignoring it bc I was too young to know that there was another option. Now I'm signed up for executive functioning tutoring.
Hiya June.
I'm going to go out on a limb by saying this but...
M. Scott Peck says something very simple; if you can't afford traditional therapy you can, the very least, go along to meetings of AA.
Speaking from experience, I can only advise you to investigate this further.
It's cheaper than a movie and there's free coffee. Seriously.
@@kittycat3638
How/where did you find executive function tutoring?
@@kittycat3638 tell me more. My working memory is my single biggest disabler. Planning and attention, I found workarounds at a young age, but I have never overcome having the working memory function of a goldfish. Would love a workaround
Oh snap! My people! I didnt know more of us existed! Thanks lol
Same lol hii fellow ADHD person
Hell ya, we are here! I post updates every month.
I am literally in TEARS Thank u thank u thank u, for giving them a platform to tell their stories, My Stories, My Families stories. I cant begin to express how much this video means to me. As a black neuro diverse woman I've struggled with finding others in my community who are comfortable with having the conversations. Not only do I feel like I'm not alone but I have a tool I can send to family to start the conversation! We are HERE!
Hearing him say his first thought was "my wife and kids know that I love them" literally broke my heart and filled me with rage at the same time.
Me too. Been there as a woman jogging being followed by men in cars. Never an on duty cop. You text your friend or sister your route and if you don't hear from me by this time.... The threateniing leer. I say this to point out common ground not as a competition. My pain isn't the same but It's real. And that's how I can say I know his is too. It's disgusting to be stalked like prey. Unacceptable by anyone to anyone. It's sickening tp be used to feeling afraid!!! And realize there's others who
don't have to live that way. But there's freedom in realizing it too!
@@youtubingbabs That's a perfect example in my opinion. The pit in your stomach that happens when a random guy is following you and you're alone, is what I feel every time I see a cop following me. It doesn't matter if I did anything wrong, if I anything bad happens to me, the narative portrayed will be that I asked for it or did something to deserve it.
thank you so much. as a biracial (half Black) girl, being diagnosed led to a very quick withdrawl of support from my family, because we couldn’t have mental health problems. we werent built like that. so seeing this video, seeing other Black people with the same problems as me, it makes me feel so hopeful. like i can be the way that i am, and that i’m not broken or a mistake, and that i’m not alone. thank you so much. ❤️❤️❤️
Aww I rlly hope she keeps making vids like this
I was the first person in my family to seek and openly admit to my disorder. My parents still brush it off. But my sisters told me they felt able to go seek their own diagnoses because I did that.
I love my parents. They worked so hard to keep us fed, clothed, educated, and to help us grow up to be compassionate people we are. And they did it the way they knew best. But they come from a different generation. I'd bet my life my mother has ADHD. But she found church as her structure - and it makes her happy, so I'm happy for her. Mostly I just feel sad for her; sad that she was taught she couldn't look at herself honestly and love herself for who she is.
Fun(?) Fact: the opiod crisis in America was devastating for suburban white America far more than black America. The reason is that black people are not believed by doctors when we tell them we're in pain, and therefore are less likely to be prescribed pain pills. Look it up. It's crazy to see the ways bias impacts all of us. ALL of us.
This post is a necessity. One thing though, it’s not people not being White, it is systematic racism and anti-Blackness on top of dealing with an ablest/anti-neurodiverse systems and people. It’s not the people themselves.
This!!!!!
My son has Autism and I just found out in March I have ADHD😇👍🏋️♀️ My who life I have struggled with bullying from school, family and had depression and anxiety! I have been though alot and I'm only 30. I Love videos like this!! Its so good!!!!
You got this. 💙
I have inattentive type ADHD I’m sorry if it sounds ignorant but it’s a real question is there any risk of my son or daughter having autism?
Melissa Autism Mom1- you are beautiful, courageous and will continue to succeed!
Well done 👍🏾
Giancarlo Orsini - Giancarlo Orsini- Thank you for sharing! You are brave and marvellous! I am not sure if of the outcome of autism with your child, but perhaps if you contact your local Autistic Authority/ Center they should be able to help! Good luck 👍🏾
@@Giancarlo_1997 it's more likely your child will get autism if you have autism. Autism isn't only hereditary, perfectly neurotypical parents can get autistic children too, but it is important you don't forget the range of autism severity is huge. There are a lot of people who others never realize are autists. For me, my ADHD is far worse than my autism. My mother has autism too, but she didn't know until her 60s.
