The Hidden Struggle: Anxiety and Depression in Black Women

Many of our black women know and often joked about being a “strong Black Woman.” Often many people in our black and brown communities look at women in general as maternal, the mother figure, the go to when I need help or taking care of and even solving everyone’s problems. In our communities we also think most people with anxiety and depression appears overwhelmed, crying spells, shutting down, and avoiding responsibilities. Yet for many Black women, the struggle looks very different. Instead of stepping back, we push forward. Instead of collapsing and breaking down, we excel. This is the foundation of the “Strong Black Woman” myth which is a stereotype that praises resilience while often hiding mental health struggles. 

The Burden of Always Being the “Strong One”

In our Black communities we have cultural expectations. Cultural expectations have long demanded that Black women embody strength, independence, and selflessness.  These traits maybe admirable, they can also become a heavy burden. Many women feel they cannot be vulnerable or show vulnerability, even when dealing with crushing anxiety or depression. Imagine being that “Strong Black Woman” where household chores, holding down a job and family responsibilities. It’s a daunting task and at times unfortunately our other halves are not aware of the struggles and adversities that we face as a woman, wife, mother or caretaker. It starts to take a toll on us and wear us down just like brake pads in a car. 

Signs of Hidden Anxiety and Depression

High-functioning anxiety and depression can look like perfectionism, agitation and irritability, physical exhaustion, and somatic complaints such as headaches, muscle tension, or stomach issues. These symptoms are often minimized by many because the woman continues to excel outwardly. Often times, when minimize these signs and symptoms we suffer and can start to affect our personal and work life. We tend to be more sensitive, angered or agitated at the slightest things.

Why it’s Missed

Our society equates achievement with wellness and success. The Black woman suffers in every aspect of their lives. They start to feel worn down and out, angry or irritable, lack of focus or concentration, hiding behind a mask, insomnia, racing thoughts and negative intrusive thoughts. In addition, stigma within communities of color can discourage seeking help with therapy, medication and diagnosing, reinforcing the cycle of silence.

Breaking the Cycle

We must first start off by holding ourselves accountable and seek help when we sense that something is just not quite right with us. Where we may be quick tempered, feeling on edge, and even looking well put together when deep down we are breaking down inside or even losing ourselves and control. True strength lies in seeking support when needed. Speaking to your husband or partner, pastor, a trusted family member or friend. Therapy, holistic practices like practicing mindfulness and journaling, and finally Integrative psychiatric care help women release the pressures of always appearing invincible.

Join the “Soft Girl Era”

We need to learn to be kind to ourselves and not be afraid to show our emotions. Why can’t we cry like most of our counterparts and not be so perfect and always striving to be the strong one? These types of women have the best qualities and seen as nurturing, caring for our family and friends or the elderly, and a problem solver for everyone. We are selfless and always the one giving and never taking. We don’t even practice self-care! We need to start holding our hands out and getting the help that are available to us.

At Monarch Holistic & Wellness Services we strive to bring that out of you so that your life is easier and have that “Soft Girl Era”. We will teach you how to be whole again and reclaim your life back. Remember, choosing healing is not weakness, it’s power. At Monarch Holistic & Wellness Services we empower women to embrace care as part of their strength.