In recent years, the phrase “Protect Black Women” has been examined and debated. The truth is we are well acquainted with silence. We know when to hold our tongue. We know when to keep our peace. We deserve to be protected and not have to cosign onto someone else’s joy.
The conversation surrounding mental health has gained momentum since the pandemic. But for many Black women, the complexities of emotional wellness remain unaddressed. A significant yet often overlooked aspect of this issue is the phenomenon of “silent rage.” This term refers to the bottled-up anger and frustration that can lead to severe mental and physical health consequences. The pressures of society, historical traumas, and cultural expectations faced by Black women create a unique environment in which silent rage can fester.
I can remember my mother calling it “the scream within.” When I was younger, I didn’t exactly understand it. As I got older and started navigating my own way through life, I realized all too well what she meant. Black women frequently navigate this complex landscape where we must manage not only our own emotions but also the perceptions and biases of those around them. Microaggressions and discrimination exacerbate feelings of anger and frustration.
Our culture often dictates that Black women should be strong and resilient, leading many of us to suppress our emotions. The “strong Black woman” trope honors hustle and self-sacrifice, pushing us to hide our vulnerabilities. This cultural conditioning can prevent us from expressing our anger in healthy ways, leading to internalized emotions that manifest as silent rage.
Research reveals a stark connection between suppressed anger and the rise of autoimmune disorders in women of color. The findings shed light on the damaging effects of internalized rage and the societal pressures that compel women, particularly women of color, to remain silent.
The study also uncovers that a molecule produced by the X chromosome in all female cells can trigger the production of antibodies against a woman’s own tissues. This significant finding sheds light on why women are more commonly impacted by autoimmune diseases.
The effects of silent rage can be devastating. Research shows that unexpressed anger is linked to a variety of health issues, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and weakened immune systems. For Black women, the cumulative impact of silent rage can exacerbate the already disproportionate rates of health issues.
Additionally, mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression are prevalent among Black women, often resulting from a combination of stressors and the inability to express anger constructively. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that Black women are less likely to seek help for mental health issues due to stigma, lack of access to culturally competent care, and a deep-seated belief in the necessity of self-reliance. As a result, many continue to endure the silent suffering that silent rage entails.
The intersection of trauma and silent rage is particularly distressing for Black women. Experiences of racial and gender-based trauma can lead to a sense of helplessness and anger that is not always acknowledged or validated. The ongoing effects of police violence, economic disparities, and healthcare inequities contribute to a chronic state of stress and anger.
In therapy and mental health discussions, it is essential to address these traumas. For many Black women, traditional therapeutic approaches may not resonate, and finding a therapist who understands their unique experiences can be a challenge. When their experiences are not validated, it further perpetuates the cycle of silent rage, as individuals feel compelled to remain silent about their struggles.
Building a supportive community is crucial in addressing silent rage. When Black women come together in safe spaces, they can share their experiences, validate one another’s feelings, and develop strategies for managing anger. Support groups, whether in-person or online, can provide an invaluable outlet for expressing emotions without fear of judgment.
Addressing silent rage requires a multi-faceted approach. We have to start recognizing and acknowledging our feelings of anger rather than suppressing them. Journaling, creative expression, or physical activity can serve as effective outlets for processing these emotions. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing, can also help manage stress and promote emotional regulation.
Culturally competent therapists are available and can provide a safe space for Black women to explore their feelings. Mental health professionals who understand the complexities of their experiences can offer tailored strategies for coping with anger and trauma.
Silent rage represents a hidden health crisis for Black women; one that requires urgent attention and action. Black women can reclaim their voices and promote healthier emotional expressions. To be a Black woman in America is to move through the world with anger — rage, even — as a constant companion but to remain mostly quiet about it. You’d never know to talk to us how angry many of us are. Fearful, in fact. It’s okay to admit it. It’s okay to feel it.
The ways in which we whisper our pain is an inability to take our armor off completely, even in our homes. It means feeling as though we are driving on a dark road with no headlights or streetlights.
Black women are never given space to just be. We are expected to be strong for everyone and rarely is that nurture reciprocated back to us. The load is heavy, being both Black and female. Our identities are not ones we can take off whenever we feel like it.
In 1981, Audre Lorde gave the keynote presentation at the National Women’s Studies Association Conference. She said, “I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.” It addresses the many uses of anger — the anger of exclusion, of unquestioned privilege, of racial distortions, silence, ill-use, stereotyping, defensiveness, misnaming, betrayal, and co-optation. Anger and fear shouldn’t be the causes of accepting the discrimination we tend to face in society. Instead, we should be able to face everything without fear. If we don’t like the way people approach us or talk about us, we should be able to stand up and tell them without fear.
Nobody is free if there is still a Black woman emotionally chained. For far too long, we have nurtured others. It is time that we are nurtured ourselves.
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