8 Signs of Depression in Black Women
Key takeaways:
Culture, society, and personal factors all play a role in how Black women experience depression. This can make identifying depression in Black women difficult.
Depression may look different in Black women than in other groups. Signs to look for include exhaustion, headaches, increased awareness of danger, and burnout.
Lack of diagnosis and access to mental health services are barriers for Black women seeking help for depression.
Table of contents
Depression is a complex mental health condition that can cast a shadow over every aspect of life. It can affect your thoughts, energy levels, and physical well-being. In a culture that celebrates strength and resilience, it's easy to overlook the silent issues of Black women with depression.
The signs of depression in Black women can be difficult to spot. But knowing what to look for can help you know when depression is an issue and when it's time to get help. Let’s review eight signs of depression in Black women.
1. Emotional exhaustion
This can show up as feeling emotionally drained, overwhelmed, and fatigued. Symptoms of depression can be triggered by the challenges and stressors of daily life. This can be heightened in Black women who also have to face the social pressures of racism.
2. Irritability and anger
Black women may have symptoms of depression like irritability, anger, or moodiness. This can look different from the typical symptom of sadness. This may also lead to further social stress when it isn’t recognized as a symptom of depression. It can frequently be mislabeled as the stereotype of the angry Black woman instead.
3. Physical symptoms
Physical symptoms are a common sign of depression in Black women. These physical symptoms aren’t otherwise explained by any other condition. And they’ll often continue until you address the underlying depression.
Physical symptoms can be a way of expressing emotional distress. Common physical symptoms of depression include:
Headaches
Stomach pain
Back pain
Joint pain
Fatigue
Appetite changes
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4. Increased awareness of danger
Being overly alert to potential stressors or dangers can lead to increased stress and anxiety. This is often the result of repeated discrimination. But some Black women with depression may fixate on the looming possibility of danger.
“Weathering,” or the effects of ongoing social stressors, can play a role in developing conditions like depression.
5. Superwoman syndrome
Some Black women with depression may feel the need to meet heightened expectations. This can come at the expense of neglecting their own well-being and can lead to emotional burnout.
The cultural notion of the resilient Black woman that keeps going no matter what could keep some from seeking help.
6. Coping behaviors
Black women dealing with depression may display unusual behaviors they don’t normally have. It’s common to see either excessive or impulsive actions as a result. In an effort to cope with feelings of depression it’s possible to see behaviors like:
Overeating
7. Sleep disruptions
Depression can commonly affect your sleep, but it’s hard to predict exactly how. Black women with depression may complain of symptoms like getting too much sleep or not enough. The effect of depression on sleep can vary from person to person.
Changes in sleep patterns could include trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or oversleeping.
8. Spiritual disconnection
For some Black women, faith and spirituality can play an important part in physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. But one sign of depression can be a change in this connection.
A loss of interest or less engagement in spiritual practices that were once important sources of support can be a sign of depression.
In the presence of any of these red flags, don't attempt to wait it out. Seek professional support for yourself or your loved ones.
Why does depression look differently in Black women?
Depression can affect people from all walks of life. But for Black women, culture, society, and other personal factors can affect how they experience depression. Cultural norms and stigmas around mental health can influence when, how, or if you seek help.
For example, the cultural belief that you always have to be strong can lead some Black women to push themselves to the point of exhaustion. Identifying these factors and other signs of depression can help improve mental health support for Black women.
Barriers for Black women seeking help for depression
Depression often leads to isolation. And this can present unique barriers for Black women when it comes to seeking help. Access to mental health services remains low for Black women. They rank among the most undertreated groups for depression in the United States.
Key reasons for this mental health dilemma include:
Missed diagnosis of depression in Black women: There are many Black women who have a missed diagnosis of depression. Because depression symptoms may look different in Black women, there may be misdiagnosis or a missed diagnosis.
Limited access to mental health services: Limited availability of culturally competent healthcare providers can prevent Black women from having access to timely and appropriate care. A lack of health insurance and the high cost of mental health services can further limit their access to treatment.
Stigma: The negative perception surrounding mental health issues within the Black community can deter Black women from seeking help. Fear of being labeled as "weak" or "crazy" can cause people to hide their mental health struggles. This can prevent them from getting the support they need.
How can Black women find help for depression?
Receiving support for depression is an important step towards mental wellness. And this journey can be difficult for Black women looking for help tailored to their experiences and needs. The following tips can help give you some guidance on how to navigate your mental well-being.
Talk with a healthcare professional. Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider, such as a primary care doctor or a mental health specialist. They can check your symptoms, give you a diagnosis, and recommend treatment options for you.
Look into therapy. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can work well to treat depression. You can find a therapist through online directories, mental health clinics, or recommendations from your healthcare provider.
Consider medication, if offered. In some cases, your healthcare provider may suggest medication, such as antidepressants. Medication can help relieve symptoms of depression and improve overall well-being.
Join a support group. Joining a support group for people with depression can help to give you a sense of community and understanding. Many organizations offer online and in-person support groups.
Give self-help strategies a try. Adding self-care practices into your daily routine can be helpful. Exercise, mindfulness, meditation, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can work along with professional treatment.
Use crisis helplines, if needed. In times of acute distress, consider contacting crisis helplines or hotlines. Helplines like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, or 988 Suicide and Crisis Helpline can be used for immediate support. If you’re not sure which helpline you should call, don’t worry. You can reach out to any hotline in an emergency and they’ll get you the help you need.
Look for online resources. There are many websites and apps dedicated to mental health. They can help offer information, self-assessment tools, and resources for managing depression.
The bottom line
Depression in Black women can be challenging to recognize. That’s because signs of depression in Black women can look different from the typical depression symptoms. And this can lead to a missed diagnosis. But, there are resources available for Black women to access the support they need. If you think you may have symptoms of depression, let your healthcare provider know.
Why trust our experts?
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