---
title: Strong Black Women Need Therapy Too
date: 2019-04-23T03:00:00-04:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/strong-black-women-need-therapy-too"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Strong Black Women Need Therapy Too

The idea of the “strong Black woman”–a trope that sees Black women as inherently resilient and unbreakable–can make it difficult for Black women to seek support. This piece talks about the possible benefits of therapy for Black women, shares positive stories of Black women who have undergone therapy, and provides resources for those looking for help.

> For years, mainstream media has been perpetuating the ideology that black women don’t ask for help—we are the help. History led me to believe that asking for help wasn’t a luxury afforded to me. I believed it was something for rich (oftentimes white) people. I believed that I should be strong enough to forge onward without the external support.

[Read the full article ](https://www.self.com/story/strong-black-women-need-therapy-too)

SOURCE: SELF • AUTHOR: Jameelah Nasheed • LAST UPDATED: April 23, 2019

![A Black woman with an afro sits in front of a therapist](data:image/png;base64,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) [Talia Mdlungu/peopleimages.com](https://stock.adobe.com/contributor/210716081/talia-mdlungu-peopleimages-com?load_type=author&prev_url=detail)/Adobe Stock

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ mental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/mental-health)
- [ taking care of our mental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/taking-care-of-our-mental-health)
- [BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/bipoc-black-indigenous-and-people-of-color)
- [support](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/support)
- [therapy (psychotherapy)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/therapy-psychotherapy)
- [Black / African American](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/black-african-american)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

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- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Mental Health Issues

MB describes her struggle coming to terms with mental health issues. She shares how her parents hindered her from getting help, but her friends supported her.

![Marisa](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB describes her struggle coming to terms with mental health issues. She shares how her parents hindered her from getting help, but her friends supported her.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-dealing-with-mental-health-issues)

[ResourcesRead

## A Report on American Indian and Alaska Native LGBT Adults in the US

A report on American Indian and Alaska Native LGBT adults in the United States, with information on how aging and care impact those populations and communities.

![48382470241_7c511908e5_c](data:image/png;base64,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)

A report on American Indian and Alaska Native LGBT adults in the United States, with information on how aging and care impact those populations and communities.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-report-on-american-indian-and-alaska-native-lgbtqia-adults-in-the-us)

[ResourcesRead

## A Report on Sexual Violence against Indigenous Women in the US

The Maze of Injustice report examines sexual violence against Indigenous women in the United States and identifies multiple systemic barriers to justice.

![Dulcey lima indigenous women march unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

The Maze of Injustice report examines sexual violence against Indigenous women in the United States and identifies multiple systemic barriers to justice.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-report-on-sexual-violence-against-indigenous-women-in-the-us)

[ResourcesRead

## A Trauma-Informed Response To Racial Injustice

How can adults help young people discuss injustice safely and meaningfully? This resource explores trauma-informed responses to racial injustice.

![Duncan shaffer lo Pr MM Xp IIA unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

How can adults help young people discuss injustice safely and meaningfully? This resource explores trauma-informed responses to racial injustice.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-trauma-informed-response-to-racial-injustice)

[ResourcesRead

## Afiya Peer Respite Center

Afiya, one of about a dozen peer-run respite centers in the U.S., provides alternatives to psychiatric hospitalization and other more invasive or disruptive treatments.

