Mask Off: Diagnosing High-Functioning Anxiety and Depression in Black Women

Cultural expectations of being “strong” often mask these struggles, leading many Black women to function at high levels while silently coping with debilitating stress. Black women are often seen as the epitome of strength, juggling multiple roles and responsibilities while presenting a polished exterior.

This workshop equips clinicians with the tools and cultural understanding needed to recognize, diagnose, and treat these conditions with sensitivity and competence. We will explore how societal expectations, racial trauma, and the “Strong Black Woman” narrative can perpetuate atypical or “high-functioning” presentations of mood disorders. By uncovering the hidden impact of these conditions on Black women, this session empowers clinicians to promote more authentic healing and address the critical mental health needs of a population that is often overlooked in traditional diagnostic and treatment frameworks.

Learning Objectives

1. Recognize atypical presentations of anxiety and depression in Black women.

2. Define societal pressures that contribute to masking symptoms.

3. Explore…