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| source : betterup.com |
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough air: anxiety in Black communities.
As someone who's both deeply invested in mental health advocacy and part of a diverse community myself, I’ve seen how conversations around mental health, especially anxiety are still often whispered, avoided, or completely dismissed in Black households. And yet, the reality is: anxiety doesn’t discriminate, even if our systems, access, and representation often do.
This isn’t just about mental health in general, it’s about how racism, trauma, and stigma intersect in very real ways, often making it harder for Black folks to get the care they deserve.
Let’s walk through it, openly, honestly, and with compassion.
Anxiety Is Real, and It Looks Different Here
Anxiety isn’t just “nerves” or “overthinking.” It can manifest physically: chest tightness, constant worry, nausea, racing thoughts, trouble sleeping. And in Black communities, that anxiety often stems from more than just daily stressors.
We’re talking about:
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Racial trauma
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Systemic inequality
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Generational stress
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Lack of access to culturally aware care
According to research, Black Americans are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health issues than the general population. But they’re also less likely to receive treatment often due to stigma, mistrust in the system, or just a lack of mental health professionals who look like them or understand their lived experience.
Racial Trauma Is Not Just “In Your Head”
Let’s be real: being Black in America comes with unique challenges. Microaggressions, police violence, healthcare bias, economic disparity it’s not paranoia. It’s not overreacting. It’s real, and it affects mental health deeply.
After the murder of George Floyd, anxiety and depression rates spiked among Black Americans. That’s not a coincidence. That’s trauma.
Some researchers call this effect "weathering" the slow, long-term breakdown of mental and physical health caused by repeated exposure to stress and discrimination. It’s exhausting, and it’s not something you can just “shake off.”
Let’s Bust Some Harmful Myths
Growing up, maybe you heard things like:
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“Black people don’t get mental illness.”
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“You just need to pray more.”
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“You’re just being dramatic man up.”
Let’s clear this up:
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Mental health issues are not a weakness.
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Therapy and spirituality can coexist.
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Black kids, teens, and adults can and do experience anxiety and depression.
We have to stop pretending resilience means never asking for help. Real strength is knowing when to raise your hand and say, “I need support.”
Why Stigma Hurts, And How We Start to Heal
In many Black families, there’s still this unspoken rule: keep your business private. Mental health becomes taboo. But that silence? It becomes isolation. And that isolation can become danger.
Here’s what stigma does:
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Makes people delay or avoid care
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Encourages emotional suppression
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Increases shame around asking for help
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Makes healing feel out of reach
And let’s not ignore the fear some feel that talking about mental health could make others see them as “unstable,” “dangerous,” or “crazy” labels rooted in deeply racist social constructs.
But we can begin to unlearn this. One conversation at a time. One safe space at a time.
What Healing Can Look Like
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but here’s what worked for others, and what might help you or someone you love:
1. Find a culturally competent therapist
Look for someone who understands not just anxiety, but the lived Black experience. Therapy works best when you feel seen.
2. Create or join support networks
Whether it’s a virtual group or a trusted circle of friends, connection is key. Find people who validate your feelings and respect your journey.
3. Get curious about healing modalities
Meditation, yoga, breathwork, journaling these tools help regulate your nervous system. They’re not “white people stuff.” They’re human stuff.
4. Advocate and educate
The more we talk about mental health openly, the more we normalize it. Be the person who starts the conversation in your circle.
5. Practice daily self-care
Quality sleep. Nutritious food. Movement. Saying no without guilt. These are acts of radical self-preservation.
If You’re In Crisis, Please Know You’re Not Alone
Here are resources that can help right now:
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988
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Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
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Therapy for Black Girls / Therapy for Black Men: therapyforblackgirls.com, therapyforblackmen.org
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National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): nami.org
Final Words: You Deserve Peace Too
Your pain is real. Your healing is valid. Your story matters.
Let’s rewrite the narrative: Mental health isn’t just for “them.” It’s for us. For our communities. For our future.
Anxiety doesn’t define you, but getting the support you need? That just might transform you.