Redefining Strength: Black Women’s Mental Health & Self-Care
It is no secret that one’s mental health is a critical aspect of their overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked or stigmatized, particularly within marginalized communities. Black women face unique challenges when it comes to mental health. This blog post aims to shed light on the mental health issues black women face, the societal and cultural factors contributing to these challenges, and the importance of seeking support.
If you're a black woman, the phrase: “You’re so strong” is probably embedded so deep in your brain it has unconsciously become part of your character trait or even a defence mechanism. While strength and resilience are part of our heritage and pride, this expectation can sometimes feel like a heavy burden. The “strong black woman” stereotype often means we’re expected to keep it all together, no matter what. But let’s be honest here, sometimes, we need to let it all out or even fall apart to rebuild anew. Additionally, this narrative can perpetuate the intense expectation of having to prioritize the needs of others over their own and to appear invulnerable.
In our community, discussing mental health is not always simple. The unwritten rule is that we should solve our own problems most of the time. Acknowledging your difficulties may seem like a sign of weakness, or even worse, like you're betraying the tough facade we're supposed to keep up. Cultural beliefs and historical mistrust of the healthcare system also contribute to this stigma. Moreover, certain African societies frequently link mental disorders to spiritual or supernatural causes, such as curses or demonic possession (Ahad et al., 2023). This knowledge may increase stigma and discourage people from getting mental health treatment, further exacerbating their mental health challenges (Ahad et al., 2023). Though there may be so much fear and stigma surrounding mental illness, one of the boldest things you can do, is ask for help.
The complex interplay of race, gender, and financial status perpetuates the challenges black women face in managing their mental health. They frequently encounter various forms of discrimination, which can cause persistent stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms (Sai, 2023). Furthermore, socioeconomic challenges including unemployment and unstable finances are more common amongst black women, and they can have a serious negative influence on mental health (Sai, 2023).
Black women face several obstacles while trying to get mental health care. These include a lack of medical professionals who are culturally sensitive, budgetary limitations, and general skepticism of the healthcare system. Care that is culturally competent is essential because it guarantees that mental health providers recognise and appreciate the distinct experiences and cultural backgrounds of black women. Even if they do decide to seek help, it might be challenging for them to locate therapists who can relate to and understand their unique issues because there is a scarcity of black mental health specialists.
What then are our options? Self-care is an effective strategy. It goes beyond simply indulging oneself, although that’s good too. It involves making conscious efforts to care for your health, body, mind, and spirit. Find what works for you and prioritize it, whether it's taking a break, journaling, exercising or engaging in meditation. Support from the community is also equally as important. Having a support system of peers, family, and friends that get you, can really make a big impact. An excellent resource are virtual communities and support groups, which offer a secure environment for sharing and interacting with like-minded individuals.
Lastly, raising awareness of the difficulties faced by black women when it comes to their mental health is crucial to starting the conversation for change. By being transparent about our struggles with mental health, we can lessen the stigma and inspire other black women to get treatment. Pushing for systemic changes is also important, such as more access to reasonably priced healthcare and more clinicians who are culturally aware and competent. It should also be in the interest of mental health organizations and advocates to prioritize outreach to black communities, providing resources and education to promote mental well- being.
To all the black queens out there: You matter and so does your mental health! It’s okay to ask for help, to take a step back and to put your health and yourself first. Living a better, happier life means embracing self-care, creating communities of support, and speaking out for change. Remember that you are not alone in this fight! By working together, we can dismantle these obstacles and establish a safe space where all black women can prosper. Let's keep encouraging one another, telling each other our stories, and advocating for the treatment we deserve.
References
Ahad, A. A., Sanchez-Gonzalez, M., & Junquera, P. (2023). Understanding and Addressing Mental Health Stigma Across Cultures for Improving Psychiatric Care: A Narrative Review. Cureus, 15(5), e39549. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.39549 Sai, H. (2023). To be black, female, and anxious: How can we better implement intersectionality and understandings of gendered racism into therapeutic practice? [University Honors Theses, Portland State University]. https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi? article=2604&context=honorstheses