How Neurodivergent Black Women Lose Themselves Trying to Cope

Do you ever feel constantly exhausted, overwhelmed, or emotionally reactive—yet can’t explain why, even though you’re “doing everything right”?In this episode of Trigger Proof with Mikki Bey, emotional regulation coach Mikki Bey sits down with Dr. Samara Toussaint, psychologist, mental health practice owner, and neurodivergence advocate, for a powerful conversation on emotional regulation, masking, and the often-missed reality of neurodivergence in Black women.Dr. Samara shares her personal journey of being late-diagnosed as autistic, and how years of masking, perfectionism, and burnout are often misread as personal failure instead of nervous system overload. Together, they unpack how emotional dysregulation, trauma, culture, and neurodivergence intersect—and why so many Black women are misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or overlooked entirely.You’ll learn how emotional regulation can support healing, self-understanding, and nervous system safety—whether or not you’re neurodivergent.In this conversation, Mikki and Dr. Samara explore:• What neurodivergence really means (beyond ADHD and autism stereotypes)• The difference between masking, code-switching, and self-abandonment• Why burnout and perfectionism are major signs of emotional dysregulation• How neurodivergence shows up differently in Black women• Why late diagnosis is so common—and so costly• The impact of culture, bias, and misdiagnosis on Black women’s mental health• When emotional regulation coaching helps—and when assessment and accommodations are neededIf you’ve ever felt like life feels harder than it should, or you’ve been told you’re “too emotional,” “too sensitive,” or “not trying hard enough,” this episode may help you finally understand what’s really happening—and how to support yourself with more compassion and clarity.Connect with Dr. Samara ToussaintInstagram & TikTok: @schoolpsychdrt(Link in bio for private practice, assessments, and resources)Website: www.path2growthcounseling.comConnect with Mikki BeyDownload Mikki’s Free Emotional Regulation Bundle (ebook, workbook, and masterclass):https://www.themikkibeygroup.com/inquiryfWebsite: https://www.themikkibeygroup.com/LinkedIn: / mbcmbaInstagram: / getmikkibey