Welcome to the Sad Girls Club

Elyse Fox on her mental health resource for BIPOC women and femmes.

IN a nutshell Living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) makes me feel like a Sad Girl sometimes. But I find comfort in knowing that there are so many other saddies out there to the point where Elyse Fox got the idea to start a club: a mental health resource for BIPOC women, girls, and femmes called the Sad Girls Club. In today's Q&A, Fox reveals her inspiration behind this project and how you can find mental health support, too. Here's what you can look forward to today: • our interview with Sad Girls Club founder Elyse Fox • a full-spectrum CBD oil to help chill you out • can tattoos cause cancer? We've got the scoop • more health stories you need Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Morgan Mandriota October 21, 2022 • 5 min read

Publicly airing your dirty laundry isn't easy. Neither is vocalizing stigmatized topics. Shout-out to people who do this work — like Elyse Fox! Fox is a mental health advocate and the founder of Sad Girls Club (SGC), a nonprofit committed to destigmatizing mental health and providing services and safe spaces for women, girls, and femmes of color. Since launching in 2017, the digital platform and IRL community has brought people with mental health conditions together to remind them they're not alone and they have support –– no matter where they are or what they're going through. We scored the chance to chat with Fox about her own mental health journey and professional work running SGC. Check out our Q&A below. Q: What inspired you to launch Sad Girls Club and release a documentary about your own experience living with depression? A: The initial intention of my film wasn't to spotlight my depression specifically –– it was my way of sharing my story and experiences with my close circle. Once the film was released, many young women around the world saw themselves in my story, and that's when I created Sad Girls Club. Q: What are 2 to 3 ways that anybody can help to destigmatize mental health among their family, friends, peers, or community? A: Talk about it openly. Set boundaries for your mental health. Share your experiences or journey with mental health (if you feel called to). Q: Sad Girls Club offers real life safe spaces for women and men alike. What's the importance of having a safe space? And for those who are COVID-conscious or don't live close to a safe space offered by you, how do you recommend folks create their own? A: Safe spaces allow us to connect, share, and heal in a guilt-free environment. You can create or find your safe space wherever you are in the world whether it's a nearby coffee shop, library, or with friends. Q: You very recently launched Remedy. Can you tell us about this initiative? And how can people apply if they're interested? A: Yes, Remedy is a dream come true for myself and SGC. Remedy will grant a year's worth of 1:1 talk therapy to members of our community. Our focus is to support the BIPOC community by covering the cost of therapy. Q: What advice or support would you give your younger self about your depression? A: "It'll all make sense soon. Keep working on yourself." If you or a loved one could benefit from the Sad Girls Club, you want to learn more, or you'd like to make a donation, visit SGC's website here. For other mental health services for people of color, check out Psych Central's list of support resources here.

great finds Products we love       CBDistillery Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture Speaking of stigmas, let's talk about cannabis! Unlike the D.A.R.E. commercials we were fed in the '90s and '00s, cannabis won't leave you limp and lifeless like a deflated balloon. In fact, CBD oil might boost your mental and sexual health, and even relieve some symptoms of cancer. CBDistillery's full spectrum CBD oil features antioxidant vitamins, amino acids, terpenes, and cannabinoids like CBDA, CBG, and CBN to give you the perks of the whole hemp plant (aka the entourage effect) without getting you high from THC. It's super easy and convenient to use — just drop the oil under your tongue for 10 to 20 seconds, swallow, then you're on your way to feeling the effects. The recommended daily dosage is 30 to 60 mg, but beginners should start with a lower dose, wait 3 to 4 hours, then take more as necessary. Another note on shopping for CBD: Many CBD products aren't regulated or third-party tested, so be sure to buy from brands that openly share lab test results. CBDistillery showcases their results on their website, featuring the many cannabinoids, mycotoxins, pesticides, etc. that are found (or not found!) within them so you know exactly what you're getting. Shop now

Let's Talk Can tattoos cause cancer? As someone with a bunch of tattoos, I haven't really thought much about the long-term health effects of getting ink jabbed into my skin. Fellow newsletter editor Tim Snaith is the opposite –– not knowing those potential risks has led him to avoid getting tattooed. So, what are the possible side effects? Can tattoos really cause cancer? Skin infections, allergic reactions, and scarring are the most commonly known health complications. But there's no concrete evidence that suggests a direct link between tattoos and skin cancer. However (there's always a caveat, right?), studies have found that an ingredient in common inks called azo *may* be carcinogenic (cancer-causing). Some inks might also contain other harmful substances, like metals, lead, mercury, or plastics. Black and red pigments are considered the highest risk, but it's important to note that tattoo inks aren't approved or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so who knows if any of them are truly considered "healthy" or "safe." If you're dying to get your skin dyed, there are ways to reduce the risk of health issues. First, consider getting a skin check from your doctor or dermatologist. Ask your prospective artist about their licensing, sanitation practices, and the types of ink used in the shop. Then, if you do get tatted, closely follow aftercare instructions to avoid preventable infections. On that note, get tattooed at your own risk. I know I will.

health stories you need What we're reading next How to make CBD oil with coconut oil. Don't feel like shelling out $50+ on CBD oil? Try making your own from the comfort of home with high-CBD hemp flower and coconut oil. What to know about alien hand syndrome (AHS). No, AHS doesn't have anything to do with aliens or UFOs. It's a rare neurological condition that can hint to serious underlying health issues. Daily tips for building a healthy relationship with yourself. "It can sound funny to have a 'self-relationship' because society does not teach us to have one," says Simone Koger, a licensed therapist and counselor. Find out why a good one is so important.

Thanks for reading! What was your favorite story this week? Did you learn something from this newsletter? Share your thoughts with us at wellnesswire@healthline.com. See you on Monday!

Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon!     This edition was powered by a silly little walk for my silly mental health.   View in browser Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here. To see all newsletters, click here. Privacy    |    Unsubscribe © 2022 Healthline Media 1423 Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707