No Happy Holidays: When the Season Just Feels Heavy

Trigger Warning: This episode includes open discussion of depression, isolation, and thoughts of self‑harm. Please listen with care and take breaks if you need to. The holidays aren't always merry — and for many Black women, this season can feel especially heavy. In this powerful special episode, host Kamika Dillard opens up about her own journey through job loss, isolation, and the dark thoughts that followed. She shares the hard‑won lesson from her Fail Forward File: shame and silence can pull you inward, but healing requires connection. We don't heal alone. We heal together. Kamika is joined by Dr. Loren M. Hill, a licensed clinical psychologist, who offers grounded, compassionate strategies for navigating mental health, financial strain, and the pressure to "perform joy" during the holidays. If you or someone you know is in crisis, free and confidential support is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988. Dr. Loren M. Hill is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Acclivity, bringing 30+ years of expertise in mental health, trauma, and strategic career development. She hosts Your Strategist Is In, a podcast centered on navigating success and well‑being, especially for Black women and first‑gen professionals. Loren's Social Media & Business Handles   / drlorenmhill   https://theacclivity.com (https://theacclivity.com/) https://theacclivity.com/podcast    / channel   (   / @the-acclivity  ) Subscribe to Black Women Will Save Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Instagram-@blackwomenwillsaveblackwomen (mailto:Instagram-@blackwomenwillsaveblackwomen) Interested in sharing your story, email info@blackwomenwillsaveblackwomen You can find Kamika at: Linked In- Kamika Dillard | LinkedIn (  / kamikadillard  ) Instagram-   / kamikatdillard   Substack- https://substack.com/@kamikadillard TikTok- www.tiktok.com/@missktdillard (  / missktdillard  ) Threads- @kamikatdillard