Why So Many Black Women Suffer from Burnout

Dr. Twanna Carter
4 min readMay 19, 2023

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Black women work harder than any other group. We are the backbone of our families and communities, yet we are still paid less than white men for doing the same work. We experience high levels of discrimination in the workplace, which only adds to our already stressful lives.

And now we have to deal with a lack of mental health awareness in our communities — which means that many black women don’t even know they’re suffering from burnout until it’s too late.

Black women are working harder than ever.

You may be wondering why, in this day and age, black women still suffer from burnout. The answer is simple: they’ve been working hard for generations.

Black women have always been the backbone of their families and communities; they were breadwinners before it was cool to be one! They’ve had to work harder than anyone else just so that their children could survive. And even then…many times those same children ended up suffering from mental illness or addiction because of what they went through as kids (and sometimes even adults).

Black men aren’t exempt either — they also carry a heavy burden on their shoulders every day when they go out into the world with their heads held high knowing that people will judge them based on the color of their skin alone — but at least there are laws protecting them from racial discrimination when looking for employment opportunities or housing options (though these laws aren’t always enforced).

Black women are the backbone of their families and communities.

Black women are the backbone of their families and communities. As a result, they wear many hats:

· Mothers

· sole breadwinner for their family

· equal spouses in their relationships

· caregivers for family members

· primary decision maker in their household

· executives

· sisters

· ministers

· board members

· sorority sisters

· daughters

And this list can go on, and often does!

This means that black women have been doing more than their fair share of work — and it’s not just work related to raising children or keeping a house clean; they also spend extra time taking care of other people outside of their immediate circle like elderly relatives or friends who need help with something like paying bills or finding employment (and sometimes even paying those bills).

Black women are constantly under pressure from all sides; so, it often feels like there is no room for errors in their careers. Because any mistake could cause serious consequences for those around them! All of which adds to them feeling burned out.

Black women experience high levels of discrimination in the workplace.

Discrimination in the workplace is also a serious problem. Black women are more likely to experience discrimination than white women, and they have less access to resources to help them deal with it. Discrimination can take many forms, including being paid less or being overlooked for promotions because of race or gender. It may also take the form of microaggressions — subtle comments that communicate negative stereotypes about your identity (e.g., “You’re so articulate!”). Being anxious and on constant guard can lead to burnout.

Black women are often underpaid and underrepresented in leadership roles.

Black women are often underpaid and underrepresented in leadership roles.

This despite being the most educated populace in the US. This disparity can be traced back to a number of factors including:

· systemic racism that limits opportunities for advancement and opportunity

· gender bias against women (who comprise more than half of the workforce)

· lack of role models for black girls and women who aspire to leadership positions

· lack of mentorship and sponsorship

· and yes — even racism within their own organizations which prevents them from seeing themselves as leaders worthy of promotion or recognition

Workplace inequality, combined with a lack of mental healthcare for black women, has created a perfect storm for burnout for black women workers.

You may be wondering how black women can be so successful yet suffer from a lack of mental health awareness. This is because workplace inequality combined with a lack of mental healthcare for black women has created a perfect storm for burnout.

Burnout is a serious issue that affects many professionals, just like you, yet it often goes unrecognized. The signs of burnout can be subtle and difficult to detect. That’s why it’s important to have guidance from a coach who can help you recognize the symptoms and provide support.

It’s time to take control of your well-being and conquer burnout. As black women, you face unique challenges that must be acknowledged and addressed.

You may realize that you are struggling with managing burnout and are unable to progress to the next level of your career.

Answer the questions provided in this list of 10 questions (Recognizing Burnout.) If you find that you need help to manage burnout and achieve your career goals. Don’t let burnout hinder your success any longer. Take the first step towards a healthier and more fulfilling life by scheduling a consultation with me today.

Together, we will develop strategies to reduce stress, find peace of mind, and allow you to excel in your career. You are the backbone of families, communities, and businesses across America, and your well-being is essential.

Don’t underestimate the impact you can make when you prioritize self-care. Reach out now to start your journey towards a balanced and thriving life.

Hey, let’s connect on social media! Just click HERE to find me.

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Dr. Twanna Carter

Career Coach💥Mental Fitness Coach💥Certified Hypnotist💥Anxiety Coach💥US Army Veteran💥1913🔺💥https://www.youtube.com/@coachtwannacarter