The Strong Black Woman is an image that describes the unrelenting strength and self-sufficiency of Black women. While it serves as a shield of protection and cultural adaptation to gender oppression, it can also take a toll on Black women. Research indicates that when confronted with trauma or stress, more Black women in the US seek help less than their White counterparts. This reluctance towards help-seeking is largely associated with this stereotype can lead to emotional burnout and other implications.
What is the Strong Black Woman Stereotype?
The Strong Black Woman is a stereotype held in the Black community that the woman can overcome all obstacles. It holds that the woman will remain strong despite the problems that come her way and that she is ready to sacrifice herself for others. The stereotype comprises three major factors that influence this behavior:
- Mask of Strength: Emotional invulnerability and hiding one’s struggles
- Self-Reliance/Strength: The practice of trying to be strong and self-sufficient
- Caretaking: The act of caring for others, which emphasizes helping others
Impacts of the Strong Black Woman Stereotype
Most Black women endorse the characteristics of the stereotype as applying to themselves. This aspect of self-endorsement often influences how they view themselves and others. While such self-endorsements can have some positive impacts, such as the ability to overcome formidable obstacles and achieve goals despite challenging circumstances, it is also associated with negative effects:
Among the most significant impacts of the strong woman stereotype is that self-endorsement can lead to depression, eating disorders, and lower intention to seek help. The endorsement negatively affects the relationship between experiencing traumatic life events and seeking help in response to those events. Specifically, Black women who believe they need to appear strong at all times will usually not seek help, nor indicate the need to seek help in the future.
The Emotional Burnout of the Strong Black Woman
The Strong Black Woman stereotype is based on the notion that Black women are expected to endure hardships without showing vulnerabilities. This adds immense pressure for women to keep it together in all aspects of life, regardless of the emotional toll. With the added burden of caregiving, women are expected to provide emotional and financial support to their communities, leaving little room to prioritize their mental well-being.
On the societal level, Black women must navigate sexism and racism in their professional settings. These still need to work twice as hard to be taken seriously, which often contributes to anxiety, stress, and burnout. Amidst all this, many Black women avoid discussing their struggles for fear of being perceived as weak. With the stigma surrounding mental health in Black communities, it becomes even more difficult for women to seek therapy or professional support. As a result, many women suffer the following consequences due to the Strong Black Woman myth:
- Increased Anxiety and Depression Rates: Due to the constant need to appear strong, Black women struggle with internalized stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms that often remain untreated
- Emotional Exhaustion and Burnout: Black women have to deal with the weight of their responsibilities and lack of emotional outlets, which can lead to burnout
- Physical Health Decline: The emotional turmoil of appearing strong can lead to chronic stress, contributing to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health conditions
- Struggles with Vulnerability and Relationships: Due to the reluctance to express vulnerability, Black women struggle with personal relationships and the inability to seek emotional support from friends and family
How Can You Break Free from the Strong Black Woman Stereotype?
Breaking free from the emotional impacts of the Strong Black Woman stereotype is crucial for every woman’s well-being. While several actions can be taken, being self-aware is the first step to overcoming this means we must:
- Redefine strength to include the ability to ask for help, including discussion about emotions and struggles you may be going through
- Normalize seeking therapy as a proactive step towards self-care
- Learn to say no and set healthy boundaries to prevent burnout and prioritize self-care
- Connect with other Black women who share similar experiences to get a sense of community and validation
- Challenge negative self-talk with an understanding that asking for help does not equate to weakness
Breaking the Cycle of the Strong Black Woman Myth
While rooted in resilience, the Strong Black Woman stereotype usually comes at the cost of mental and emotional health. There is a need to shift the narrative and embrace an approach that is more balanced and allows Black women to prioritize their own well-being without fear or guilt. Redefining strength, setting boundaries, and seeking support can go a long way in fostering a culture of self-care and emotional awareness.
Additional Resources
Black women working to dismantle ‘strong Black woman’ trope, break stigma around mental health. https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Wellness/black-women-working-dismantle-strong-black-woman-trope/story?id=84749892
When Being Strong Hurts: Trauma and the Strong Black Woman Stereotype. https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/6538/
The strong black woman archetype and intentions to seek therapy for depression : a cultural application of the theory of planned behavior. https://d.lib.msu.edu/etd/2278
“I’m a Strong Independent Black Woman”: The Strong Black Woman Schema and Mental Health in College-Aged Black Women. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/03616843211067501
A Qualitative Exploration of How Black Mothers Experiencing Poverty Make Sense of the Strong Black Woman Stereotype. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/03616843241233286
5 Ways Being A Strong Black Woman Can Impact Your Relationships. https://www.brainzmagazine.com/post/5-ways-being-a-strong-black-woman-can-impact-your-relationships
How Black Women Are Pushing Back Against Hustle Culture. https://www.theflowspace.com/interpersonal-health/career-finance/burnout-black-women-hustle-culture-2946108/
