Mental Health Spotlight: You are Not Alone – Talking About Depression in Our Community
Too many of us suffer in silence. In the Black community, emotional pain is often carried quietly because of stigma, fear, or not knowing where to turn. But depression is not a weakness; it’s a medical condition, and it’s treatable.
Signs to Watch For:
– Feeling down for more than 2 weeks
– Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
– Trouble sleeping or eating
– Irritability or withdrawal from others
Many of these symptoms are dismissed as stress or fatigue, but they can point to deeper mental health needs. Black men and women often face unique cultural stressors—racism, financial strain, family caretaking—that are not always understood in mainstream therapy. That’s why culturally competent care is key.
Where to Get Help:
– The Loveland Foundation (therapy support for Black women and girls)
– Therapy for Black Men & Therapy for Black Girls (online directories)
– County mental health clinics (offer free or sliding-scale therapy)
You don’t have to face it alone. Healing is strength.
