When I was younger I was made to believe that mental health wasn't an issue for black people because it was never talked about. I suffered for so long because of that. —MN, 22



One of the major things holding me back from pursuing more mental health care and (more so) medicinal intervention is how people will interpret my seeking a prescription. Black people are already considered "delinquents," prone to undesirable characteristics like addiction...I don't want to have to deal with that situation on top of my anxiety, on top of my BD, on top of my social class. I'm mentally exhausted before I even pick up the phone. —Rai, 25

As a black woman, I feel like my depression isn't taken as seriously since black women are usually perceived as being "strong" and "confident." Perhaps if I was a white woman who was "weak," "fragile," and "innocent," then others would be more supportive when I open up about my struggles. —T.A., 23



As a Christian I was scared to seek therapy. My mother and others had drilled into my head that I just wasn't praying right or whatever. It seemed like a failure of my religion to seek help, but one day I called my pastor and couldn't stop crying, and she said it would be a good idea if I talked to someone. That gave me the assurance I needed. —Anon, 29

