---
title: Helping Break the Stigma that Surrounds Mental Health for Women of Color
date: 2022-11-11T21:21:00-05:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-helping-break-the-stigma-that-surrounds-mental-health-for-women-of-color"
section: "Stories & Conversations"
---
[Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate)

[Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# Helping Break the Stigma that Surrounds Mental Health for Women of Color

HM discusses the cultural, religious stigma around mental health and therapy in her family. She addresses how the strong Black woman stereotype can impact how people understand Black women experience mental healthcare.

## Transcript

**OBOS Today:** So, you mentioned that you wanted to talk about mental health and your experiences, um, trying to attain, you know, proper mental health support. Could you shed some light on that?

**HM:** Sure! So, um, I've always felt different. I've always been a lot more antsy as a person. And for years I had know too that I was suffering from generalized anxiety, um, and depression for a while because you know I just came from a culture that kind of looked down upon you know talking about mental health. If you talked about mental health, then you were crazy. I would tell my parents that I was sad, and they were like, "Oh go pray," you know. And it was very hard for me to deal with it because in middle school and high school I was bullied a lot. I was always picked on for being you know a little nerdier and you know that really started to affect how I perceived myself and how I interacted with others.

I think the, the, moment where it kind of came to a head is when my father passed away and I just felt like very, very alone in the world because even though I, I did not have a solid therapist, um, you know he was the person I went to with my issues, so that was kind of when I started you know thinking about my mental health more and about and about thinking about myself and how I actually felt because for often for a long time I didn't really express to people how I felt. You know I would always feel not good enough. I was constantly anxious. I had insomnia for years. I just started sleeping properly. Um, and going through the medical field it is hard as a Black woman to talk about mental health because in the, in the media, in just in general we're, we're, always perceived as you know strong or you know as you know being able to you know handle more than other women, which is obviously not true. So, when I would talk about my issues, everyone would be like that's fine though. You're so strong, like you'll get over it. But I think we often neglect the mental health of women of color, and I've experienced that firsthand with how I was treated in regards to my mental health and my issues.

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

- [ mental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/mental-health)
- [culture](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/culture)
- [families](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/families)
- [BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/bipoc-black-indigenous-and-people-of-color)
- [Black / African American](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/black-african-american)

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

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

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

Share

[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)

##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## A Menstrual Expert's Surprising Tips On How To Talk About Your Period

An interview with Dr. Inga Winkler about menstrual stigma – what it is, how it is perpetuated, and ways to combat it.

![A Menstrual Expert's Surprising Tips On How To Talk About Your Period](data:image/png;base64,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)

An interview with Dr. Inga Winkler about menstrual stigma – what it is, how it is perpetuated, and ways to combat it.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-menstrual-experts-surprising-tips-on-how-to-talk-about-your-period)

[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 Sex Positive and Transformative Justice Approach to #MeToo

This article imagines what accountability for sexual abuse would look like in a sex-positive, anti-carceral world.

![Mihai surdu me too unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

This article imagines what accountability for sexual abuse would look like in a sex-positive, anti-carceral world.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-sex-positive-and-transformative-justice-approach-to-metoo)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## If I Had Listened to Abortion Protesters, Things Would Be Different

A'yen talks about the forces that tried to prevent her from getting an abortion and how grateful she is that she was able to make the choice that was best for her.

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

A'yen talks about the forces that tried to prevent her from getting an abortion and how grateful she is that she was able to make the choice that was best for her.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-if-i-had-listened-to-abortion-protesters-things-would-be-different)

[ResourcesRead

## Addressing Endometriosis in Black Women

Why don't Black patients' reports of the pain of endometriosis get taken seriously?

![Chronic pelvic pain often misdiagnosed in Black women, study finds](data:image/png;base64,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)

Why don't Black patients' reports of the pain of endometriosis get taken seriously?](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/addressing-endometriosis-in-black-women)

[ResourcesRead

## Ageism Ignores and Insults the Competence of Adults

This article by Margaret Morganroth Gullette addresses the harm caused by ageism and “age shaming,” especially as it relates to assumptions about competence.

