Let’s Discuss Depression in Black America: Honoring Sandra Bland
It seems as if the images of Sandra Bland that once shined so vividly in the minds of black Americans has dimmed to the point that she is no longer visible or present in our thoughts. With the loss of black lives under questionable circumstances involving law enforcement agencies being so prevalent, one would think that the death of Sandra Bland would have been viewed as the status quo. One might postulate that her death would have been met with immediate opposition that would be fueled by mitigated optimism and unbridled skepticism, and to a certain extent, it was. However, there was something different about the death of Sandra Bland. She was not just a black woman who died while in the custody of law enforcement. She was a part of one of the largest and most admired sororities among black women — the “Strong Black Woman.”
Sandra was outspoken on the injustices against blacks across the country. She was in the process of discovery. She had begun to relate to something greater than she had ever imagined in the past. Yet, there was a darkness that many who watched her videos and shared her posts were completely unaware of. It seems that for the most part, Sandra’s initiation into this great sorority of black women came at a price — suffering in silence. You see, the strong black woman is expected to be able to withstand anything, no matter how difficult and overwhelming it might be. She is viewed as the impregnable fortress of the black community, and unfortunately, this perceived strength and imperviousness disallowed her the right to have moments of pain, fear and uncertainty. After all, no black woman wants to lose her “Strong Black Woman” card.
While she had admitted that she struggled with depression, she continued to mask that depression with verbal diatribes that attacked the status quo of white supremacy racism in this country. The problem is clinical depression does not succumb to the ideology of the ‘Strong Black Woman.” Depression demands a specific therapeutic response that has to be carried out over time.
As the drama surrounding the death of Sandra Bland unfolded, I took the time to investigate the facts as much as possible. I studied the videos, listened to the phone calls, and observed the interviews of the witnesses who encountered her during this period. While I will decline giving an opinion concerning her death, I will say that she died alone and afraid. Everything that transpired during those fateful three days created the perfect storm to trigger an episode of acute clinical depression, which may have been accompanied by suicidal ideations.
Blacks in America are plagued by multitudinous enigmatic issues that serve to cripple our mobility, and the tabooism that is so prevalent when dealing with depression is one area in which our proverbial slip is hanging. We must stop seeing depression as a weakness and understand it for what it really is — a serious illness and pathology that must be treated. We must eradicate the application of the term “crazy” to the existence of any mental disorder. Ignoring the pain, bouts of loneliness, fear, anxiety and disappointment that manifests itself as clinical depression does not constitute strength. You cannot will depression away. There is no honor in suffering in silence.
When I read the following article, the person who came to mind was Sandra Bland. She was more than the face of police misconduct. Her death presented an opportunity for African Americans to visit the issue of mental health — especially depression. I believe that the way we honor Sandra is by making confronting mental heath issues in the black community a top priority. The black experience is extremely unique, and how this experience impacts our mental health is different, so the prevalence of mental health conditions, such as depression and bi-polar disorder, may be greater and more intensified in certain ways.
Let’s honor Sandra Bland by making depression a priority~ Dr. Rick Wallace, Ph.D.
The New Face Of Depression: The “Strong” Black Woman
Let’s Discuss Depression in Black America: Honoring Sandra Bland
There are countless myths and stigmas that surround depression in the Black community–particularly Black women. Myths surrounding the “strong Black women” can create needless pain and confusion, and can ultimately keep people from getting proper treatment. Strong Black women are supposed to 1.) have their own, 2.) not depend on anyone else for anything, 3.) be able to do others and for themselves without showing weakness, etc right? The following statements reflect some common misconceptions about African Americans and depression:
“If our people could make it through slavery, we can make it through anything.”
“When a black woman suffers from a mental disorder, the opinion is that she is weak. And weakness in black women is intolerable.”
“You should take your troubles to Jesus, not some stranger/psychiatrist.”
“You’re too strong of a Black woman to be feeling this way. Ge over yourself.”
The truth is, people with depression can’t just “snap out of it.”
Professor and blogger writer Monica Coleman, Ph.D writes:
“In many ways, I do think that there is a greater stigma among African American culture than among white cultures. I live in southern California, and many white people will freely reference “seeing a therapist” in normal conversation. Black people don’t do that. Seeing a therapist is generally seen as a sign of weakness or a lack of faith. There is still an active mythos of “the strong black woman,” who is supposed to be strong and present and capable for everyone in her family – and neglects her own needs. In the midst of a depressive episode, I had a friend say to me, “We are the descendants of those who survived the Middle Passage and slavery. Whatever you’re going through cannot be that bad.” I was so hurt and angry by that statement. No, depression isn’t human trafficking, genocide or slavery, but it is real death-threatening pain to me. And of course, there are those who did not survive those travesties. But that comment just made me feel small and selfish and far worse than before. It made me wish I had never said anything at all.”
The symptoms of clinical depression can appear without warning at any time to any woman. Due to cultural backgrounds, depression may be exhibited differently among African Americans. If you suspect yourself—or someone you care about—needs could have clinical depression, take a look at the following list of symptoms. If you experience five or more for longer than two weeks, if you feel suicidal, or if the symptoms interfere with your daily routine, see your doctor:
- A persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood, or excessive crying
- Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased appetite and weight gain
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain
- Irritability, restlessness
- Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling “slowed down”
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, pessimism
- Sleeping too much or too little, early-morning waking
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities, including sex
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
Remember, there’s no shame in seeking help. No man–or woman–is an island.