Blacks are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population.

Nevertheless, according to the U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Minority Health Office, only 7% of Blacks admit that they receive mental health services, 2% take prescription medicine for mental health, or 8% see a doctor for psychological reasons.

“I think it is stigmatized in all communities, but not on the level it is in the African American community,” said mental health advocate Achea Redd.

“Black women go through this whole thing of colorism—light skin, dark skin, good hair and nappy hair,” she explained.

“All of this pandemic has definitely impacted my mental health personally,” Redd said.