Let's Talk Black Women and Community Attitudes Towards Mental Health
Share this with every Black woman you know
Being a woman is complex, no matter what age and/or race you may be. Nevertheless, some demographics are prone to suffering much more than others. This is primarily due to generational issues, institutional racism, attitudes towards mental health within the Black community, sexism, financial inequality, and the stereotypical strong/angry Black woman archetype that has permeated societies across the globe. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at one of the top barriers preventing Black women from seeking and acquiring quality mental health care, as well as some resources that will allow you to begin your journey towards mental wellness right now!
Communal Stigmas
One of the top barriers preventing Black women from getting the proper mental health is literally the attitudes the Black community has towards the mental health sector. Generally speaking, the average Black person tends to view the mental health industry as one gigantic scam. Indeed, the distrust of the mental health sector runs deep (and not without good reason, but we’ll get to that later), and those who choose to partake in those services are often ridiculed, if not outright ostracized.
For instance, a 2009 study showed that 63% of African Americans believe depression is a personal weakness rather than a severe mental health disorder. Given that Black women are primarily considered the superheroes of the community, reaching out to help can feel next to impossible for women hoping to live up to this ridiculous archetype.
Either way, women are twice as likely to experience mental health issues as their male counterparts. Therefore, there needs to be a considerable effort dedicated to helping to protect and mend the mental health of the caretakers of the community. In case you are yet unaware, 72% of Black children are born to unwed mothers, and as we all know, the onus of childrearing tends to fall on women, no matter if they’re married or not.
Additionally, African Americans have a deep, complicated history with religion. No matter how you may feel about it on an individual level, religious ideologies have served as the foundation for the collective morals of Black Americans for quite some time. In fact, the 2009 NIH study has shown that around 90.4% of Black Americans reported higher use of religion as a coping mechanism in terms of mental health matters. Personally speaking, I am much more spiritual than I am religious. However, I respect each individual’s right to choose their own paths; I will also say this: mental health issues are just as real as physical ones. If you wouldn’t ignore the doctor’s recommendations to help you heal a broken limb in favor of religious advice, you certainly shouldn’t be doing so when it comes to healing your past traumas.
Lastly, a lot of the distrust of the medical community is based on the real history between Black people and the mental health sector. Here are some examples of this triggering history:
Eugenics
The Bell Curve
Survival of the Fittest
Race Psychology
And More…
So, while therapy can be beneficial for Black women/people, there is also a healthy skepticism among Black people, and it’s one that is valid and should not be ignored.
Low Mental Health Service Rates
Either way, despite the widespread need for services, Black women continue to be one of the demographics that is least likely to seek assistance. For instance, the 2009 NIH study asserts that only 7% of Black women with symptoms seek out mental health services. This is a dangerously low number, considering the widespread issues affecting the community, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increased rate of domestic violence, work burnout, anxiety, stress, drug dependency, and more.
Help is Here
If you are suffering from mental health issues, the time to seek help is now! Here are some resources that will allow you to get started on your journey towards mental wellness today:
Call 988: The Suicide and Crisis Hotline has a new number, and it’s easier to remember than ever. If you are suffering from mental health issues and don’t have any local resources, this is a fantastic place to start. This hotline can help you find relief and resources to begin your recovery.
Mental Health America: Visit this site to get screened and find resources that will allow you to start your mental health journey at once.
The Safe Place: The Safe Place is a mental health app designed specifically to help the Black community by bringing more awareness, education, and hope to the dire state of mental health within the Black community.
Shine: Additionally, Shine is an app designed to promote calmness while reducing stress and anxiety.
BEAM: BEAM, or The Black Emotional And Mental Health Collective, is “a national training, movement building, and grant-making institution that is dedicated to the healing, wellness, and liberation of Black and marginalized communities.” It includes an array of mental health resources, programs, training courses, and other tools that can help Black women take control of their mental health now.
Although there are countless other tools for mental wellness, I will end it here. One thing I’ve learned about mental health is that it is a journey that begins with one step: admitting you have a problem.
Overall, Black women are the unwitting victims of a perfect storm of barriers preventing them from getting the mental health they so desperately need. As someone who has long since embraced the benefits of utilizing these services, I just want to let Black women everywhere know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Mental health issues are very personal, and you have every right to keep them private until and when you choose to share them.
Moreover, everyone’s journey is different. Please don’t compare yourself to others or expect your journey to mirror theirs. The most important thing you can do is start seeking resources and incorporate the ones that resonate with you. Either way, expect the ride to be a bit of a roller coaster. Hold on, sis, but please, don’t forget to enjoy it!