As Black History Month continues, there’s a growing conversation around mental health in the Black community—especially for female children and teens.
Research shows symptoms are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed, and experts say stigma and limited access to care continue to play a role.
Stella Olise, a licensed professional counselor at the Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, shared what families need to know about “Black girl depression.”
“Roughly four percent of the American population experience depression,” Olise explained. “And when we think about depression, we often think about sadness, helplessness, hopelessness, even the lack of desire to do the things that we typically enjoy.”
But for many Black girls, depression may not look the way people expect
“When we look a little bit more closely into our black girls with depression, it looks very different,” Olise said depression in Black girls often looks different. “Those symptoms present itself as irritability,” she explained, noting that headaches, fatigue, body aches and self-criticism can follow and may show up as behavioral challenges.
That difference in presentation can lead to symptoms being overlooked or misunderstood. Olise explained that sometimes they are dismissed as attitude problems rather than signs of emotional distress.
So what about the roots of the disparity?
Long-standing cultural messages in the Black community often discourage showing vulnerability. “Historically we have been told to… pull ourselves up by the bootstraps. Don’t share the things that are going on inside the home,” Olise said.
She explained that young girls often see these behaviors in their parents and learn that showing frustration or sadness is considered weakness.
Reframing that belief is important. “We want to make sure… that it’s not being weak to talk about what we feel, but actually more of a strength,” she added.
Caregivers may also miss certain warning signs. In addition to irritability and hopelessness, young girls may experience lack of sleep, less interest in school or social interactions, and body aches, Olise said. She encourages families to approach children with openness rather than judgment.
Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with you?” she suggests checking in with children by saying, “I notice things have changed. Do you want to talk about your feelings?” This approach gives children a safer space to express themselves and understand that they don’t have to face struggles alone.
Getting help and support
For families in Harris County who may be concerned about their child’s mental health, help is available at the Harris Center. Services are provided to children, adolescents, and families regardless of the ability to pay or insurance status, Olise said.
Families can reach the Harris Center by calling 713-970-7000 or visiting harriscenter.org.
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