![pexels-tim-mossholder-942317](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAENklEQVRIiV2WwZLkyA1DH0C1f9fhu398PZWAD0zVzK5CUV0VahFMEgCp//7n36W0IclJP6efk8/J+fRzmk97ysHBqcsUg1WrqDhx4nx8fvn80vnL+Z/OX8ov+nkKQAWF/URICBAI3i8V0h/fAdG+/3MvSfsHSegF+N66adVDaU37pmAwfT+rF7roRrwZyMKSwU9VoKWiUuu2hVbFNC0FqiK6ACKiIpWhkjbh72VsMoInb4mKgiMCxSV9k+dmoVatiDAEVFJtdhbd0COOeASqnnPzo6gicnDUiNBCudEBAhWBlLNPwsI2slUbi8fbjPo5ek8gKkfERIpVEVRtuWghvNGDqhOBWlrVqmWLEZVQpc5zKNJtgBW7o9i1IleqNrpof0d3UODAtqssACNqodgMzfMRLIZVuzMZZ6bj2pGjZQlN+7fon9u+Dt0mbO6PIiuiap+jgiqQOu64z5NnOk/seqplIqQkPdHnoHNp/7s+oxZGkSR1ecbzuVwW7wk60+en82SmnivY0m76p7LQCkcpKStwRiBtNXoBzqtNbg3deTpPn6fPUw92V7FtHbRCW1mWhJRGnSu4jf4FyBdAy7Fh3Jk+T+fpTO1rBikKmBePpBMSOi+lIYVS/gHwCt3C0xk8zDAPdrViKjpX94k2+gVY+a+Pbfr3el6L+sIYCxubGcZoJJUlPMzb7USTTpqQ4Gmv/fV1AODRN3cJqa+p1H7xzBokvXW368GpT8eNm3ktUc3y4XrsPwG0zfieS2I9puunaozvKTvTkzqdTbtdx9ofC7DM+nr61dT3brNjQmjf2VPal9Z2x4ntSTFq8jeAZ1mhG3oruFea1MpalN5XNhlVjoQtj6Zpxc1mVbMRn+c7Jf7Ium0SZS3hzhR9n3WHm5Brx5Ydj0r6J0DVPj/vFPzKtUlyHJ8rwraW1m9vA/fWrZVlH1ftWYImd4yg54clyZtfkiTnRH7NxpUj65Zys9gqLeuMR+5p1R5aRGok+vxLvq27AkpOonOuoNpxNFuQ15tfqu+stGmPzVuZHa8B0efn7fA+ShrOoVqfmUnGPv6NcSucu0O4Ki8MDdXsDG0Fz8/mddNvOGnVkNTuOePJUsWDjFwUlLvgIJndFBpydTMiQu3zc0cuUdPm9ChkB5xj+40uP/LgqdwLA+Clk7KkajSiYCr6PPLtbkk3h3dEisjHth/NMMXt7KuKCOsuRBoZ5bryeiaV+jzLH3Cb9jTvbEzAljWao/wo1xuLaoWJbpW8NpzlFQNrG2qfeQH2N0lznGOOV0+28ii7GwmMUtxpcXn5yp+exu4zoo+vhptrPXWOz8c9aizZO6GEjAafZqq2W80dAN919h3V3x5Y3MVtcVqnTpSjHgkyKmA8+Ox44Q6wJavexWN18YVA8Oiu1Hfp3R2NLkCgMkg0JF+TuRCb5ztdupV5I67Q/g/scQDOSkeW4wAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==)

Afiya, one of about a dozen peer-run respite centers in the U.S., provides alternatives to psychiatric hospitalization and other more invasive or disruptive treatments.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/afiya-peer-respite-center)

[ResourcesRead

## An Analysis: Manifestations and Perpetuation of Gender-Based Violence

The Human Rights Advocacy and Research Foundation analyzes some of the reasons gender-based violence continues.

![Pexels rodnae productions silence is violence scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

The Human Rights Advocacy and Research Foundation analyzes some of the reasons gender-based violence continues.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/an-analysis-manifestations-and-perpetuation-of-gender-based-violence)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Reconnecting with My Spiritual Roots for My Mental Health

MF describes their process of returning to their indigenous spiritual roots. Please note: this story is an audio recording only - there is no video.

![An indigenous tent in a forest](data:image/png;base64,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)

MF describes their process of returning to their indigenous spiritual roots. Please note: this story is an audio recording only - there is no video.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-reconnecting-with-my-spiritual-roots-for-my-mental-health)

[ResourcesRead

## Letting Go of Survival Mode

Survival mode is a natural response to chronic stress. But it does not allow us to think, grow, or flourish.

![Mature woman meditating with her eyes closed and her hands in prayer position. Black woman with dreadlocks practicing yoga in a studio. Happy middle-aged woman maintaining a healthy lifestyle.](data:image/png;base64,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)

Survival mode is a natural response to chronic stress. But it does not allow us to think, grow, or flourish.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/letting-go-of-survival-mode)