Chronic phycological stress can lead to trauma and effect Black women’s health in the body, hair and skin. In the workplace, Black women report higher levels of psychological stress than their counterparts. We examine how stress shows up in Black women’s bodies.
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Trauma often shows up first in our hair, and our stylists can help identify when our stress levels are too high. Stylists can also be a sounding board for venting our issues. Experts are bridging the gap between salon visits and seeking help from a mental health professional.
Read MoreBlack women's beauty
Black women's beauty can depend on a number of things. For example, over an extended period, stress can limit the body’s ability to adapt. Correspondingly causing damage to the central nervous system, cognition and learning, immune system functions, cardiovascular and endocrine systems, and the gastrointestinal tract. This being said, there are signs Black women should look for in their bodies if they are experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety.
“Weight gain, skin breakouts, palpitations, and breaking out in a sweat are pretty consistent signs among patients, especially women,” says Dr. Robin Moore, DO, a primary care physician in Houston specializing in women’s health.
Additionally, Moore says that Black women have to do better about finding ways to minimize stress in their lives, including being more vocal about their needs and learning to set boundaries.
In like manner, Black women report higher levels of psychological stress than white women due to their intersectionality between race and gender. In fact, they face unique social issues, such as discrimination, finances, safety, and family. All of these are considered top stressors for Black women according to the Qualitative Assessment of Gender- and Race-Related Stress Among Black Women.