Depression Among Black Women In The U.S
A report published by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services stated that African American females in grades 9–12, were 70 percent more likely to attempt suicide in 2017, compared to non-Hispanic white females of the same age group.
Lauren Carson is the Executive Director and Founder of a non-profit organization called Black Girls Smile. This organization is dedicated to encouraging positive mental health education, providing resources, and toward young African American women.
Black Girls Smile Inc. was founded by Carson in 2012, who found there was a huge void in the market for mental health education aimed toward young black women.
“As black women, we take on so much. We are the backbone of society, we are supporting families, businesses, communities,” said Lauren Carson. “We don’t talk about experiences that we have personally, that we experience within our community.”
Carson wanted to create a space where young black girls are given the right resources and education to live a mentally healthy life.
At the age of 15, she was diagnosed with clinical depression. Even though there were organizations that would have given aid, she felt that they would look at her through a narrow lens, being a woman of color in American society.
“I remember going on my family’s computer and looked up black girl depression. Nothing came up. So I assumed, if it wasn’t on Google, then I had to be the only black female struggling with this issue,” said Carson.
Black women who are from low economic backgrounds and deal with gender discrimination and racism in the United States have a higher chance of experiencing mental distress and can lead to depression.
Source: Ebony Magazine
For Teristina Williams, 22, she believes that a strong black woman is someone that can withstand any adversity. “Being a strong black woman to me means being fearless, unapologetic, courageous, brave, being a queen in her own right.”
Williams continued, “Taking every day one day at a time with the most beautiful afro accessorized with a crown made from the strength of our ancestors who came before us who paved the way for us.”
The “Strong Black Woman” concept is a stereotype that identifies young black women as strong, resilient beings in their family and community. This ideology puts pressure on young girls of color who don’t think they measure up.
Carson found herself trying to emulate the black women present in her youth. But, she realized that women of color that support everyone but themselves do a disservice to their own mental health.
“I know that when I was growing up, I saw all of these strong black women around me that it went without being said that I had to join those ranks,” said Carson.
Carson continued, “It’s a lot to be everything to everyone all the time. It’s not something everyone can succeed at.”
In a country where black Americans are faced with racism, discrimination, and economic disadvantages, young black females deserve to have a space where they can ask for help if they need it.
Black Girls Smile Inc. gives young black females a safe space to talk and healthily deal with their issues. Today, black millennials are helping to eliminate the taboo surrounding mental health in the black community.
“I wish someone would’ve told me it will get better. Not that it will get better tomorrow, but it will get better,” said Carson.
