Let's talk about something we don’t always talk about enough: depression among women of color. For many of us, this topic can feel taboo, like it’s something we’re supposed to keep to ourselves, to deal with privately, or even to "tough out." But depression is real, and it affects women of color in unique and important ways. So, let’s unpack this together and see what we can learn—and maybe share a little bit of comfort along the way.

The Unseen Burden
One of the things that make depression especially hard for women of color is that there’s often an “invisible burden” we carry. Many women of color grow up with strong cultural messages about resilience, strength, and handling everything on our own. That’s not a bad thing—it’s powerful, even! But when we’re dealing with depression, this pressure to always be strong can keep us from opening up or asking for help.
For instance, you might have heard things like, “We’ve been through so much; you can’t let things get you down.” Or maybe, “Keep your business in the family.” These cultural messages can make it hard to reach out, even when we know we’re struggling. We might even feel like we’re letting others down by admitting we’re not okay. But depression isn’t a choice or a sign of weakness; it’s an illness that deserves care and understanding.
The “Strong Woman” Myth
We often hear about women of color as being “strong,” and that’s true—we are. But this idea can sometimes backfire when it comes to mental health. When people around us assume we’re strong enough to handle anything, they might miss the signs that we’re struggling. Or we might even ignore our own pain, thinking, “I should be able to handle this.” The “strong woman” label can be isolating, especially if it keeps us from acknowledging our own needs.
Sometimes, it helps to remember that strength isn’t about never needing help. Real strength can mean recognizing when we’re struggling and giving ourselves permission to get support.
Barriers to Care
Let’s talk about therapy. For a lot of women of color, finding a therapist who understands our backgrounds, cultures, and experiences can be challenging. When you sit down with someone who doesn’t “get” where you’re coming from, it can feel like there’s a whole layer of yourself that they can’t see. This can make it harder to open up, and for some, it might even lead to dropping therapy altogether.

Not to mention, there’s the question of access. Therapy can be expensive, and in many communities, mental health resources aren’t always accessible. These barriers can make it even harder to take that first step toward getting help. But it’s okay to keep looking, even if the process is frustrating. If finding a therapist who shares a similar background or specializes in working with women of color would make you feel more comfortable, you deserve that. There are resources, like online directories or support groups, that can help you find a match who understands your perspective.
Cultural Stigma
In some communities, talking about depression—or any mental health issue—can still carry a lot of stigma. You might have family members who don’t believe depression is “real,” or they might say things like, “Just pray about it,” or “Stay positive.” While spiritual practices can absolutely be comforting and helpful, sometimes we also need other forms of support to heal.
Cultural stigma around mental health can feel isolating, especially when you’re struggling to find understanding. But here’s the thing: Depression is common, and so many women of color have been where you are. You’re not alone in this, even if it feels that way.
Taking Steps Toward Healing
Let’s be real: Overcoming depression isn’t about “getting over it” or just “being positive.” It’s a journey, and it looks different for everyone. Here are a few things that can be helpful if you’re dealing with depression:
Find Your Support System: This could be friends, family, or online communities where you feel understood and heard. Sometimes, just talking to someone who understands what you’re going through can make a huge difference.
Seek Culturally Competent Care: If you’re open to therapy, look for professionals who have experience with women of color or who come from similar backgrounds. There are more therapists today who specialize in providing culturally sensitive care, so you’re not alone in wanting someone who “gets it.”
Practice Self-Compassion: This one is easier said than done, but it’s important. Depression can make us hard on ourselves, making us feel like we’re not doing “enough.” But the truth is, you’re doing your best, and that’s enough. Be gentle with yourself.
Explore Your Spirituality (If It’s Important to You): For many women of color, spirituality or faith is a huge part of our lives. Leaning into practices that bring you peace—whether that’s prayer, meditation, or just spending time in nature—can offer comfort. But remember, it’s okay to seek other forms of help, too.
Talking About It Makes a Difference
Talking openly about depression can help break down the walls around it. When more women of color share their experiences, it helps create a sense of community and understanding. You’re not alone, and by talking about it, you’re helping to build a world where women of color feel seen, heard, and supported when it comes to mental health.
Depression doesn’t define you. It’s just one part of the journey, and healing is possible, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now. So, let’s keep the conversation going, let’s keep supporting one another, and let’s remember that it’s okay to need help and it’s okay to be vulnerable. You deserve support, love, and healing, just as you are.
Comments