The strong Black women trope: A breakdown of the stigmas surrounding Black women’s mental health

“What’s worse, looking jealous or crazy?” Beyonce sings in the song "Hold up" from her viral 2016 album, Lemonade. These lyrics truly speak to the stigmas and stereotypes associated with women's mental health, especially pertaining to Black Women. Mental health in the black community isn't as important as it should be but it is nearly nonexistent when it comes to Black women. Why?

Last weekend, Artist, Azealia Banks posted this cryptic message on Instagram:

“Yea, I think I’m done here. This pandemic, extreme lack of social interaction, no intimacy, combined with constant public ridicule is making life harder than it’s worth… I think I will end my tenure here on earth soon.”

Take that in. Azealia has Bipolar disorder which can include: mood swings, sadness, elevated mood, anger, and anxiety which can be extremely difficult to live with. Like many of us, Azealia has struggled to cope with the side effects of this pandemic. When she voiced this on instagram in her post, she was met with criticism. In her past, Azealia has been known to make racist and homophobic comments toward others. Azealia’s mental health is in no way an excuse for this behavior, but her past shouldn't determine whether she deserves basic sympathy and support.

 Similar to Azealia, Kanye West also has Bipolar disorder. When West took to Twitter and ranted about abortion he was met with sympathy. Celebrities like Chance The Rapper and Dababy endorsed Kanye and have publicly stated that they will be voting for him. Kanye is infamous for his treatment of Taylor Swift and his “Slavery was a choice”, as well as his more recent “Harriet Tubman, didn't actually free the slaves” comment. While Kanye is met with plenty of criticism about his words and actions, when it comes to his mental health, he is always met with prayers and support.

Charlamagne Tha God, a popular radio personality, who has anxiety and depression, recently said this in an interview: “When I saw Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill. It’s like when you see all the slave movies, it’s like why you gotta keep reminding us about slavery? Why don’t you put Michael Jordan on the $20 bill?” He was met with support. First of all, let the woman rest in peace. Why is her name always coming out of someone's mouth for purposes other than celebration and empowerment? Go free 300 slaves, become a Union spy, and cure dysentery, then we’ll talk.

Why is it that when a Black man has a mental health issue and says problematic things, his mental health is used as an excuse but whenever a black woman has a mental health issue she is never met with as much support. When Black women express this sentiment, they are called crazy or dramatic. These words have been used for years to invalidate the feelings and emotions of Black women and it needs to stop.

When Rapper Megan Thee Stallion was shot, she tweeted about being strong and pushing through this tough time. In a now-deleted tweet, twitter user, Julie Plec replied with: “I believe Black women will save us all and I am so sorry to put that pressure on you, but white women are continually failing all of us. I hope you understand that me seeing you as a hero is not meant to add to your anxiety- rather it’s to lift you up and celebrate you.”

First of all, what? Black women are strong, fierce, and absolutely incredible, but we are also sensitive, and emotional and HUMAN. Black. Women. Are. Human. We aren’t the Avengers. It is not our job to save the world. "The most disrespected person in America is a black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America is the black woman."-Malcolm X  

The amount of sympathy given to Black men should also be present for Black women. Black women express the need for support and are immediately met with comments like “but you’re so strong” Strength≠Invincibility. Black women are as vulnerable as they are strong. Black women aren't always strong because they want to be. Usually, Black women are strong because they don't have any other options. Black women carry the weight of the world on their shoulders, the least you can do is support them. 

Mental health issues should not be used to excuse inappropriate behavior, but they also should not be used as a way to defend ignoring Black women’s cries for help. Check on the “strong” Black women in your life. Check on the “always happy” Black women in your life. Check on the “busy” Black women in your life. Take the time to truly care, understand, and support them. 

Black women shouldn't have to be shot or suicidal to be loved and supported. Stop waiting until Black women are in imminent danger to care.

“Strong women still need their hands held”

-Dau Voire

Thanks for reading.

As always,

Stay funky, spunky, and spicy

- Elliott☆