Therapy for Depression
Being a “Superwoman” can feel powerful and liberating and it can have its drawbacks.
Often times the “Superwoman” has sacrificed her time, boundaries, and mental wellbeing in an attempt to be there for everyone else.
The narrative of the “strong Black woman” can make you feel pressured to “get over it” and push through, regardless of your own capacities and needs. Black women are expected to be fearless, strong, have it all together, survive the most stressful of situations and do it all without asking for help and with a smile.
The truth is Black women do live with depression.
Did you know that a 2022 study published by NYU stated that Black women often go misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed with depression than compared to their white counterparts!
That’s because depression presents differently in Black women.
Depression is more than just feeling down
Black women often report:
- Changes in sleep (e.g. insomnia, sleeping too much)
- Chronic fatigue or never feeling rested even after 6-8 hours of sleep
- Numbness or a disconnection from the body or emotions
- Low sex drive or desire to be physically touched
- Self-criticism
- Irritability, easily angered, snapping on loved ones, co-workers, strangers, etc.
- Feelings of loneliness, sadness, guilt, shame or worthlessness
- Eating too much or too little resulting in unintended weight loss or gain
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Thoughts of suicide or death
Unique factors that contribute to depression in Black women
- Racial trauma
- Social isolation
- Microaggressions in the work place
I want you to know that you are not alone! Many of my clients find relief in realizing that their struggle does not own them and that they can redefine what it means to be the “strong Black woman” or “Superwoman.”
I understand the stigma that comes with the label of “Depression” and thus aim to help clients sort out their environmental, biological, and circumstantial factors while offering support and care through a very dark time in their lives.
As a Black woman, you don’t have to be strong all the time. It’s OK to put away your Superwoman cape and take care of yourself. Contact me now to set up a 15 minute Discovery call to see how I may support you in your healing journey.
Resources:
https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2022/december/depression-Black-women.html
https://psychcentral.com/lib/african-american-women-and-depression