Graduation Year

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

M.A.

Degree Name

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Degree Granting Department

Sociology

Major Professor

Vrinda Marwah, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Sara Green, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Melissa Sloan, Ph.D.

Keywords

Mental Health, Anxiety, Depression, Racial Trauma

Abstract

Black women exist in a unique positionality and their experiences with depression and anxiety are shaped by distinctive structural factors. However, their experiences are often overlooked in sociological research and more broadly in academic/medical research. This study investigates the ways Black women are framing their experiences with depression and anxiety on Tiktok and Instagram. I conduct a qualitative study through a social media content analysis grounded in Black feminist thought and narrative analysis. This research is not only academic for me, but deeply personal, as I seek to amplify the voices of women whose struggles often go unrecognized. The findings illustrate that Experts (academics or clinicians) focus in their social media posts on recognizing how anxious/depressive symptoms show up in Black women differently from White women, and how these symptoms go undiagnosed on account of a lack of culturally competent care. The other group I identify—Black women with personal Experience of mood disorders—tended to focus on how they are impacted emotionally by anxiety/depression. While some do emphasize their symptoms, most of them are far more interested in taking on community stereotypes (Strong Black woman, cultural practices and religion) that harmed them. These findings contribute to the growing body of sociological research on Black women’s mental health by centering Black women’s lived experiences. By focusing on these narratives, this study seeks to challenge hegemonic mental health discourses and advocate for more inclusive mental health care.

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