MFPCC

FACTS AND FIGURES
Learn about statistics, trends, and other relevant insights for behavioral health practitioners working to reduce health disparities and improve outcomes for people in underserved communities.

Chronic Stress
Chronic stress, marked by the continuous release of stress hormones, can have harmful effects on mental and physical health.¹ Black women in the United States tend to experience higher levels of psychosocial stressors (e.g., discrimination, socioeconomic resources, interpersonal traumas) than other groups of women and are disproportionately impacted by stress-related health conditions.² For example, as of 2019, breast cancer is the leading cause of death for Black women and studies suggest an association between psychosocial stress and breast cancer disparities.³ Stress has also been indirectly linked to physical health conditions through poor diet and unhealthy eating behaviors.¹ A research study found that over 80% of non-Hispanic Black women were overweight or obese (body mass index [BMI] of >2kg and 30kg, respectively) due in part to psychological determinants of emotional eating behaviors.⁴ Perceived stress is also associated with anxiety and depression, symptoms of which Black people are more likely to report overall, and Black women twice as likely than men to experience.^{5, 6} Focusing on the sources of stress as well as effective stress management and coping strategies can promote health equity and help reduce the disparities experienced by this group.





SAMHSA provides resources to support coping and stress management strategies.

• Stress Management Techniques and Healthy Coping Strategies
• Stress in the Workplace
• SAMHSA’s National Helpline
• Relaxation techniques: Try these steps to reduce stress
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline