Hey sisters! How are we doing? It’s time for a heart-to-heart. We, as African women, carry so much—our families, our communities, our dreams. But sometimes, we find ourselves navigating the healthcare system and it feels like our voices are lost in the mix. We’ve all had those moments, right? Where you’re trying to explain how you’re feeling, but it feels like the healthcare provider isn’t really listening or understanding? You are not alone in this experience. It’s frustrating, and it can make us feel helpless. But, my dear sisters, I’m here to tell you that we have the power to change that. Let’s talk about how we can take control of our health journey.
The Unique Challenges We Face
Let’s be real, navigating healthcare as women can feel like an uphill battle. And for African women, there are additional layers to that experience. Sometimes it’s hard to be taken seriously, and that’s why we need to be our own best advocates.
Why Being Heard is a Struggle for Many of Us
Research shows, and many of us know from experience, that women often face challenges when seeking healthcare. Our experiences are real and valid, and we need to change the narrative.
- Delays in Diagnosis: Often, our symptoms are overlooked or not taken as seriously as they should be. This can mean we wait longer to find out what’s really going on. We might say, “I feel so tired all the time,” and it’s dismissed as stress, when there could be more to it.
- Pain Mismanagement: It’s disheartening to know that studies show that women are less likely to be given pain medication than men. This means we’re often not getting the relief we need. We all know pain is not “just in our heads”.
- Mental Health Misunderstandings: Sometimes, our physical symptoms are incorrectly labeled as mental health issues like depression or anxiety. We are told, “It’s just your anxiety,” when it could be something like an autoimmune disease. This can mean that you are not getting the right treatment for an underlying issue.
- Weight Stigma: Some healthcare providers may make negative assumptions about us because of our weight. This can lead to them spending less time listening to our concerns and skipping important preventative screenings.
- Racial Bias: Unfortunately, we also face racial bias in healthcare. This bias can cause delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes. This might mean our pain is not taken seriously, or that we’re not offered the same level of care as others.
- Lack of Research: For a long time, many medical studies didn’t include enough or any women. It’s getting better now, but this lack of information has meant healthcare providers don’t fully understand our health issues.
The Unseen Dangers
It’s important to know that healthcare providers can sometimes misunderstand women’s symptoms or may not be aware of the research on the differences between men’s and women’s symptoms for the same conditions. Did you know that women are seven times more likely to be wrongly sent home from the emergency department in the middle of a heart attack? Heart attack symptoms in women can be different from men’s symptoms. They can include feeling extremely tired, dizzy, or nauseous, which can be easily missed if healthcare providers aren’t paying close attention.
Specific Health Challenges for Women
There are also some very specific health challenges that women face:
- Autoimmune Diseases: We are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases, where the body attacks its own cells. It can take many appointments before we get a proper diagnosis. So, if something doesn’t feel right, don’t stop seeking answers.
- Reproductive Health: Conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often take a long time to get diagnosed. It’s frustrating because sometimes these pains and concerns aren’t taken seriously.
Taking Control: It Starts with You
Now that we know the challenges we face, let’s talk about taking action. We are strong and capable, and we have the power to change our experiences. Your health is important, and your experiences are unique, real, and valid. Since it often takes women longer to get a proper diagnosis, we need to be our own best advocates.
How to Make Yourself Heard
- Prepare for Your Appointments: Before your visit, write down everything that’s been bothering you, all your questions, and what you want to achieve from your visit. This helps to make sure you don’t forget anything important during your appointment and that your concerns are addressed.
- Speak Up: Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if something your healthcare provider says doesn’t make sense. It’s okay to ask questions like, “Can you explain that in a way I can better understand?” or “What are the next steps?”
- Seek a Second Opinion: If you feel overlooked or that your concerns aren’t being taken seriously, it’s always a good idea to see another healthcare provider. You deserve to be treated with respect and listened to.
- Trust Your Gut: Don’t let a healthcare provider make you feel like your feelings are not valid. If you know something is wrong, keep advocating for yourself until you get the answers you need.
Finding Reliable Health Information
It’s important to be careful about where you get your health information. Be wary of health claims that seem too good to be true or are unclear. Always cross-check information with reliable sources and, when in doubt, ask your healthcare provider.
Empower Yourself with Knowledge
The Office on Women’s Health has created a fantastic resource called the “Your Health, Your Way” fact sheet. It’s designed to give us the knowledge and confidence to navigate our healthcare appointments and make sure our voices are heard. Don’t wait to take charge of your health journey; get the fact sheet today and start advocating for the care you deserve.
Let’s Talk About it
We’re all on this journey together. You are not alone, and there are things you can do to take control of your health and make sure you are heard.
Key Actions for a Healthier Journey
- Be Prepared: Write down your symptoms and questions before each appointment.
- Speak Up: Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek clarification.
- Trust Your Gut: If something doesn’t feel right, don’t stop advocating for yourself.
- Get Support: Reach out to family, friends, or support groups for help.
- Find Reliable Sources: Always be careful about where you get your information from.
The Takeaway
My dear sisters, your health journey is your own. You have the power to make a difference. Don’t let anyone dismiss your concerns. Speak up, ask questions, and seek the care you deserve. Remember, you are strong, capable, and worthy of a healthy and fulfilling life. Your voice matters, and it’s time to make it heard. So let’s take control of our health, our lives, and create a better, healthier future for ourselves and our communities!
