High functioning depression among Black women

Mental Health Awareness Week

As we embark on #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, it's essential to reflect on the progress we've made and the work that still lies ahead.?

While strides have been made in increasing awareness and access to mental health services, there remains a persistent need to address systemic barriers, reduce discrimination, and ensure equitable healthcare, especially for Black women.

While mental health issues are not exclusive to any particular demographic, the intersectionality of race and gender adds layers of complexity to how these struggles manifest and are perceived.?

A recent post by ? Theresa M. Robinson, ABD - High functioning, High Masking, High Struggling sharing her experiences as an autistic black woman where she crosses out the high functioning part had me pondering…….

Is high-functioning depression a silent epidemic among Black women?

The Silent Struggle?

At first glance, high-functioning depression may seem like a contradiction.?

How can someone be highly functional while battling depression, especially if it is characterised by outward success and functionality?

The reality is that depression doesn't always manifest in obvious ways and unlike a broken arm or leg,

One of the challenges of high-functioning depression is that it can be difficult to recognise and diagnose. ?

On the outside, you may appear successful, driven, and in control, excelling in your career, maintaining an active social life, and fulfilling various responsibilities without any outward signs of distress.?

However, beneath the surface, you may be experiencing overwhelming feelings of sadness, emptiness, and despair.

If you are in a cycle of ‘facade normalcy’ where your struggles may seem to go unnoticed by others, including friends, family, and even healthcare providers please keep reading.

High-Functioning Black women

For many Black women, societal pressures and cultural expectations may compel them to maintain this ‘facade normalcy’ a facade of strength and resilience, even when struggling internally.?

This pressure to excel in various aspects of life - career, family, relationships - can mask the underlying emotional pain.

One of the key factors contributing to high-functioning depression among Black women is the concept of the "Strong Black Woman" archetype.?

Stemming from centuries of oppression and resilience, the harmful tropes paint Black women as pillars of strength, who are expected to endure many hardships without showing weakness.?

While this image may exude strength on the surface, it can be incredibly damaging to your mental health, as it discourages vulnerability and emotional expression.

The stigma also surrounding mental health in the Black community further exacerbates this issue.?

A stigma deeply rooted in historical mistrust of medical institutions, as well as a lack of culturally competent mental health resources.

Seeking help for mental health struggles is often viewed as a sign of weakness or failure, leading many Black women to suffer in silence rather than seek support.?

7 Signs of High-Functioning Depression in Black women

The key challenge is high-functioning Black women can often mask or downplay their symptoms due to cultural pressures to embody the "Strong Black Woman" persona.

This may lead to normalising persistent depressive feelings and delaying seeking support or asking for help. Here are some warning signs that often manifest in subtle ways, but can easily be overlooked:

1. Persistent sadness or feeling "off" despite outward success and productivity.[1][4] The ability to function masks the underlying depressive symptoms.

2. Loss of interest or inability to enjoy previously enjoyable activities.[1][4] This lack of pleasure or motivation is a core symptom.

3. Fatigue and excessive need for sleep, despite appearing energetic externally.[1][4] Constant exhaustion is common.

4. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.[1][2] Brain fog and indecisiveness can impact work performance. ?

5. Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or low self-esteem.[1][2] Self-criticism and negative self-talk are prevalent.

6. Changes in appetite or weight.[3] Either increased or decreased appetite/weight changes can occur.

7. Irritability, mood swings, or emotional outbursts.[3][4] Heightened emotions and being easily triggered are potential signs.

'This may lead to feelings of isolation and alienation, as you believe you have to bear the burden alone'

Black women who say they’re ok, when really they’re not!

In conclusion, high-functioning depression is a complex and often misunderstood phenomenon among Black women.?

The intersection of race, gender, and societal expectations creates a unique set of challenges that can make it difficult to seek timely support.

Instead, of constantly suppressing emotions and denying oneself the opportunity to seek help which often leads to chronic stress, anxiety, and even physical health problems.?

The toll of high-functioning depression on Black women's mental and physical health cannot be overstated.

Moreover, the pressure to maintain appearances creates a sense of dissonance between internal experiences and external expectations, further exacerbating feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

Addressing this silent struggle requires a multifaceted approach that acknowledges the intersectionality of race, gender, and mental health.?

This involves fostering challenging harmful stereotypes and promoting culturally competent mental health care.

'It's crucial to create safe spaces where Black women feel comfortable expressing their emotions and have open, honest conversations about mental health, without fear of judgment or shame'?

It's time to recognise and validate the struggles of Black women, and ensure that they have the support and resources they need to thrive.

We must also embrace vulnerability and authenticity as signs of courage and strength, dismantling the "Strong Black Woman" stereotype for more inclusive and supportive environments for Black women's mental health.

You are NEVER ALONE! Kinship meets monthly to explore the impact of race, ethnicity and gender. We are a group of like-minded cheerleaders who love to share our vulnerabilities and celebrate each others wins!

Sources

[1] We need to talk about Black women and high-functioning depression

[2] BLACK WOMEN ARE AFFECTED BY HIGH FUNCTIONING ...

[3] Mental Health Among African American Women

[4] What Depression Looks Like In High-Functioning Black Women

[5] Depression May Look Different in Black Women - NYU

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