ADHD Awareness Month: Why We Need to Talk About Black Women and ADHD
October is ADHD Awareness Month, and while the conversation around Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been growing, there’s still a glaring gap when it comes to addressing how ADHD affects Black Women. Too often, Black Women are overlooked in both mental health conversations and ADHD research, leaving many to silently navigate this condition without the understanding or support they need.
It’s time to shine a light on the challenges and strengths of Black Women with ADHD—and why we must pay attention.
Understanding ADHD in Black Women
ADHD is often seen as a condition that primarily affects hyperactive young boys, but this perception erases the fact that ADHD manifests differently in different people, especially in women. Symptoms in women are often more internalized, such as chronic disorganization, forgetfulness, difficulty focusing, and emotional dysregulation.
When it comes to Black Women, there are additional layers of complexity:
The Strong Black Woman Stereotype: Black Women are often expected to carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. Society tells us to be strong, resilient, and capable of juggling multiple roles without breaking down. This makes it harder for many Black Women to even acknowledge their struggles with ADHD, let alone seek help. ADHD-related challenges like disorganization, missed deadlines, or forgetfulness can be internalized as personal failures rather than symptoms of a neurodevelopmental disorder.
Racial Bias in Healthcare: Black Women are less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, and even when they are, it’s often much later in life. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, Black children are diagnosed with ADHD at significantly lower rates compared to white children, and these disparities persist into adulthood. Racial bias in healthcare leads to underdiagnosis, misdiagnosis, or even dismissal of symptoms as behavioural issues, depression, or anxiety.
Undiagnosed ADHD and Mental Health: The impact of untreated ADHD on mental health is severe. Black Women with ADHD often deal with feelings of frustration, guilt, and exhaustion from trying to keep up with daily tasks. The Journal of Attention Disorders highlights that ADHD in women is strongly associated with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. These coexisting conditions can often mask ADHD symptoms, further delaying diagnosis and treatment.
Why ADHD Awareness Matters for Black Women?
ADHD Awareness Month is about more than recognizing the symptoms of ADHD—it’s about addressing the systemic inequalities that prevent Black Women from getting the support and treatment they deserve.
1. Breaking the Silence
For Black Women, discussing ADHD can be difficult. Cultural expectations and stereotypes discourage vulnerability, but silence only compounds the struggle. Talking openly about ADHD helps to break the stigma and create spaces where Black Women can connect, share their experiences, and find community. We need more visibility for Black Women with ADHD so that others feel empowered to seek help without shame.
2. Increasing Diagnosis and Treatment
Raising awareness is crucial to closing the gap in diagnosis and treatment. Black Women are diagnosed with ADHD at disproportionately lower rates, and even those who seek help often face inadequate care. Studies show that Black Women are more likely to be prescribed medication without proper follow-up care like therapy or coaching. Comprehensive treatment, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle management, is key to thriving with ADHD.
3. Challenging Misconceptions
ADHD is not a character flaw. It’s not laziness or a lack of ambition. By challenging misconceptions, we can help dismantle the stigma surrounding ADHD and shift the narrative. Black Women with ADHD are capable, creative, and resilient, but they deserve the tools to succeed without burning out.
Self-Advocacy and Seeking Support
If you’re a Black Woman navigating life with undiagnosed or untreated ADHD, here are some empowering steps to take:
Trust Your Instincts: If you’ve always felt that something was different about how your brain processes things, you’re not imagining it. ADHD presents in ways that might not fit the traditional mould, especially for women. Seek a proper diagnosis from a mental health professional who understands how ADHD affects women of color.
Build a Support Network: Find communities—both online and offline—where you can connect with other Black Women managing ADHD. Organizations like ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Association) have resources that focus specifically on women and adults with ADHD.
Embrace Self-Compassion: It’s easy to get frustrated when you feel like you’re constantly “dropping the ball.” But ADHD is not a personal failing. Give yourself grace and focus on building coping strategies that work for you, such as breaking tasks into smaller steps, using visual reminders, and creating structured routines.
Advocate for Better Care: If you’re not getting the support you need from your healthcare provider, it’s okay to advocate for yourself. Ask for additional resources, treatment options, and mental health support that cater to your specific needs.
The Future for Black Women with ADHD
As awareness grows, we have an opportunity to change the landscape of ADHD care for Black Women. By continuing to advocate for better diagnosis, treatment, and support, we can ensure that future generations of Black Women are empowered to thrive with ADHD, rather than feeling confined by it.
Michelle Obama once said, “Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own.” Owning the ADHD story is part of taking control of your mental health and breaking free from the constraints society places on you. We are more than the labels society gives us. With increased awareness, empathy, and proper care, Black Women with ADHD can live with confidence, fulfillment, and joy.
In the realm of mental health advocacy, Solange Knowles has been open about her struggles with ADHD. In an interview with New York Magazine, she reflected on how it affects her daily life, saying: “ADHD is not a disorder, it’s just that my brain functions differently. It’s a gift and a curse, but I’ve learned how to harness it.” Solange’s candour reminds us that embracing differences can be empowering, not limiting.
Viola Davis, an iconic actress and advocate, beautifully captures the essence of self-acceptance. She shared, “I would tell my younger self just be yourself — that who you are is good enough.” This sentiment rings especially true for Black Women with ADHD, who often feel pressured to mask their true selves to fit societal norms. Davis’ quote reminds us that embracing who we are—ADHD and all—is the ultimate act of self-love.
The Path Forward
It’s time to reframe the narrative and understand that ADHD is not a limitation, but a different way of experiencing the world. As we raise awareness, we’re not just advocating for better diagnosis and treatment; we’re advocating for Black Women to live fully as their authentic selves.
Let’s continue pushing for spaces where Black Women with ADHD can celebrate their unique talents, live in alignment with their mental health needs, and thrive beyond societal expectations.