![pexels-kampus-production-8422703](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAER0lEQVRIiW2WbXrkRg6DX7DKc/+T5AC758rMxl0E9gdLbU+Ssp5u2ZYIkgA/9J///gEASgoqFFlowZJ2aZX2qrVqr1Wr1ipVqYQU5NBOd07nvPw6Pq9+Hfdxn9ipQGA+Eu5Pwj9O5pmvX/mXh76O5ms7EQRqIHJfSxJIIEoeewlJEqLnKb2RHzwJQRCStpOBS6jnfq7SjenbIQ8+EJTn7m/RSEhC2ce5FvO89LZuXNgpXfNOSMpJie9RwVdShSQhAWIfe7yuUDzZF4qqqMd/J0r0DWasOfd6MMa9SJIA9mdPBClYeQiXSmmrkMG6IUuOVOO67pffvDy0T3KqiLU/20CRgj0AilAJlQqJL+tIJQeJDM2ZIHwxeAjVMC32X91AhQUGk7z9jSoqMPSVnYIUK1D1cKCvLD0RSCBU2f87FhQs4seD4ahKRdVI8irhsqfRhN7SxSHftKRREuxfx4JFNhiizL+qVJZWNIp53K8gIJOBJwiI+cY9SEpA+9dpwYINrVwORFlVqqhW9HiW4IWQIkS+YRDle5qeWt4/jwUbPi5vkSilShUqNeokJNSi5pESxYOhG/gQ8tzcVvEA5Met+dQDsIoqa5WyRiQVKtLq6+klpiY8oqlWXTEG2H8eF2ylGd9SpCrL3L45PSQrUFCRAksPDUIe0TwJRtPfEsH+2Rb8ABORkpeynS1WUSW5WMU7goUyWWKyhEqq4X1azvszYf/ZKTgkpMjCW9nyugCoSvkGEGmJSOtqSZcW3RExvMxN2D87C5porM8lb2WJKmqVXPEDMCq7GI24wv4qkbytQ/YvZ4FzrX/EP/CnvPGqLFEWa00EayKYa4mggoyq9O7zulqKYP9lFij5gI/kM/7EH/QLb2VVysLGnmZTmQYloRkIBCm8AabAH4z9Cg4LXslJTvKKXxkAL2V4lqcUpjupptbWG0C3MzB/GYAQ9rQRQ5sTjnPiwdj0UqqQi3j6+GIyVL8Fcb3/GqvvvrEVFZnBa+c4xz5+APAA3GIGbpM9xeP1AzBDfOZqpvmRvRlB363CTjunfdyv9FLX9KVYVyuFiqpQoxxEHgDPwLPjJCbZH5LCQjVJC90D4ON+0cNz3a4jVVGL6lLRynRuZkeKPZfTnsm6fyBptHF3CyftnOPjXpyXUktretQp1VId1aLqjpVKKIdO3Gnb7W7bzjsCwRphBBt3un3cK73kHR2ySlVd3XbLLRcq6EBI3xXPp93t7nbbyf7gndppxUkyIZ72drd8wlK6tbrsnXZW26tkpBgjm0ve8Tl9urttZ+9n9DxzFJ4sud12qxtcuMt23E7XlF4ZK7oAdrr7tF/dr9Pd3QPwnj4zb+566LTddmMTF/aKO7eqnZiYzOqEn7i7+3TfIJxdfE30R9d5C852sIWvPkaGdxNSQjxzLMa2x6f2sV/tbu+6Ovv9PGvo3eiutd921GdnvC889OWphDn5P1u1s9KjGPM4AAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)

This article by Margaret Morganroth Gullette addresses the harm caused by ageism and “age shaming,” especially as it relates to assumptions about competence.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/ageism-ignores-and-insults-the-competence-of-adults)

[ResourcesRead

## The Social Determinants of Health in Breast Cancer Care

A survey of community-based, organizational, and clinical barriers to care demonstrates that life stressors impact treatment and health outcomes, something holistic practitioners have known for a very long time.

![African American mother covering face while sitting by unpaid bills, children playing behind her at home.](data:image/png;base64,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)

A survey of community-based, organizational, and clinical barriers to care demonstrates that life stressors impact treatment and health outcomes, something holistic practitioners have known for a very long time.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/social-determinants-breast-cancer-care)