There is an assumption in the Black community that a Black woman's penchant for pain- emotional, mental, and physical is extraordinary. Being resilient and self-sufficient is often emphasized. The result of that influence for a new mother is denying herself of the appropriate self-care and treatment that she needs because she does not want to be perceived as incompetent in caring for her children and weak for seeking help. Postpartum depression is an illness and not a reflection of one as a mother.
