Mental Illness
The stigma surrounding mental illness in the Black community remains deeply rooted and often unspoken. For generations, emotional pain has been seen not as an illness, but as a weakness—something to be hidden, never discussed.
Many African Americans are taught to “tough it out” or “pray it away.” If someone shows signs of mental struggle, they may be told they just need to be stronger or worse, that they should be institutionalized. But this mindset causes more damage than healing.
Stigma isn’t just a personal problem—it’s everyone’s problem.
Why Stigma Hurts
Stigma is the result of negative attitudes, stereotypes, and misinformation. It creates barriers to healing. When someone suffering from depression or anxiety is dismissed or mislabeled, they may begin to believe the lie that they are less than others.
“I’d watched too many schoolmates graduate into mental institutions, into group homes and jails, and I knew that locking people up was paranormal—against normal, not beside it. Locks didn’t cure; they strangled.”
— Scott Westfield
Mental Illness and Name-Calling
In many Black neighborhoods, myths around mental health still persist. Young Black people struggling with mental illness are often called names—”crazy,” “troubled,” or “violent.” These labels fuel shame and discourage them from opening up.
Name-calling triggers intense emotions: confusion, anger, even self-hatred. Over time, it diminishes self-worth and reinforces silence.
Labeling is not harmless—it’s harmful.
Fear and Misunderstanding
Not all teens battling depression act out in violent or disruptive ways. Yet within the Black community, some still associate mental illness with danger or instability. This fear breeds ignorance and pushes people away right when support is needed most.
Mental health issues should not equal criminal behavior, but sadly, misinterpretations lead to over-policing, mistrust in health professionals, and emotional abandonment.
What Black Teens Are Really Facing
Many African-American teens battling depression are afraid to speak up—even to their own families. They fear being judged, dismissed, or punished. So they keep it in, and their pain shows up in other ways: isolation, anger, anxiety, or rebellion.
Instead of support, they are often met with distance. When those closest to them label them as “crazy” or “weird,” the emotional injury deepens.
Break the Silence—End the Stigma
Mental illness is real. It doesn’t discriminate by race or background. But healing begins when we:
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Stop using harmful labels
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Listen without judgment
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Encourage open dialogue
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Support therapy and counseling without shame
To truly heal, we must create safe spaces in our communities for Black youth to talk about mental health without fear or ridicule.
Mental illness is not weakness. It’s not failure. It’s not shameful.
It’s human. And it’s time we start treating it that way.
I think there is a stigma about mental illness no matter what color the person is.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy), You are correct but today I will only focus on african American thank you.
I think it is terrible that anyone has to suffer with depression.
I think most members of the media could really benefit by reading this. Thank you for pointing out that not all violent people are crazy because I think with how many people plead insanity it is forgotten.
Michelle, Just continuing to shed light on depression thanks for your support.
I have a friend that has mental health issues. It is very hard on my friend, but I do not think she has suffered much in the way of social shame. It is possible because she hasn’t been as open about it.
Keelie Reason, Your friend may feel isolated and fearful. Stigmas can cause fear being judge and make a person feel burdensome of what others think.
Depression is awful. I suffer in the winter and have a hard time getting out of bed.
This makes me so sad 🙁 I’m happy you are bringing attention to it though 🙂
It’s difficult to deal with discrimination and the like, sometimes it leads to something more… the loss of self-confidence and eventually issues like depression, etc. I know how it feels but it’s nice to have a support group.
I think ignorance about mental illness is getting worse in all communities instead of better! It’s just something people tend to brush off and ignore. It’s very sad.
Heidi Gray, Yea, people keep brushing the topic of depression under the rug too afraid to speak.
I feel depression and medication play vital role.. Thanks for sharing about stigma…
Urvi, You can work it out with your therapist if you feel medication is not working. Tell the therapist how you feel.
How can any community have a stigma. Mental illness knows no color.
Thank you for this great post and i love watching videos this is hard experience to suffer in Depression.
Victoria, Glad you like the video. Depression can make a person feel all alone we just need to reach out if we know someone going through these difficult times.
I worked in the prison system here in Canada and what astounded me was the mental health patients who committed crimes where sent to correctional facilities that were ill-equipped to deal with their issues. They were representative of all races. Thanks for raising the issue.
Claudette,
The prison systems in the north recognize the importance of having psych wards. Train personnel’s hired to dealing with these inmates. I see this as majored trend in jail and prison system here in the United States. Identifying and place in special unit they can get treated according to his or her diagnosis.
I feel there’s been a stigma for every race, but it’s diminishing. I’m sad to hear that’s not necessarily true within the black community. 🙁
I feel mental illness is felt throughout every color and race. Mental illness is a disease. I am tired of people calling mentally ill people crazy.
CYNTHIA NICOLETTI, I agree with you 100%.
OMG, yes. What a great topic. Mental health is such a taboo topic everywhere. No one wants to talk about it, much less deal with it. Great Post!
Mental illness is no joke. We all need to reach out to those around us.
It’s so important that this country starts taking mental health illnesses more serious. I understand how much of a strong person those in the black community feel they must be, but you also must remain open and caring bout yourself.
ashleigh, Yes, I agree lets us stop defining others base on their illnesses and support instead those who are Mentally ill by removing the stigma.
Very well said the Media especially the social networking has a big impact to us most especially to teenager’s life.
I feel very strongly about this subject. I have a relative who suffers from depression annd ocd. He was bullied as a child – His life is not easy – I found your post so relatable – thank you for sharing
Unfortunately I think this happens to all people suffering from mental illness we can only hope this changes one day!