I just want all these people to know that you have been heard, and your are loved, and you are beautiful. Your struggles are valid, and you are all rockstars for making it through. You got this.
Thank you so much
Wow this is so powerful. I'm white and have ADHD, but my husband is black so there is a good chance that our biracial children will have ADHD as well. I honestly had never thought about the effect their race might have on their experience and how that would be different from mine. I had no idea how to begin any of these conversations, but watching this video gave me hope that I can learn. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences, I know I'll be able to better help my future children because of what you shared in this video 💕
Your gonna be a great mom! Just the awareness you have and care is enough💓💓.
I was tired but heard bits of this. I'm a woman... white..middle aged ADHD . What an eye opening video. I dont know why I never even considered black people with ADHD. Silly but true.. That's even more of a struggle to face. The first person...Corey. pulled my heart strings and I think just by sharing his feelings has helped a lot of people... i will listen to this again tomorrow.. Very insightful ..thought provoking vid. Thx. ❤
Because you’re racist 😊
As a child I was put on ADHD meds by a teacher because I couldn't sit still, due to bullying, a "professional" then said that I didn't have ADHD that I was just bored and not challenged. I was constantly asking in high school if I had ADHD but alluded to what was told to me as a child. I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in my teens and now I'm in my 20s, after being properly screened and tested I've also been diagnosed as having ADD. Being black and ADD is extremely hard not just for the stigma we face but personally because it's like I feel like I'm less than even when I'm trying my hardest. I've even had to explain to my doctors why I need treatment for ADD as well as my Bipolar Disorder and it's exhausting. To see other black people talk about their experiences it's theraputic and gives me hope that maybe I can deal with my ADD instead of feeling broken.
I think it's curious how you were recently diagnosed with ADD, when that label is no longer in use anymore by professionals? The "ADD" label has been absorbed into just ADHD, similar to how Asperger's was absorbed into Autism (Spectrum Disorder).
amy my friend was also just diagnosed with ADD in Hawaii. I told them the same thing. Wonder if some psychiatrists are just not up to date?
You are not broken. You have systems around you that are not working for you and some that desperately need fixing - but YOU are not broken.
Thanks so much for this video, Jessica! PLEASE also do one interviewing Asian (American) people with ADHD. I have a close friend who is part Chinese and got diagnosed with ADHD in college. I love the idea of him sharing his unique experience coping with his high-pressure upbringing coupled with undiagnosed ADHD!
have him email me! jessica@howtoadhd.com
How to ADHD I sent him a screenshot and your email address in text form!
Great idea!
I totally second this.
I need that!
I live in Australia and I am a 23 year old white woman with ADHD.
This is such an incredibly educational video and I’m so glad it’s here. Even though I don’t live in America, I’m sure these exact same things apply to people of colour here in Australia, I just didn’t know anything about the experiences.
There’s so much racism here and it’s absolutely disgusting. Racial diversity and neurodiversity should be celebrated and discussed in open and welcoming conversations.
Thank you for making this video and thank you to the wonderful people who shared their experiences to make his video possible, to help educate people like me :)
Seeing you cover this was a real heart warming moment in a real cold time.
The year of 2020 has been a very interesting one. This video literally made me cry within the first 2 minutes. As someone reclaiming my ADHD, I've learned so much in these past few weeks between my therapist and CZcams alone. Between the hyper sensitivitY to rejection, being a little more on the childish side, and so much..I never equated these to be symptoms of ADHD. BUT NOW IT ALL MAKES SENSE AND I AM SO GRATEFUL. Suddenly, it all makes since. I took meds when I was younger, but belived that since I wasn't hyperactive and was "smart enough" I didn't need the pills. Throughout college I noticed that it was a lot harder to complete assignments but it all was a blur. If I didn't get it, I just didn't get it. So I passed most of my classes...but not with the GPA I desired. It was easy to coast by, because I had the fun times to distract me. Once outside of college , each year became harder and harder, and looking back on it now it all makes since. People called me stupid, slow, lazy, etc. But I knew deep down I wasn't. I had to realize that I am actually a freaking genius, and that it just takes me a lot of time or specific structures to accomplish tasks and thats okay. I'm learning everyday and I feel that I can breathe. Thank you for validating my experience. Thank you for using your platform to share our stories. Thank you so much
I hope you ate learning to be kind to yourself. You aren't childish. There is no script that adults have to be. Are you taking care of yourself? Then anyone calling you childish is telling you only that they think that you're supposed to be something to them. It's an indictment of their character not yours
Phillip w thank you for your words I really appreciate them! And you are right! I’m having to learn time and time again that what people do and say to me says more about them than me ,. Starts with self love and realizing self worth and I’ve been working on it
thank you for sharing! it was nice reading about your experience :)
I'm in university right now, and I'm struggling as well (but constantly improving!) so I feel you :) *sends comforting vibes your way *
Before I even watch this, thank you. ADHD is prevalent in the black community, but it's not taken seriously. Therefore, it feels like we can't talk to anyone. Thank you.
