Mental Health and the Black Community

The stigma regarding mental health and mental illness within the African American community is exceptionally prominent. Why is there a stigma? To dissect this question, one must first understand the stereotypes and treatment placed upon the African American community compared to White Americans. Since the beginning of the United States’ existence, African Americans have been perceived as “less than.” This created socioeconomic disparities, thus causing the community to not reach out for treatment.

Cultural factors within the community have caused African American women not to seek mental health services. Women have been given the term “strong black woman” within our society. There is a saying, “behind every black man is an even stronger black woman.” This is one of the reasons why African American women themselves do not seek help; they believe that seeking help is to fail at being a strong black woman. They believe that seeking help would confirm society’s negative stereotypes about them, as well as stigmatize them.

The perception of strength is a complex topic regarding mental health and illness among African Americans. The community has placed an inconceivable notion on members of their society— that one must avoid mental health services. The community does this because of the fear of being labeled, the cost of treatment, and the lack of knowledge of where to go. 

As a result of these factors, Black Health and Wellness are suffering.