Natasha Williams
N. S. Williams Psychology Professional Corporation, Toronto, ON, Canada
Title: The Architype of the “Strong Black Woman†and Mental Illness-How do we address the gaps?
Biography
Biography: Natasha Williams
Abstract
Modern beliefs and symbolism in our community has created some problems. The “strong black women” and the “angry black women” stereotypes depict images of proud women who don’t take no for an answer. Black girls are often taught to “keep your head up” to get through anything. While it can be seen as a great life lesson, it may also allow black women to use this same coping strategy through adulthood which may foster an environment in which they have to manage everything. Regardless of what is happening in your life, black women are literally bred to be strong ‘all the time’. While this can be seen as positive in some aspects, the image has been carved in order to not allow ourselves our humanity. If you are suffering from depression or anxiety, black women often don’t acknowledge it because they believe that they can’t. The stereotypical image of the strong black woman can also be seen as a barrier to access to mental health treatment. Issues may not be seen as mental health related due to societal mental health stigma. This presentation aims to address the concept of the “strong black woman and its impact on the mental health and well being of women of African descent. What are some of the potential gaps in psychotherapeutic care and how can these gaps be addressed?