This is the most uplifting comment section I've seen on CZcams in a long time.
Being Asian and adopted, I can relate. I feel the need for a community that gets me and that I can identify with.
As a Black male with adhd I have learned a lot from this channel. This channel also help me to go get treatment by helping me identify my symptoms. Rick's videos has helped me a lot too.
This seems to be one of Jessica's most important Videos.
Giving Black ADHD brains - and their specific experiences more visibility is a very strong support for those affected and for the whole #BLM movement.
Thanks fort that good work @Jessica!
Credits to René & ADHD Alien as well.
As a middle aged black woman diagnosed later in life, this resonated so much with me. I didn't want the diagnosis because it added another potential layer of discrimination (black, female, ADHD). I also resonated with the cultural dismissal of mental health issues ("just straighten up and act right!" was the mantra in my home) and the pressure to be on your best behaviour around white people (especially to be smart in school) in order to negate the stereotypes about black people. I didn't know how exhausted I was until the forced short down caused by the corona virus. The timing of this video is perfect. And I can't wait for the next installment in the series. "We're all just walking each other home" and the more we know about each other, the more we can walk together.
This is such a beautiful way of putting it! "We're all just walking each other home."
I was diagnosed in my thirties and I started taking medication at 40 (my doctor didn’t want to prescribe anything other than Wellbutrin, which didn’t work for me). I know that ADHD/ADD is common, but I often feel alone. Thank you for bringing awareness and I appreciate this video so much. ADHD/ADD doesn’t discriminate. I wish that there were support groups in my area. The more support the better. Thank you again. Please stay safe everyone.
I'm about 17 minutes in and just realized I was so swept up in the content I hadn't posted a comment in support yet. This is a fantastic video. I'm always glad to see allying like this. I am always glad to see more Black people getting to speak about their own experiences on the internet. Thank you to all who participated!
Jessica, wow. I'm in tears. My son is mixed and I had to really fight for his services.
Thank you.
"It's another thing to be screaming your head off, and no one hears you." Powerful.
If we have time to talk about gender we have time to talk about race
I'm so glad that this topic is being brought to the surface, as a black man who is ADHD/LD . I'm glad that this is being talked about.
Thank you. This is so important for doctors, psychologist, clinical social workers, teachers and everyone else to hear. Racism effects how BIPOC are not diagnosed, diagnosed differently, and/or stigmatized for being neurodiverse. Additionally, there is a disproportionate population in prison of people with learning differences like dyslexia. We have to do better. Period. (I am a white, cisgender female, diagnosed with ADHD earlier this year at age 51. I am parent to an Autistic son with ADHD, and a daughter who will be tested soon for ADHD. I am studying to be a social worker and promise to do my part to make others in my field aware of the disparities in diagnoses and care of BIPOC persons.
Thank you so much for this. I've been dealing with ADHD for a little more than a year and as a person of color this video was both helpful and heartening. Kudos.
12:03 spoke so directly to my experience I had to play it back 3 times
I’m right there with you, this is exactly what my parents taught me.
This is why my relatives won't let me get a test when I needed them to come with me for the diagnosis
@9:05 YES! I remember my mother being incredibly concerned about me having a label on me. I didn’t understand why. As I got older, I got it. And then it happened with my brother. I told him “If you really need help, get it. Just understand that now you may have a label” he asked “so what?” And I said “there are people in this world that won’t want you to succeed because of the things of yourself you can not control...”
How do you deal with the label? I haven't gotten help because I'm genuinely afraid that it will ruin my future and any chance of ever being taken seriously.
My God, i've finally found my tribe...(sigh*) of relief. Was about to find a cave and live there till the end of my days.
Lol... Thank you!
