Breaking the Stigma: Addressing Mental Health in the Black Community
- Shakeena Speller, LCSW, LCAS
- Feb 16
- 4 min read
The Silent Struggle
Mental health stigma remains a significant challenge in the Black community, preventing many individuals from seeking the support they need. Studies show that Black adults in the U.S. are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health issues compared to the general population (National Alliance on Mental Illness [NAMI], 2023). However, they are less likely to seek treatment, with only one in three Black adults receiving the care they need (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2022).
The stigma surrounding mental health is deeply rooted in historical, cultural, and systemic factors. While awareness is growing, there is still work to be done to normalize mental health care within the Black community.
Why Does Stigma Exist in the Black Community?
1. Historical Mistrust of the Medical System
The medical system has a long history of mistreatment and neglect toward Black individuals, contributing to a deep mistrust of healthcare providers, including mental health professionals.
Example: The Tuskegee Syphilis Study involved researchers deliberately withholding treatment from Black men with syphilis to study the disease’s progression. This unethical experiment fueled distrust in medical institutions (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022).
Impact on Mental Health: Many Black individuals hesitate to seek therapy out of fear of being misunderstood, mistreated, or misdiagnosed (Bailey et al., 2017).
2. Cultural Expectations of Strength and Resilience
The "strong Black woman" and "strong Black man" narratives often discourage emotional vulnerability. Strength is equated with endurance, which can lead to suppressing emotions rather than seeking help.
Example: Many Black individuals are raised with phrases like, “What happens in this house stays in this house,” discouraging open conversations about mental health (Ward et al., 2013).
Impact on Mental Health: This mindset can contribute to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and untreated trauma in the Black community (American Psychological Association [APA], 2023).
3. Faith Over Therapy Mindset
Faith plays a crucial role in the Black community, often serving as a primary source of support and resilience. While spirituality can be a healing force, some individuals believe that turning to prayer alone is sufficient to address mental health challenges.
Example: A 2021 study found that over 50% of Black adults would rather seek guidance from a pastor than a mental health professional (Hankerson et al., 2021).
Impact on Mental Health: This reliance on faith alone can delay professional intervention, exacerbating mental health conditions that require clinical treatment.
4. Fear of Being Judged or Labeled
There is often a fear that seeking therapy will lead to judgment, alienation, or being seen as weak. Many Black men, in particular, report avoiding therapy due to societal pressure to appear strong and independent (Griffith et al., 2019).
5. Limited Access to Culturally Competent Mental Health Care
Even when individuals are open to therapy, finding a Black therapist or a culturally competent provider can be challenging.
Example: Black psychologists make up only 4% of the psychology workforce in the U.S. (APA, 2022).
Impact on Mental Health: Without culturally responsive care, many Black individuals feel misunderstood or dismissed in therapy, leading to early termination of treatment (Williams et al., 2020).
How Do We Break the Stigma?
1. Normalize Mental Health Conversations
To challenge stigma, mental health discussions need to become as common as discussions about physical health.
Example: Celebrities like Taraji P. Henson and Michelle Obama have openly discussed their mental health struggles, helping to normalize therapy within the Black community (Henson, 2021).
2. Redefine Strength
Strength should be seen as having the courage to seek help rather than suffering in silence.
Example: Programs like Therapy for Black Girls and Therapy for Black Men encourage Black individuals to embrace therapy as self-care rather than a sign of weakness.
3. Bridge Faith and Therapy
Faith and mental health treatment do not have to be at odds. Many churches now incorporate mental health ministries, offering resources and referrals to professional therapists.
Resource: Organizations like The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation work to bridge the gap between faith and therapy (Henson, 2021).
4. Increase Representation in Mental Health Professions
Solution: Encouraging more Black students to pursue careers in psychology, social work, and counseling can help increase representation in the field.
Resource: The Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) provides scholarships and mentorship opportunities for aspiring Black mental health professionals.
Final Thoughts
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Breaking the stigma requires open conversations, representation, and increased accessibility to culturally competent care. Seeking therapy is not a sign of weakness—it is an act of self-love and empowerment.
If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out. There is strength in seeking help.
Looking for Therapy or Coaching Support?
At Rise Up Counseling & Consulting PLLC, we offer individual and group therapy, as well as coaching services tailored to your needs. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions, our culturally competent clinicians are here to help you rise above challenges and step into healing.
📍 Contact Us Today:
📞 Phone: 980-206-3722
📧 Email: sspeller@riseupcounseling.org
📍 Address: 700 N. Cannon Blvd Suite 106, Kannapolis, NC 28083
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