- 79% of Black women report having to change their behavior at work to make others comfortable. [1]
- 54% of Black women leaders report feeling pressure to modify their communication style or appearance. [2]
- Black women are more than twice as likely as women overall to code-switch at work by changing their mannerisms, tone, or speaking style. [2]
Redefining Resilience: The Strong Black Woman
March 3, 2025
Written by Simone Lewis, CarePoint Health Staff
Let's talk about something we all need but some of us struggle to prioritize – mental health. While this conversation is growing everywhere, there's a group facing unique challenges that often get overlooked: Black women.
Think about it - when was the last time you saw a Black woman portrayed as anything but a pillar of strength? This "Strong Black Woman" stereotype might seem positive on the surface, but it comes with a heavy price tag.
The expectation to be endlessly resilient while facing undervalued work, lower pay, and constant stereotyping isn't just unfair – it's exhausting. And when society keeps telling you to "stay strong," where's the space to be vulnerable?
The Weight of Proving Your Worth
Ever feel like you're constantly having to prove yourself? You're not alone.
Black women often find themselves playing this exhausting game of "twice as good for half the recognition." Take Patricia Jaggernauth's story at CP24 - her powerful question "How come I'm always good enough to fill in but never good enough to invest in?" strikes a chord that many Black women know all too well.
The mental load is heavy: navigating microaggressions at work, pushing against stereotypes, and still showing up with excellence every day. Despite being among the most educated groups, the return on that investment often doesn't match the effort. It's like running a marathon on an uphill track while everyone else gets the flat route.
More Than Just "Strong"
Let's talk about something that needs to change: the "Strong Black Woman" label. As Canadian icon Jully Black perfectly put it, “...I have friends of all walks of life and I’ve never heard my white girlfriends be called ‘strong white women.’ Asian friends be called ‘strong Asian women’…never in my life. And so, this is my opportunity to take the S off my chest. Handle me with care. I’m fragile as well. I’m delicate. I have feelings.”
The truth is, being called "strong" may seem like a compliment, but it often feels like a burden, as society expects Black women to bear the weight of everything without breaking. This label demands we keep going without rest, never allowing us the space to feel vulnerable or take a break.
Self-Care Isn't Selfish
Here's the truth: Taking care of yourself isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. Here's what that can look like:
- Find your people - connect with therapists who get your experience and communities that make you feel seen.
- Make time for joy - whether that's journaling, meditation, or just dancing in your living room.
- Set boundaries – it’s okay to say ‘no’ to things and protect your space to recharge.
- Tap into your roots - whether through spirituality, art, or connecting with other Black women who share your journey.
Organizations like The Black Health & Social Services Hub (BHSS) are doing amazing work creating spaces where you can breathe, heal, and grow. They offer culturally connected care with Black health practitioners who understand your journey.
In addition to the BHSS, the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy program offers free mental health support to residents (18+) of Brampton, Halton, and Mississauga. These services are available in multiple languages and are offered virtually, in person, or via phone, ensuring the community can access support.
Moving Forward
Remember, true strength isn't about being unbreakable - it's about being real, being human, and sometimes saying, "I need support."
Let's build a world where Black women don't have to be "strong" to be valued. Where they can be soft, tired, joyful, unsure, or anything else they feel in the moment. Sometimes, the strongest act of care is simply asking, "How are you really doing today?"
