African American Women and Mental Health

Abstract

African American women and mental health is an issue that is a struggle today. From being a minority and a woman, African American women face many struggles that other races and genders do not face. From racial discrimination, sexism, and different pay rates, African American women often suffer more from unfair practices and inequality. This frequently leads to mental health challenges. African American women are also looked at as always having to “be strong” and “deal” with whatever life throws at them. In addition to getting maltreated, African American women might try and get help but are often overlooked or overdiagnosed. African American women are usually not willing to seek mental health treatment because of how they are viewed and treated. Why are African American women viewed and treated differently than other races? Is there a correlation between how African American women deal with being oppressed and their mental health?