MFMH Publication: Volume 1
Mental Health Advocacy for Black and Brown Women Balancing Professional and Family Roles
Patrina Dow, Ph.D
Published: March 2025 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16922900
Abstract
Black and Brown working mothers experience unique mental health challenges shaped by race, gender, and systemic inequities. Cultural pressures such as the “superwoman syndrome” and “strong Black woman schema,” alongside workplace demands, elevate risks of anxiety, depression, and burnout. While historic movements advanced women’s rights, many barriers remain, particularly in rural communities where stigma and limited access to care persist. This paper highlights the critical need for culturally responsive approaches to mental health care that affirm the experiences of Black and Brown women. Strategies include prioritizing self-care as a necessity, expanding teletherapy and community-based programs, fostering workplace inclusivity, and increasing representation of Black and Brown female therapists. Together, these approaches promote resilience, reduce disparities, and provide pathways toward balance and well-being. Advancing advocacy for equitable, culturally competent mental health care is vital to supporting mothers in thriving personally and professionally while shaping healthier outcomes for future generations.
Keywords: Black women, Brown women, working mothers, mental health advocacy, culturally responsive care, workplace stress, anxiety, depression, resilience, teletherapy
Introduction
There is an ongoing mental health crisis among working mothers. Workplace stress impacts every area of life, placing an additional burden on already overworked moms. Long hours, tight deadlines, lack of boundaries, and unequal pay compared to certain counterparts can spark anxiety and increase depression rates among working mothers. For Black and Brown women, cultural expectations like the "superwoman syndrome" and the “strong Black woman schema” create even greater pressure, reinforcing the expectation to always be mentally and physically strong, independent, and resilient.
Historically, women have taken on the role of advocating for themselves and others. Movements such as the Suffrage Movement, the ratification of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote, and the Civil Rights Movement provided pathways for progress. Black women, in particular, had to fight harder for their rights compared to women of other races, often facing dual discrimination based on both race and gender. While these movements laid a foundation, systemic inequities continue to disproportionately affect Black and Brown women, particularly those living in or emerging from rural areas.
Black and Hispanic mothers, who on average have larger family sizes than mothers of other races, often face additional challenges. In many cases, the stigma surrounding mental health care in their communities compounds the physical and emotional toll of balancing multiple roles. The intersection of race, gender, and systemic inequities creates unique challenges that demand culturally responsive approaches to mental health advocacy.
Modern Challenges and the Role of Therapy
In the present day, programs and advocacy groups like the National Organization for Women continue to address gender equality and support women balancing professional and personal roles. However, with the progressive evolution of women in power, such as the historic election of Vice President Kamala Harris, there remains a critical need for culturally responsive mental health care within Black and Brown communities.
Seeking help from a mental health professional who specializes in addressing emotional well-being, interpersonal dynamics, and systemic challenges can be highly beneficial for working mothers. Therapists are trained to help individuals understand how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are influenced by various aspects of their environment, including family relationships, workplace stressors, and community factors. This holistic approach promotes self-awareness, improves communication, and creates strategies for navigating challenges effectively.
Therapy tailored to the unique needs of Black and Brown women can address the compounded pressures they face and provide a safe space to explore work-life balance. This can be particularly impactful in combating burnout and mental health conditions like anxiety disorders that may arise from juggling multiple responsibilities.
Practical Strategies for Advocacy and Support
To address these challenges, several practical strategies can be implemented to support Black and Brown women in balancing their mental health and daily responsibilities. Encouraging and prioritizing self-care is a critical first step, as self-care should be viewed not as a luxury but as a necessity. Empowering women to make their mental health a priority is essential to fostering resilience and well-being. Educating women about the importance of therapy and available mental health resources is also vital, especially in communities where stigma persists and often prevents individuals from seeking the help they need. Expanding access to mental health care is another crucial strategy, particularly in rural areas where resources may be limited. Teletherapy and community-based mental health programs can help ensure greater accessibility to care. Additionally, partnering with employers to advocate for workplace inclusivity can create environments that reduce stress and support work-life balance through policies designed to meet the needs of working mothers. Increasing representation in the mental health field by advocating for more Black and Brown female therapists is also a powerful way to break stigma and provide culturally competent, relatable care. By implementing these strategies, communities can help reduce the mental health disparities that disproportionately affect Black and Brown women and establish a more supportive infrastructure for their success.
Empowerment and Call to Action
Despite the challenges, progress continues to be made. Barriers are being broken, milestones are being surpassed, and records are continuously set. Women of color are claiming spaces where history once said they did not belong. As we look to the future, it is vital to continue advocating for culturally responsive mental health care and equitable access to resources. This advocacy not only supports the mental well-being of Black and Brown working mothers but also ensures they can thrive in both their professional and personal lives. By prioritizing mental health and fostering self-advocacy, we can help women achieve balance and success, breaking cycles of systemic inequities and creating a healthier future for generations to come.