How to Stop Feeling Like the “Strong One” and Start Healing
Ever feel like you're carrying everyone else’s burdens... and no one’s carrying yours?
You smile, show up, and stay strong—while secretly breaking down inside. Sound familiar?
Let’s talk about something that’s rarely addressed but deeply felt: parentification. It’s the invisible weight that so many Black women carry—and it's time we put it down.
What Is Parentification—and Why Should You Care?
Parentification isn’t just a big word. It’s a big experience.
It happens when a child is forced to grow up too fast—taking care of siblings, parents, or even the household, emotionally or physically. Over time, that child becomes an adult who still puts everyone else first… at the cost of their own well-being.
And here’s the kicker—this pattern doesn’t stop when you leave home.
It shows up in your relationships. It shows up at work.
It shows up in your silence.
You’re constantly “the responsible one.” And it’s exhausting.
You Weren’t Meant to Carry It All
If you’ve ever been told:
💪 “You’re so strong.”
👏 “You always have it together.”
🧭 “We can always count on you.”
You’ve probably also thought:
😩 “But I’m tired.”
🥺 “I don’t want to be strong all the time.”
🤷🏽♀️ “Who’s there for me?”
This blog is your permission slip to say—enough.
From Survival Mode to Healing Mode
Licensed therapist and speaker Montina Myers-Galloway knows this story all too well—not just professionally, but personally. In her private practice, she helps women unpack that heavy duffle bag of invisible emotional labor.
“Parentification is like being handed a bag of bricks as a child—and then expected to carry it into adulthood without ever dropping it.”
Montina doesn’t just talk about healing. She walks you through it with relatable, down-to-earth guidance that helps you:
🧠 Identify your needs without guilt
🚧 Set boundaries without apology
❌ Say “no” without explanation
🌱 Reclaim your time, voice, and identity
What Healing Can Look Like
When you start working through your parentification experience, you:
🗣️ Learn the language to express your real needs
🧼 Let go of shame and misplaced responsibility
🛌 Begin to truly rest—mentally, emotionally, and physically
👯♀️ Feel seen, heard, and understood
Healing isn’t about blaming the past. It’s about freeing your future.
You're Not Alone—And You Deserve Support
Black women have historically carried too much for too long—and it’s time to shift that narrative. You don’t have to keep being the “strong one” just to survive.
You’re allowed to be soft. To rest. To receive.
Montina’s practice, Myers-Galloway Counseling, was created as a sanctuary—a safe, affirming space where Black women can explore their truth, release their burdens, and finally thrive.
Ready to take the first step?
If this spoke to you, it’s time to stop surviving and start healing.
Reach out to Montina today and begin your journey toward wholeness.
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Tired of being “the strong one”?
Parentification is real—and it’s exhausting. If you’ve been the responsible one for everyone else your whole life, it’s time to unpack that emotional baggage. Discover how to shift from survival to healing through our newsletter and our membership community.
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