Latina here, diagnosed with ADHD and autism just this year as an adult. The perception of ADHD and autism as overwhelmingly white and male definitely plays into the massive delay in diagnosis among women and POC. If teachers and clinicians are busy looking at the socially outcast white boys (autism) or the hyperactive class-clown white boys (ADHD), they're going to miss the signs in anyone who doesn't fit those stereotypes.
100%
🙂 ADHD Nigerian here.
Procrastinating as usual
Don't mind me😭😂😁
Me too, sis!
@@UdoADHD Lol I'm a bro. 🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬
Ditto!
Yup same
right there with ya sis lol
*THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU*
I haven't even watched the video yet and I think I teared up a little bit. For 20 years I've been trying to get help, 20 years!!! I have had white therapists that have told me, *VERBATIM*
" 'I don't think you have ADD/ADHD because...' : you would've had multiple pregnancies, you graduated college, you speak so well, you're able to tell me what's wrong with you.' " I've sobbed, contemplated suicide, given up, had major depressive episodes, GAD all because I couldn't get the right diagnoses in order to get the right treatment. It took me a while to figure out that depression and anxiety *ARE NOT* the problem but only symptoms of not being properly diagnosed and treated for ADD. It is a lonely, sad, depressing place when you know you have smarts, wit, ingenuity but you cannot even plan your day or get yourself organized and together and you keep missing the milestones in life of "normal" adulthood. I have felt in my journey that everybody can have a disorder except *black people*. I have felt that way because providers have given me that look 👁👁 you know the one; the one that says, "Okay black girl, what is it that you want? What is it that you're looking for? You want disability, you want unemployment, you don't wanna work, you want something for free....come on what is it?" *Again* that feeling that *black people can't have disorders*. When all you really want is to be solvent, together, accomplished, self-sufficient and do the work that makes you happy or celebrates your talents but if only you could just not procrastinate, be organized, remember: paperwork, appointments, events, meetings....I had the opportunity to write a song on El Debarge's last studio album...didn't finish in time, been asked to submit placements for the albums of *LeToya Luckett, Keyshia Cole, Jamie Foxx & El Debarge* only if only you didn't: procrastinate, over-think, daydream....what if....😔😞 so *THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU* I haven't watched the video yet. Lol. I'm gonna watch it later 😅😂😆 but thank you.
🥺😘
I'm Italian-American and I have pretty severe ADHD but I was classified in schools as an angry, weird kid almost always in trouble for it and still hurting today. In college, it just got worse because no one saw me as a intellegent person or worth their time.
I love you for covering this!!! I have ADHD, Asperger's, and I suffer from mental illness also. So I'm happy you've covered this instead of avoiding it. And it really speaks on what we struggle with as a community. I'm so happy and thank you so much! ❤️
I have struggled with undiagnosed ADHD since grade school, and only got my diagnosis sometime in 2018. I remember having a friend (he was white) who was diagnosed, and publicly known as “The kid with ADHD”. He constantly received help with his condition while I was labeled as just “lazy”. Its strange to think about the differences.
What it's like being ADHD and native american: The same as being white with ADHD except white liberals/college students are constantly trying to tell me that i'm a "victim". It gets really old and annoying.
OH NO makes me want to choke them!!!
Thank you for this video. You get it when we say #AmplifyBlackVoices Our voices matter, our experiences are unique. This video is helping to annotate and CELEBRATE our existence. So proud to be a brain right now! 🥳
"im surprised to see a black person here because black people survived slavery"... jesus. After years of friend's remarks about what drs say its not surprising.
Im a white female and a middle eastern psychiatrist from a war-torn country I had to see after an ACCIDENTAL overdose said to me "why are you still depressed, its not like you have bombs going off outside your bedroom window". I replied "War should never be normalized". The rest of the session was pointless.
Agreed - that statement did break my brain (and fortunately I am alone right now) cuss a lot - and "$%$!!@#$$@#$" to the comment the doctor made to you - what is wrong with people?
To hear this statement was painful and enraged me, then to hear that it was made by a therapist floored me.😤🤯🤬🥺
This video was powerful and moving and important, it was also an emotional 25 mins that had me 🥺, but this statement alone took me for an emotional ride. My emotions during that statement: 😲🤯😳🥺😡🤬😤🥺😖😩😵🤬😠😣🥺😥😢🥺😞🤯🤬😵😟🥺🤬😞 -Emotions that aren't pretty but hiding from the pain and outrage is hiding from the truth and one thing we learn on this channel and that current events reiterates is that hiding from the truth is not the answer.
