352%, 7.5 years, and higher estrogen 🤯
Do you know the term "allostatic load"? No, it's not about removing static from your load of clothes in the dryer! 😂
It's a fun sounding word (I think, anyway) to describe a much less pleasant topic...the wear and tear on the body from chronic exposure to stressors.
It also takes into account individual differences, how the stress is perceived, and the behavioral and physiological responses.
It may sound odd, but I was thrilled when this neuroscientific focus was a morning keynote by Dr. Ebony Glover at a conference hosted by Counseling Black Women in Atlanta last week.
Dr. Glover shared numerous examples of data and considerations relevant especially for Black women (and all of us who serve and care deeply about them).
Here's a few (of many) noteworthy research results Dr. Glover highlighted:
Black women have the highest allostatic load scores compared to any other race/gender subgroup.
Black women generally have higher levels of estrogen than other subgroups, which is also associated with higher rates of disease across numerous dimensions.
Black women's mortality from hypertension is 352% higher than white women.
Black women have weathering scores 1.29x as high as white women and are 7.5 years biologically "older" than white women by ages 49-55. (Weathering is the premature biological aging and health risks associated with repeated exposure to stresses such as socioeconomic adversity, political marginalization, racism, and ongoing discrimination.)
Picture: Dr. Ebony Glover presenting at the podium with one of her slides highlighting the numerous contributing stressors to Black women's physical and mental health.
Given the heaviness of these statistics, I want to also emphasize a few glimmers of light:
Researchers such as Dr. Ebony Glover are paying increasing attention to the biases inherent in the limited samples of the past and are pursuing groundbreaking research.
As a result of their efforts, we are in a much better position to understand, address, and serve the unique experiences and needs of diverse populations.
Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to grow neurons back! It can literally help your neurons to heal and regrow. Pretty astounding, right?!?
Communities, services, and connections with those who are competent, understanding, and supportive continue to play an enormous role in navigating the toll of cumulative and unique stresses.
For a helpful summary of some of this scientific background, I found this article which describes these key concepts, their history, and some of the related research. Truly, understanding the effects of these cumulative and pervasive stresses on Black women's health is beneficial for both prevention and treatment as we continue to aim toward racial justice, equity in healthcare, and culturally humble and competent care.
No question, we have a long way to go.
Throughout the rest of the day the inspiring talks of Dr. Devona Stalnaker-Shofner and Dr. Ayanna Abrams, the panel by Drs. Kimber Shelton, Mahlet Endale, and Michelle Lyn, and the wide participation of the attendees emphasized ways to establish anti-racist counseling practices, promote healing, support assertiveness and boundary-setting, and reclaim the inherent worth of Black women.
I'm so grateful to have been able to attend and, in small part, sponsor this conference that promotes culturally competent care for Black women. They brought together an amazing lineup of speakers as well as an invested, engaged, and passionate audience of health and mental health professionals. Despite being in this field with a multicultural focus for over 20 years, there is always more to learn; as a committed, life-long learner, I'm exceedingly thankful for high-quality conferences like this.
That said, this information needs to be known and understood much more widely.
Who in your life would benefit from this information?
How can you share knowledge, resources, and acknowledgement that supports yourself and those around you who are directly impacted by this high allostatic load?
What do you need to better cope with the cumulative stresses (and their very real impacts!) that you are enduring?
You matter. You make a difference. I'm so thankful you're here.
***If any of these topics appeals to you, I highly encourage you to reach out to the excellent presenters and organizers! And, if you are motivated to integrate wellbeing for those carrying the heaviest loads of changemaking, please contact me about about how my speaking, workshops, and facilitations can support you and those you care deeply about within your organization.***