References:
[1] Black women still face a glass cliff, but fixing workplace systems can change that, Catalyst (2024, 15 August)
[2] Women in the Workplace 2024: The 10th-anniversary report, McKinsey & Company (2024, September 17)
[3] CP24 personality alleges 'systemic pattern' of discrimination in human rights claim against Bell Media (2022, October 8)
[4] Jully Black Responds To Trolls, Talks Mental Health & Social Media | MUCHMUSIC
October 10th is World Mental Health Day – a powerful reminder that taking care of your mental health has never been more important. Whether you’re navigating stress, anxiety, or just not feeling like yourself, this day is about more than awareness – it’s about breaking stigmas, sharing support, and reminding each other that no one has to struggle alone. If you’re new to this journey, it can feel overwhelming when you’re figuring out where to start. To help you or someone you care about, we sat down with Andrea, a psychologist and clinical and equity consultant for the OSP program at CarePoint Health , to understand ‘ Where do I begin ?’ when reaching out for help. Common signs Mental health symptoms don’t always look the same for everyone. There are common signs, such as persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, and irritability, that can impact your daily life. Other signs, such as changes in sleep, unhealthy coping strategies such as substance abuse or even overworking, isolating, or self-harming, can also occur. Where can I begin? We recommend speaking to your family doctor first, so that they can understand your experience and connect you with options in your community. If you don’t have a family doctor or want to start this journey on your own, you can reach out to us for support. We have trained and understanding coaches and therapists who can help you virtually, over the phone, or in person. They can even work around busy schedules through online support, check-in calls, and video conferencing. It’s important that you feel supported, no matter where you are. Benefits of our mental health program Support for sadness, anxiety, and fears Open to all adults 18+ in Ontario Free of charge No referral or health card required Learn real strategies at your pace Different needs, different speeds Everyone has different needs and requires different levels of support. Our assessment clinicians can help explain the different services we offer and match you to the support that best fits your needs. Our intake process is key because it helps us learn more about you, your goals, and which service will best fit your lifestyle (e.g., student vs. working parent). Our goal is to help you feel supported and gain lifelong skills. Your progress is important, which is why we do check-ins and closely monitor how you feel. Based on your needs, if you require more or less support, you can move between different services within the program – this includes both individual and group therapy. What to expect It’s completely normal to feel nervous before your first session which is typically an intake session — the unknown can be intimidating. There is a basic and standard routine at the start, and can include the following: Your intake clinician will explain their background, approach, and confidentiality policy. Expect lots of questions about your history, current concerns, and goals. You’ll collaborate to create a personalized treatment plan. You might get tasks to do outside of session — like reflecting on goals, tracking symptoms, or completing worksheets. Remember, the first session is just the beginning. It’s okay to take your time to open up and build trust. It’s okay to ask for help There is still a lot of stigma around mental health, and people might feel embarrassed or brush off their problems, “as no big deal.” Everyone has their own lived experience in life, and if your mental health is impacting your day-to-day life, it’s important to seek help. Keep in mind that seeking support is a personal choice. If someone you care about could benefit from support, help share education on the available resources. Caring for yourself isn’t about doing everything. It can be as simple as asking for help. Additional Resources: Free mental health program (Brampton, Halton, Mississauga) 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline Punjabi Community Health Services (Sahara Mental Health Program) The Indigenous Network Black Health & Social Services Hub Peel
Motherhood is both magical AND mentally exhausting (IYKYK). One minute, a mom is swept up in baby snuggles, and the next she's texting her teenager, “What time will you be home?” Each phase of motherhood brings new joys and fresh ways to question one's sanity.
We know being a newcomer is particularly tough. Being miles away from home can be overwhelming. We’re here to offer culturally supportive care.
Inside Out 2 brings to life the idea that managing our mental health is an ongoing process and seeking support can be a path to growth.
Folks in Black communities can often find themselves battling mental health myths. Cultural beliefs & influences can prevent people from asking for help.
CarePoint Health partners with Dr. Fiona Thomas from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) on research centered around the OSP program.
Exams are coming up. You have assignments due. You are scheduled to work. Academic pressure, along with other responsibilities, can be a lot.
Our journey in launching the OSP program was showcased in Seattle at the Association for Behavioral & Cognitive Therapies’ Conference.
Our team attended the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario’s (AFHTO) Annual Conference in Toronto, showcasing ways we’re reducing barriers to mental health services.
The Ontario government is now offering more mental health services in every region of the province through the expanded Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) program.