❤❤❤
I would actually like to see the 5 hours of footage though tbh lol. There's not much of anything on CZcams featuring Black folk talking about mental health and I'd actually watch the whole video.
Thank you so much for posting this. I discovered I have ADHD very recently and am still fighting while also being mix race. Going into college for healthcare I have learned so much about cultural differences and health disparities which prevented me from getting the right diagnosis as well. This channel is seriously a god sent.
I don’t have the hyper activity. But I can relate to everything that’s being said. I got diagnosed at 34 after I got my degree. It made since that I did horribly in high school.
That was me too. My gpa would have been way higher but I was too scared to get the accommodations I needed. My family made it seem like I was doing something wrong and it was largely due to my disability.
Me too, I did terrible in school although I knew I was smart.
I think that many of us who have the inattentive types of ADHD (not hyperactive) get missed, especially if your a woman, and especially if you are bright enough to get by. Add being a bit of an introvert on top of that? I ended up reading and diagnosing myself as an adult after going graduating from college and being a teacher for several years. I was so grateful to go to a professional and get an official diagnosis that I cried with relief.
I'm struggling to fight my own prejudice, but here I go. I'm ready to learn.
This legitimately made me cry. Thank you for your honesty and your willingness to learn. I know content like this is hard to watch. It was hard to make, too. *hugs*
Same
I have been really depressed about race relations in this country and this statement makes me have hope. Do you have a “safe” person of color who you can talk to? Also (and I don’t know if this is allowed), but check out the FB page “Be The Bridge”. I am trying to learn to be a “safe” person and this is where I am being taught. If you want information and want to learn, try this group. If I can help, while I am still learning how, I will do everything I can to help. Thanks. I am on FB if you want to contact me.
@@sandywright-leonard5238 I'm sorry to say I don't live in America, though I can tell you the far left is growing over there. It's not always a POC-friendly space, but a lot of people there want to learn and are getting better.
Also, thanks for the recource! I'm already learning, and if I ever have any question, or in the future if I'm gonna educate others, I'll know where to go :)
There are moments in this video where these amazing voices are holding back tears...this is a clear example of how much each and every one of these wonderful people have had to work so hard to assimilate in order to simply survive. I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart for participating in this piece...this is the level of human understanding that society needs. Jessica and the How to ADHD team-- Thank you soooo much for bringing this piece into the world. This is an experience that I will never forget. ❤
This video just makes me want to cry. It’s so easy to feel isolated when there is no one like you around you. It’s a little more comforting knowing that there are people just like in the world. Really inspiring me to share my own experiences
I’m white and my boyfriend is Hispanic, as is his son (who I feel like is my own son) and he has severe ADHD. We are trying to figure out the best ways to help and raise him and I really appreciate this eye opening, validating and inclusive video. Thank you to everyone in the video and to you too Jessica, y’all are awesome, don’t ever stop making this great content!
drums... its a good instrument for kids with ADHD.
I literally just got ended my teletherapy session with my counselor and we pretty much spent the entire session discussing how being Black impacts my mental health and my expectations of myself. It was something that I never really considered. It was mind blowing to see this video when I logged in. Thank you so much for using your platform for this video. It means so much.
As a Black person finally diagnosed with ADHD, needed this! Good looking out!
I'm just commenting for the algorithm. This is such an important video. I'm always happy to hear about people's experiences and learn from them.
WOW! very impressed with your ability to make this amazing piece during this crisis
yayyy ADHD hyperfocus haha. Thank you, it was a ton of work but these comments make it worth it. I now need a nap.
@@HowtoADHD Have a nap, then a snack ! ;)
Thank you Thank you Thank you! I really appreciated hearing black perspectives of living with ADHD and neuro-diversity. We may all be one tribe, but depending on our circumstances in life we can have rather different experiences that need to be known, understood and supported. Thank you to all of you!
Thank you, as someone who lives in a household where mental health is something you go to God to. I don’t feel alone no more. Thank you! It’s feels like a weight have been lifted. Also let the negativity in the comment section be a pebble against the boulders of compliments you get❤️
I was so excited to see this video. The moment I saw the title I felt such relief. However, I put off watching it. And now as i just hit play, within the first few seconds seeing black people openly talk about having ADHD is making me tear up. It'a hard enough getting people to take my depression seriously. I was only admitted into a psychiatry hospital bc someone at school found out I was extremely suicidal and told the counselor (my mom was not happy to have to "deal" with that. Now believing very strongly I have ADHD, I find I think more of why there is "no way i have ADHD" than do, bc i think deep down i know that's easier then saying "hey, Im a black woman presenting person, and i think you missed a diagnosis" when no one really wanted to see the first one being a little girl and black with depression. I'm saying all this to say just making this video and watching it is very bittersweet.
