April is recognized as Stress Awareness Month—a time to reflect on how stress affects our lives and prioritize mental well-being. For the Black community, this month carries deeper significance due to the disproportionate impact of chronic stress, discrimination, and systemic barriers on mental and physical health.
The Importance of Mental Health
Mental health is a vital part of overall wellness. It affects how we think, feel, and function daily. Yet in the Black community, mental health is often stigmatized, making it harder for individuals to seek help. Generations of trauma, economic disparities, and racial injustice contribute to this silence. But healing begins when conversations open up and support becomes accessible.
How Chronic Stress Affects Us
Chronic stress—long-term exposure to stressful situations—has severe consequences. It increases the risk of anxiety, depression, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Studies show that Black Americans are more likely to experience serious psychological distress compared to other racial groups. Factors like racism, microaggressions, financial strain, and community violence create a constant state of alertness that takes a toll on the body and mind.
People Making a Difference
Several leaders and advocates are working to bring mental health awareness to the forefront of the Black experience:
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Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, creator of Therapy for Black Girls, has helped normalize therapy for Black women by building a directory of culturally competent therapists and sharing mental health tips through her popular podcast.
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Yolo Akili Robinson, founder of the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM), works to eliminate the barriers Black people face when accessing mental health care by promoting healing justice and peer support.
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Bassey Ikpi, a Nigerian-American writer and mental health advocate, founded The Siwe Project, encouraging Black people worldwide to share their mental health journeys and break the silence.
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Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka, a psychologist and hairstylist, launched PsychoHairapy, which trains beauty professionals to identify signs of mental distress and refer clients to professional help—blending mental health advocacy with everyday life.
Celebrities Raising Awareness
Artists and athletes have also begun using their platforms to advocate for mental health:
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Rapper Doechii launched a mental health hub called Anxiety is Watching Me, inspired by her own battles with anxiety. It offers resources, journal prompts, and coping strategies aimed at young people of color.
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NFL player Solomon Thomas co-founded The Defensive Line after losing his sister to suicide. The organization focuses on ending youth suicide and promoting emotional wellness among young people, especially in communities of color.
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Music executive Shanti Das created Silence the Shame, a nonprofit aimed at eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community through education and community events.
What We Can Do
This Stress Awareness Month, take time to check in with yourself and those around you. Learn the signs of stress and don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Therapy is not a weakness—it’s a powerful step toward healing. Encourage open conversations within your family, church, or friend circles. When we acknowledge the mental and emotional burdens we carry, we give ourselves permission to heal.
The journey to wellness in the Black community starts with visibility, honesty, and support. This month, let’s move forward with compassion, education, and action.
