Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that cause a lot of worry and fear. These feelings can be so intense that they interfere with everyday life. For African Americans, anxiety disorders are a big concern. Let’s talk about anxiety disorders in African Americans, what causes them, how to spot them, and what you can do to feel better.

Anxiety Disorders in African Americans: What the Numbers Say

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in the U.S., affecting nearly 40 million adults. While the overall prevalence of anxiety disorders is similar across racial groups, African Americans are more likely to experience these conditions as persistent and chronic rather than episodic (Vilsaint et al., 2019). It’s crucial to understand these nuances to provide adequate support. Did you know that in 2024, about 39.4% of African American adults might face an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives? That’s almost 4 out of every 10 people! It’s essential to understand this so we can assist one another.

Why Do Anxiety Disorders Happen?

Anxiety disorders can happen for many reasons. Sometimes, it’s due to stress or traumatic life events. Other times, it might be because of health problems or if someone in your family has anxiety. Even things like seeing violence can make someone more likely to have an anxiety disorder.

African American women, in particular, face a heightened risk of mental health challenges due to a complex intersection of racial, social, and gender-based factors. They are often subject to unique stressors like discrimination, poverty, and the pressures of being a single parent. Research indicates that while some studies show similar or even lower rates of mood disorders compared to White women, African American women tend to have a higher lifetime prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Kessler et al., 2005).

A significant cultural factor contributing to this disparity is the “Strong Black Woman” or “Superwoman” schema. This ideal often pressures Black women to suppress their emotions, endure hardship in silence, and prioritize the needs of others over their own well-being. This cultural norm can lead to a reluctance to seek professional help, compounding the effects of unaddressed anxiety and other mental health concerns.

Why Some African Americans May Not Ask for Help with Anxiety

Reluctance to seek help for anxiety disorders among African Americans can be attributed to a variety of factors. Stigma and judgment within the community often deter individuals from discussing mental health issues openly or seeking professional help. Concerns about the therapist or treatment process, including fears that the therapist may not be culturally sensitive or hold biases, can also be significant barriers to effective treatment. Additionally, systemic issues such as the high cost of treatment, inadequate insurance coverage, and a history of mistrust in medical institutions also play a role. There’s also a strong tradition of relying on family, community, and spiritual support rather than medical or psychiatric treatment, even when it’s critically necessary. These factors, combined with the underrepresentation of African Americans in the mental health profession, contribute to the reluctance to seek help for anxiety disorders.

What to Look Out For

People with anxiety disorders might feel nervous, scared, or have trouble breathing. They might also have difficulty sleeping, feel their heart beating fast, or feel dizzy. If you’re always worried, even about small things, it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder.

Getting Help

Seeking help if you suspect you have an anxiety disorder is crucial because it’s the first step towards reclaiming your peace of mind and well-being. Anxiety disorders can significantly impact daily life, affecting relationships, work, and overall happiness. Professional help can provide effective strategies and treatments to manage symptoms, improve your mental health, and enhance your quality of life. Remember, acknowledging the need for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and it opens the door to a supportive community and resources that can guide you toward recovery. There are many ways to treat anxiety disorders. Doctors can prescribe medicines that help calm the mind. Talking therapies, like seeing a counselor, can also make a big difference. Additionally, there are natural ways to improve your well-being, such as exercising, eating a healthy diet, and getting sufficient sleep.

When to See a Doctor

If you’re feeling worried all the time and it’s making life hard, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor. They can help figure out if you have an anxiety disorder and what to do about it.

Screening Questions

Here are some questions you can ask yourself to see if you might have an anxiety disorder:

Do you often feel nervous or worried?
Is it hard for you to stop worrying? or;
Do you worry about the same things repeatedly?
Do you often feel overwhelmed?
Do you get scared easily, even when there’s no real danger?
Do you avoid certain situations because you are afraid your anxiety might spike or you might have a panic attack?

If you said yes to these questions, it might be time to talk to someone about it.

Rooted in Violet & Co | Anxiety Self-Check (Educational)

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Anxiety Self-Check (Educational)

This brief screener helps you notice common signs of anxiety. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can guide a conversation with a trusted professional and help you choose supportive next steps.

1) Feeling nervous, anxious, or “on edge”