It so great to see people like us. It is so great to see people care and see us. But the fact that this is needed. Is so very sad. Welp, i guess here comes a flood. Sorry I'm all over the place. Im trying to say: I'm happy and sad but ultimately very grateful for you and the work you do. Much love
RELEASE THE 5 HOUR CUT 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
I haven’t been officially diagnosed but, in grade school school I had problems with talking and getting out of my seat so once my teacher moved my desk away from the other students barricaded me with a 5 foot card board barrier. It was so dehumanizing, I felt like she put me in a cage...
oh my gosh that's so inappropriate, I'm sorry that happened to you :/
That just mean! So embarrassing and dehumanizing.
Jessica, thank you so much for this video. I cried so hard as I watched this video. Thank you for posting this. Thank you for being comfortable presenting an uncomfortable topic.
Thank you for watching! It’s not an easy topic for sure but it’s an important one. I want everyone to feel heard and included and understood in this community. Our experiences may differ but we’re all in this together 💕
I'm not diagnosed, but i'm trying to get one. For my whole life I felt different and I couldn't quite figure out why. Growing up in a religious black family with a single mother and far older brother and cousins left me in a strange state. I was always in a world of my own and I quickly learned how to code switch but not just with strangers but my own family as the way I talked could get me in trouble and physical punishment was always a threat. I was afraid of authority because I was afraid of pain and I learned how to suppress my emotions to the point where I felt hollow towards everyone and the idea of love meant nothing to me.
I felt so confused for years as I had this anger inside that I could never let out and the only way I was told to deal with it was to pray which alone made things worse for. I would answer questions with I don't know or I can't and I would be talked down to. I would forget things and would be told that I'm young and I can't have memory issues. I asked my mother if I had adhd because the hyperactivity just sounded like me, but she dismissed it quickly. I felt like there was no one I could ever turn to for help and I relied on myself to figure things out on a social level which hasn't turned out well as I now struggle with depression at least once every two weeks.
At this moment in time, I'm struggling to do anything as I hyperfocus on my issues and it makes my symptoms worse. It feels hard to talk to my family about it as I've tried multiple times over and it feels like no one really listens and sees things from my perspective. I've had multiple mental breakdowns where I just want to scream and cry because of how much I hate the way that I am because I don't know how to exist like I should. The response is that I need to believe in myself and tell myself that I can do things, but mantras don't work for me, they only make me feel worse. During one of my breakdowns, I had to stiffen my entire body as I just wanted to lash out and break everything around me because I was told by my own brother that he thinks I'm playing him and our mother (I haven't had a job in a long time and searching for one is a challenge). I was told that there was no excuse for any of my actions and that I can control myself. I wanted to break my own guitar, but I held myself back well enough, but when I was told to loosen up, that I'm trying to control things too much, I made it clear what my intentions were if I were to loosen up and I was basically called a liar. So when I did and my body started kicking my guitar multiple times, my brother jumped me and pinned me down by my throat.
I'm told that there are many things I can do just because of my family's blood, but when I explain myself my explanations are shot down. I'm told that I'm loved and that I have people in my corner, but when I say that being an adult is hard, I'm told that it's a matter of motivation (which I've tried to explain that I have a lack of thanks to low dopamine). When I say that things are bad, I'm told that I shouldn't complain because others have seen worse. I've been pushed to be more than I care to be and I become upset when I'm talked about in a way that doesn't represent me and when I feel my boundaries are being pushed and I become uncomfortable, I'm told to suck it up. I get surviving through the pain of life, but sometimes I just want to be left alone as I'm not in the mood to be nice and I don't want to say anything bad.
I'm afraid of being hated by the people I care about and that keeps me from opening my mouth a lot, combined with my inability to look at people when I talk to them and with me being used to only talking to myself in my head and with me playing out scenarios of social interactions in my head, it makes it hard to be social and it feels like I'm judged for it. It doesn't matter if I know they don't hate me, I think it anyway. Plus the expectations placed on me to be normal just make me want to crawl away.
