This Women’s History Month, Let’s Prioritize Black Women’s Mental Health—and Their Whole Health

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we reflect on women’s brilliance, strength, and impact throughout history. But this March, let’s go deeper—beyond celebration, toward restoration. Let’s center Black women’s mental health not just as an afterthought but as a necessary part of honoring their humanity.

Black women carry layered burdens. They live at the intersection of racial injustice, gender bias, and socioeconomic inequality—all while being expected to “stay strong.” This emotional labor doesn’t just wear down the spirit; it wears down the body, too.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, Black adults are 20 percent more likely to experience severe psychological distress than white adults. Yet only one in three Black adults who need mental health care receive it. Black women are often underdiagnosed with depression or anxiety, and when they do seek help, they face systemic barriers like cost, stigma, or a lack of culturally competent providers.

The connection between mind and body can’t be ignored. Chronic stress and untreated trauma contribute to disproportionately high rates of hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease—conditions that continue to take Black women’s lives at alarming rates. Prioritizing regular check-ups and screenings isn’t just about prevention; it’s about reclaiming agency over health.

Here are some key health screenings Black women should prioritize:

• Mental health assessments to address stress, anxiety, and depression
• Blood pressure and cholesterol checks to monitor heart health
• A1C testing for diabetes screening
• Mammograms and breast exams for early detection of breast cancer
• Pap smears and HPV tests for cervical cancer prevention
• Thyroid function and vitamin D level checks, which can affect energy, mood, and bone health

While professional medical and mental health care is vital, healing also lives in community. For generations, Black women have turned to spiritual practices, trusted elders, sister circles, and cultural traditions to manage life’s challenges. These aren’t just coping mechanisms—they are forms of resilience, rooted in connection and history. When paired with clinical support, they can be incredibly powerful.

It’s also important to acknowledge the emotional inheritance many Black women carry: intergenerational trauma passed down from histories of enslavement, systemic racism, and medical neglect. This trauma doesn’t just disappear. It’s often held quietly in the body, in the mind, and in the expectation to keep going no matter the cost.

Despite the urgent need, Black women remain underrepresented in health and mental health fields. Only about 4 percent of psychologists in the U.S. are Black, and even fewer are Black women. This lack of representation contributes to feelings of invisibility. It can make it more difficult to find providers who truly understand the lived experience of being a Black woman in America.

So what can be done?

• Make your health a priority by scheduling annual check-ups and mental health appointments.
• Explore therapy, support groups, or wellness circles that feel safe and affirming.
• Use culturally affirming directories such as Therapy for Black Girls or Inclusive Therapists to find providers.
• Create space for rest, stillness, and reflection—even in small ways
• Reach out to the women in your life and check in on how they’re doing.

This Women’s History Month, let’s move beyond admiration and into action. Let’s invest in Black women’s wellness, rest, and healing—mind, body, and soul. Because they deserve more than survival. They deserve peace, care, and wholeness.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for free, 24/7 support. For culturally responsive care, visit therapyforblackgirls.com or inclusivetherapists.com.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and supportive purposes only and should not be taken as medical or mental health advice. Please consult with a licensed healthcare provider for professional diagnosis, treatment, or medical guidance.