Navigating Racial and Gender Bias for Culturally Responsive Support and Healing.
Depression is far from slavery, genocide, or the institution of racism, but to some, it can be very frightening with very real pain. Depression is a disorder that affects one’s moods and thoughts; as a result, a person dealing with depression has several major areas in their life that are affected. An estimated 16 million American adults have had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. The positive, however, is when discovered and treated, it also has a positive prognosis. Recent research by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) suggests Blacks may be more likely to deal with mental health issues than their White counterparts. However, those seeking treatment are less likely to be Black. Which means Black women are among those not seeking treatment.
The specific racial and gender bias challenges faced by Black women lead to a high risk of developing depressive symptoms and not seeking support. The development of depressive symptoms can lead to negative experiences in their lives, the most concerning of which is suicide. Therefore, social workers, counselors, and therapists need to identify the factors that predict these depressive symptoms. Learning how the Black woman has historically hidden and/or downplayed depressive symptoms becomes an important part of the clinical experience. This workshop will incorporate a description of areas of consideration when identifying depressive symptoms and how they may appear in Black women. We will discuss terms like “masking” and “shifting;” methods that have allowed many to assume that Black women are “fine.” Leading to misdiagnosis and/or less impactful therapeutic interventions.
The stigma surrounding depression in the Black community makes it difficult for those suffering to seek help. Social Workers must develop community programs and services that include cultural considerations. The lack of culturally reflective mental health professionals is a key factor preventing many from accessing care. Also, societal issues factor into one’s experience with depression. Their gender and race heighten vulnerability to negative attitudes about themselves and what they represent. The historical gender issues surrounding the stereotype of the “Strong Black Woman” can easily create a desire to juggle more than one can handle. Leaving them with the inability to care for themselves properly. Also, others may believe the stereotype portrayed by the media of the “curvy and sensual Black woman.” But not all Black women represent this stereotype which impacts body image.
There are different types of treatment available for depression; for Black women, special consideration is needed depending on severity and symptoms. Building and maintaining a strong support network can aid in helping prevent depression. It is important to offer clear education on the therapeutic process, and psychotherapies considered evidence-based to address depression. Special attention to a holistic lifestyle, including diet, exercise, and the strength of faith and/or spiritual supports, can supplement treatment and reduce isolation. Finally, working to improve the understanding of emotional health, psychotherapy, and involvement in a support group can be very helpful in treating Black Women.
Black women navigate racial and gender bias in multiple life settings. Many times, Black women do what is considered “shifting” to navigate depression. This workshop examines whether stress and other factors predict depressive symptoms in Black Women. In addition, we will discuss culturally appropriate identification of depressive symptoms and interventions for coping.
At Radiant Sunshine, our goal is to offer a special blend of expertise and client-centered care that encourages emotional, spiritual, physical, social, and intellectual wellness. Radiant Sunshine’s core values incorporate our beliefs as a center of excellence in human service and social work. Our overarching principles of empowerment, enrichment, and education combine to offer a lifelong impact to those we serve. Radiant Sunshine, #1403, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. Radiant Sunshine maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 2/28/23 to 2/28/2026. Radiant Sunshine has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7371. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.
CEO
Sharea Farmer is the Founder and CEO of RS Counseling & Wellness with over 20 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker. Her training includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Theory, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Racial Trauma. Her expertise in both clinical and administration has allowed her to work in the private and public sectors as an advocate for employee wellness, Diversity & Inclusion, Race Equity, and Trauma-Informed Practices. Her unique practice that focuses on empowerment and education creates transformative wellness for her clients that range from executive leadership teams to supervisors to staff. RS Wellness has developed employee resilience plans and trauma-informed care programs for state and public health agencies, as well as educational groups, both locally and nationally. The workshops and courses created by RS Wellness are the keys to a healthy trauma-informed workplace where everyone can thrive. Courses fall under four categories: DEI, Social Work Continuing Education, Trauma-Focused, and Wellness. Although each course is tailored to its specific subject matter, the courses provide curriculum, assignments, video, and affirming activities. In recent projects, Sharea led the development of Racial Equity training, committees, DEI, and trauma-informed supervision in both Philadelphia and New Jersey-based government, public health, and nonprofit agencies including the City of Philadelphia Division of Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction, Access Matters, Philadelphia Futures, The Ladipo Group, National Coalition to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, NJ National Association of Social Work and more. This led to assisting those agencies with the development of their trauma-informed and diversity and inclusion strategies. Sharea lives in New Jersey with her husband. She enjoys all things basketball, live NBA games, traveling, coloring, and spending time with family and friends.