I explain myself to people often and I've been told that I'm just making excuses. I don't want pity nor do I want a get out of jail free card. I just want to be understood and accepted. It's hard to feel that when I can't judge people's emotions correctly and the wrong tone can make things sound like a personal attack. It's also hard when you just feel empty about everything and whenever I do find something I enjoy, after a while my brain starts to reject it and wants to go back to doing things that get me nowhere in life. Not to mention my lack of emotional control where I give all or nothing and I can't bring myself to be happy if I'm down or pissed which gets taken as me being rude and I swear that it isn't. Unless I actually don't like a person then it totally is, but otherwise it's not my intention.
I have a myriad of issues that I don't know how to navigate and I feel that it's getting worse every day. I don't hate whatever it is that I have (i'm mostly certain it's adhd) but I do hate that I can't navigate it and the people I know either don't know how to as well or they mistakenly think that their answers can solve my problems and no amount of dialog seems to get through to them.
This is longer than I thought it would be and I'm rather sure I'm just rambling throughout this with no cohesion. Welcome to my brain... If you read all this then thanks regardless of what you think of it. I just wanted to put this out there in some way. Hopefully someone gets me. Enjoy your time before rest.
The Abyssal Drink I feel you. I think you have more than ADHD going on and it’s okay, maybe some empathetic and bipolar issues too. I can feel people’s emotions and it can be a blessing and a curse and can leave you drained. Keep learning, and
I pray you go on a journey and seek out the answers God has for your life, I sense greatness in you.
@@cassiehobbs5751 I don't think you have ADHD. People who don't have it always confuse the behavioral symptoms of ADHD with Being bipolar and it's a false diagnosis.
I'll say this again; ADHD isn't a behavioral issue it's a neurological issue, behavior is just the output or rather the reaction.
Thank you to the brains featured in this video for sharing your story and teaching others about your experiences being neurodiverse and black! Also thank you Jessica so much for using your platform to amplify these wonderful brains. I've been taking a lot of time to try and learn more about the black American experience but never connected it to ADHD! I feel foolish but also grateful that content creators like the ones featured here are around to point it out!
Also, if this were a mini-series with all 5 hours you speak of, I'd be so down to watch it!
Interesting! I'm Korean and have ADHD, I feel sooo dumb compared to all of my Asian peers, in fact all of my age peers, everyone else is doing adulting and successful, meanwhile I have trouble with any adulting. Asians w/ADHD would be another interesting video topic! Thank you for doing what you're doing!
I don't have words right now. I have NEVER seen anything like this & I BEYOND appreciate this. I will have to watch this several more times to have the words to write the comment that I want to write.
You could turn that 5 hrs of content into a series.
Thank you for everything you do, Jessica. Your work here is touching as always. Thank you for amplifying these voices as well as your own. I hope this reaches the people who need it.
I'm so glad you did this, I've been watching your videos for about a year now and when I saw you were doing a collab with Rene Brooks it made me so happy!!!! Thank you! Being black with ADHD has been a trial but I'm better for it.
Thank you so much, Jessica.
For me, education and performing my very best was the ONLY way out of breaking the cycle that systemic oppression put my family in. I had to do well in school to make it into a good college to get a good job to make more money....you get the cycle. I felt so much pressure to be the perfect student. My life literally depended on it.
I’ve always had the desire to be the best student and the best employee for this reason, but we all know ADHD makes that so difficult.
I was also usually the only Black student in a room of White students. I thought that they were just inherently smarter than me and that I just couldn’t keep up. I internalized it and beat myself up.
“LASSANDRA, WHY CAN’T YOU FOCUS LIKE THESE WHITE KIDS? WHY CAN’T YOU JUST BE LIKE THEM??”
I didn’t realize I was dealing with the emotional trauma of systemic racism plus the struggles of ADHD. Realizing this now, I see how brilliant I truly am.
Thanks for this, I feel so seen.
Thank you for doing this Jess. As a black man living in the UK it is great to see more people who look like going through this.
Yeah... I needed to hear this.
my jaw dropped when I saw this. This is so needed💚
Thank you for using your platform to support the movement. If it wasn’t for you & Rene from BlackGirlLostKeys, I would’ve never finished grad school to become a School Counselor who helps little people like us learn to thrive!
10 seconds in and I’m balling my eyes out. Your channel has been a safe haven, but this video has helped in a different way.