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Black Women with Anxiety are Mocked, not Coddled
Although Anxiety Awareness is Increasing, Sympathy for Affected Black Women Remains the Same
Recent world events have created an urgency for anxiety awareness.
Although anxiety was already a common disorder, the COVID-19 pandemic and global shutdown sent anxiety rates through the roof.
In fact, according to the World Health Organization, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a 25% rise in anxiety and depression worldwide.
Nevertheless, there still seems to be little to no sympathy for Black women living with the disorder.
Based on Personal Experiences…
Personally speaking, I had anxiety way before I even knew what it was. As a Black woman, I was never allowed to be nervous, scared, or timid. It was simply written off as being “shy” and something everyone assumed I’d grow out of.
No such luck.
Instead of life getting easier as I got older, my anxiety symptoms became debilitating, so much so that there were times when I struggled to leave the house and complete simple tasks such as daily errands.
It wasn’t until I started to Google my symptoms that I essentially diagnosed myself and sought professional help. Although I certainly still struggle with anxiety, just having that awareness and tools to help me cope has made a world of difference.
However, I am definitely one of the lucky ones. The “strong Black woman” archetype has caused the average person to be bereft of sympathy for Black women, no matter how much we struggle.
So, rather than being told to rest or get help, you will typically find people reminding you how “strong” you’re supposed to be, or better yet, people who tell you how much their mothers and grandmothers struggled and assure you that you can do the same.
Seriously, who wants that?!
I mean, it’s 2023, not 1900! Yes, life is full of difficulties, but assuming that one demographic should continue to wear struggle as a badge of honor is not only asinine, it’s insulting!
