Black women in Canada are facing a mental health crisis. This clinic is trying to help

Lesley Fraser, an education program assistant in Nova Scotia, spent eight months battling depression after a concussion left her dismissed by the healthcare system. She described feeling invisible until her symptoms became severe, reflecting broader experiences among Black women who report being disbelieved by providers. A 2023 survey by the Black Women’s Institute for Health revealed 76.6% of Black women felt ignored or disbelieved when seeking care, while 15.8% were diagnosed with chronic mental health conditions. Self-harm ideation affected 27.4%, far exceeding Canada’s 2021 national average of 4.2%. Researchers attribute this to systemic racism and the enduring trope of the 'strong Black woman,' which minimizes their pain. Roberta Timothy, a public health professor at the University of Toronto, explained how colonial narratives framed Black women as inherently resilient, erasing their struggles. This persists today, leaving mental health concerns unaddressed. 'We were not considered human,' she said, emphasizing the need for culturally safe healthcare. The Nova Scotia Sisterhood clinic in Dartmouth provides trauma-informed therapy for Black women and gender-diverse individuals. Clinical therapist Crystal John sees 15 clients weekly, with a 40-person waitlist, highlighting the unmet demand. Her approach examines how trauma shapes mental health, addressing gaps left by mainstream healthcare. The clinic’s work aligns with Hamilton’s first Black Mental Health Week, which aims to raise awareness and combat stigma. Advocates stress that culturally relevant care is critical to improving outcomes for Black women, who face disproportionate barriers in accessing support.