Faith can be a source of strength—but what happens when it complicates our mental health journey? In this powerful episode of Diamonds from Darkness, host Syrie D explores the complex relationship between spirituality, religion, and mental wellness for Black women.

We’re breaking down:

✨ The difference between religion and spirituality and how both impact mental health

✨ How faith can be a tool for healing, but also a barrier when mental health struggles are dismissed

✨ Personal stories of women who found strength through spiritual practices, from church to ancestral traditions

✨ Practical ways to integrate spirituality into your mental wellness journey; affirmations, meditation, faith-based therapy, and more.

Resources:

• Therapy for Black Girls (therapyforblackgirls.com)

• Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM) (beam.community)

• The Loveland Foundation (thelovelandfoundation.org)

• Open Path Collective (openpathcollective.org)

Books on Faith & Mental Health

• “Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity” by Saundra Dalton-Smith, MD

• “Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself” by Nedra Glover Tawwab

• “When Things Fall Apart” by Pema Chödrön

• “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown

Spiritual & Mental Wellness Apps

• Abide

• Liberate

• Calm

• Shine

Faith-Based Support Communities

• GirlTrek (girltrek.org

Whether you find peace in prayer, meditation, or redefining your faith on your own terms, this conversation is for you. Listen now and discover how to embrace spirituality in a way that truly supports your healing.