Many Black women turn first to other options before considering therapy. Some of our clients come to us after seemingly trying “everything”. We hear things like religious traditions like prayer, talking to family or friends, exercising to mitigate physical symptoms or personal willpower before considering therapy, often due to stigma within the community, historical mistrust of the mental health system, or a belief that struggling privately is safer than being perceived as weak or "crazy."

Mainstream mental health often paints depression as staying in bed all day with the blinds drawn. But for many Black and Brown women, the "Strong Black Woman" schema doesn't take a summer vacation. High-functioning depression in summer rarely looks like doing nothing; in fact, it usually looks like over-functioning.

It is planning all the group trips, hosting the family cookouts, and keeping your itinerary so relentlessly packed that you never have to slow down and actually feel the internal exhaustion. You mask your burnout with productivity. But behind that mask is a never-ending loop of "what-ifs," family expectations, and the constant, draining pressure to prove your worth.

Anxiety and depression are common mental health issues that exhibit similar symptoms and have similar treatments. It's completely normal to feel sad or anxious from time to time. But if those feelings linger, become more intense, or start interfering with your daily life, it may be time to seek support.