Black Women & The Magical Merry Go Round of Menopause with Davida Elizabeth Arnold, Menopause Coach

Rita Mercer Author

Davida Arnold shares her menopause journey and how We The Aunties empowers Black women to thrive with wellness resources, self-care, and community.

Menopause is often seen as a difficult transition, but for many women, including Black women, it can be a confusing and challenging time. As we discuss in this episode of The Daring Well Podcast, menopause can feel like a "magical merry go round" of symptoms, experiences, and societal expectations, especially for women who often find themselves left out of important conversations surrounding this natural life phase. Our guest, Davida Elizabeth Arnold, bravely shares her journey through menopause, how it affected her health, and how she turned her experience into a life-changing wellness movement called We The Aunties.

The Hidden Struggles of Menopause

Davida Elizabeth Arnold's story begins with a pivotal moment in her life: a car crash on January 31st. This accident was not just a physical one; it was the culmination of years of neglecting her own well-being while trying to juggle the pressures of her career, family, and the onset of menopause.

For over a decade, Davida had been mismanaging her menopause symptoms, from severe fatigue to other common menopause-related issues. Yet, as she sought support from healthcare providers and corporate America, she was often dismissed. The response was always the same: "It’s not that serious," or "You’re too young for perimenopause."

As Davida shares, menopause can present itself in various ways, and the experience differs from woman to woman. However, some symptoms are commonly felt, such as:

• Fatigue: Feeling drained or unable to function at full capacity, even after rest.
• Emotional instability: Mood swings, irritability, and anxiety.
• Cognitive changes: Difficulty concentrating or experiencing “brain fog.”
• Physical discomfort: Hot flashes, night sweats, and changes in menstrual patterns.

Davida’s Turning Point: From Struggle to Empowerment

Despite being at the height of her career and managing multiple responsibilities—she was a co-founder of three restaurants, a mother to two high-performing boys, and working her way up the corporate ladder—Davida could not ignore the growing fatigue and health struggles that were impacting her daily life. The turning point came when her health reached a breaking point, leading to the car crash that changed everything.

Davida's frustration led her to an important realization: no one should have to suffer through menopause without the proper support. After her crash, she knew it was time to take action—not just for herself but for other women who were experiencing the same struggles in silence.

Thus, We The Aunties was born. This wellness collaborative was created to support women navigating menopause by providing resources, community, and tools to help them live their best lives despite the challenges they may face.

We The Aunties: Empowering Women Through Wellness

We The Aunties is a platform dedicated to empowering women, particularly those in the Black community, who are experiencing menopause. The collaborative focuses on providing holistic wellness solutions, mental health support, and a sense of community for women who feel isolated during this life transition.

The mission of We The Aunties is clear: No woman should go through menopause alone or unsupported. The group offers a space where women can share their experiences, access wellness resources, and find solidarity in their journey.

Some of the core principles of We The Aunties include:

• Support and Community: Creating a space for women to connect, share experiences, and support one another.
• Holistic Wellness: Focusing on physical, emotional, and mental well-being during menopause.
• Empowerment: Giving women the tools they need to take control of their health and feel confident in navigating menopause.
• Education: Providing resources and knowledge about menopause, its symptoms, and the best ways to manage them.

Cultural Factors in Menopause for Black Women

While menopause is a universal experience for all women, it can be particularly challenging for Black women. This is due, in part, to historical and cultural factors that impact healthcare access, the way symptoms are perceived, and the lack of representation in mainstream wellness discussions.

Black women often face:

• Healthcare Disparities: Racial disparities in healthcare can lead to misdiagnosis, delayed treatments, and dismissive attitudes from healthcare providers.
• Cultural Stigma: Menopause can carry a sense of shame or taboo, particularly in communities where aging and reproductive health are not openly discussed.
• Lack of Representation: Few resources focus specifically on the experiences of Black women during menopause, leaving many feeling unsupported and isolated.

By creating We The Aunties, Davida Elizabeth Arnold is addressing these gaps in healthcare and creating a space where Black women can feel seen, heard, and supported in their menopause journey.

Mindset Strategies for Thriving Through Menopause

Throughout our conversation, Davida emphasized the importance of mindset in managing the symptoms and challenges of menopause. She shared her own mantra: "Work what you got."

This simple yet powerful statement reminds us that it’s okay to meet ourselves where we are and take small steps toward wellness, without feeling pressured to meet unrealistic expectations.

Here are some of Davida’s mindset strategies for thriving through menopause:

1. Self-Acceptance: Menopause is a natural transition. Accepting it, rather than resisting it, can ease the emotional burden and create space for healing.
2. Prioritize Your Health: Don’t wait until you reach a breaking point. Prioritize self-care and listen to your body when it signals that something is off.
3. Be Kind to Yourself: It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling guilty for not doing enough. But remember, doing your best with what you have is enough.
4. Embrace the Process: Menopause is a phase, not a permanent state. Embrace the changes that come with it and find ways to adapt.
5. Find Support: Whether it’s through We The Aunties, family, or friends, don’t navigate this journey alone.

How Menopause Changed Davida’s Life and the Women She Helps

For Davida, the experience of going through menopause was a wake-up call, not just for her own health but for the women she now helps through We The Aunties. She learned to advocate for herself, seek proper care, and build a community that can support others who feel unseen and unheard.

Through We The Aunties, she has created a space where women, especially Black women, can come together, share their stories, and find the resources they need to thrive during menopause. The wellness collaborative is more than just a support group—it’s a movement that is changing the way women approach menopause, health, and well-being.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Community and Self-Care

Menopause doesn’t have to be a lonely, isolating journey. With the right mindset, support, and resources, women can thrive through this life transition. As Davida said, “You have the full capacity to live your best life, starting with where you are.”

We The Aunties is proving that by building a supportive community and prioritizing wellness, women can find strength, joy, and empowerment during menopause. If you’re navigating this phase of life, know that you are not alone, and there are resources and support available to help you live your best life.

Remember: work what you got, and dare to be well!

Key Takeaways:

• Menopause varies for each woman, with common symptoms including fatigue, mood swings, and physical discomfort.
• Healthcare support is crucial, and women should advocate for themselves when they feel dismissed or unsupported.
• We The Aunties is a wellness collaborative created to support women, especially Black women, navigating menopause.
• Mindset strategies for thriving include self-acceptance, prioritizing health, and finding community support.

As we continue to navigate life’s challenges, it’s important to remember that we don’t have to do it alone. Whether it’s through a wellness collaborative, a support group, or personal wellness practices, you have the power to thrive—no matter where you are in your journey.

Get on the waiting list for

Sacred Rest
Mindfulness & Wellness Retreat

Are you looking for more inspiration for wellness tips & coping skills?

Check out The Daring Well Podcast:

• YouTube
• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts

Categories: : Menopause, Self Care, Black Women's Health