Ways black female officers can protect their health

Burnout and wellness remain major concerns for Black women executives and entrepreneurs, potentially posing health risks if not addressed properly.

A key issue is burnout, says Patricia St. Cyr-Hager, chief operating officer of Black Health Matters, a health education and advocacy organization.

he noted this Study finds that nearly 40% of Black women leaders report feeling burned out, which is much higher than about 28% of white women. Black women are often disproportionately impacted by workplace bias, constant performance pressure, and the expectation to “have it all.”

“That difference matters, and it demands deliberate resolution.”

Although Black women are cited by the public with words like resilient, tenacious, and tenacious, what is not often seen is the fatigue, pain, and adversity they endure. Many black women reportedly face chronic stress without stable support to overcome them.

To help deal with the problem, 2026 Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit there will be a session on “Wellness Workshop: Protecting Your Peace.”

sire-hager equipped black enterprise Email with boyfriend on wellness topics. She shares how Black women can combat burnout and protect their mental health. He spoke on The Power of the Pivot. That mindset involves adapting and making intentional changes to recover from setbacks such as job loss or other challenges.

An experienced executive in her field, Cry-Heger holds a doctoral degree in public health. He landed his current role on The Denial Network last November. it oversees black health issues and Black Health Matters Foundation. CEO Roslyn Young-Daniels founded Black Health Matters in 2012.

Cyr-Heger emphasized that preventing burnout starts with a change in mindset. She says self-care should be viewed as essential. “This may look different for everyone, but intentionally protecting time for rest, movement, reflection or creativity is key to maintaining long-term leadership.”

For black women living in demanding environments, Cyr-Hager says the “power of the pivot” is especially relevant. This notion may be helpful to the many Black women who have recently lost their jobs and are recovering from displacement due to federal government cutbacks and DEI cuts.

Black women lost 87,000 jobs between January and February 2026, according to a review of the latest US Bureau of Labor Statistics data by Creative Investment Research.

William Michael Cunningham, an economist and owner of Creative Investment Research, says the increase in unemployment among black women in 2025-2026 is due to more of them looking for work as well as job cuts in sectors like healthcare, social assistance and education, where employment is higher.

In such a situation, many black women must now consider new options.

Learning to let go of the need to carry everything alone is another important strategy. He mentioned that delegation, cooperation and seeking support are signs of effective leadership. “Many Black women have been conditioned to overextend themselves, but shared responsibility is one of the strongest protections against burnout.”

Mental health safety and setting boundaries are non-negotiable, he said, calling them enduring leadership qualities. “When women executives don’t protect their mental well-being, stress can silently impact decision-making, focus, and overall health.”

Cyr-Heger cites regular self-checking, mindfulness or grounding routines, and working with therapists, coaches or trusted advisors as some of the most effective practices.

And drawing boundaries is equally important. Cyr-Heger explained simple practices — like designating focus time, communicating clear availability, or unplugging when possible — can dramatically reduce stress and increase clarity.

For black women living in demanding environments, Cyr-Hager says the “power of the pivot” is especially relevant. This notion may be helpful to the many Black women who have recently lost their jobs and are recovering from displacement due to federal government cutbacks and DEI cuts. Many people must now consider new options.

Cyr-Hager affirms that if something no longer aligns with your values, health, or purpose, pivoting is about having the courage to make a change. He emphasized that it is not about failure but about wisdom.

“Pivoting for Black women executives can mean redefining success, changing direction in business, restructuring roles, or simply creating room to breathe. Growth doesn’t always come from working hard – sometimes it comes from choosing differently.”

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