Stress is a normal aspect of life, but many black people have had more than their share.

But official numbers don’t capture the whole story, as a multitude of factors stand in the way of good mental health care for black Americans.

You May Also Like She said that while depression is typically defined as someone who has lost interest in activities they used to enjoy and a persistent sad mood for at least two weeks, in black and Asian people depression is more likely to present with physical symptoms like headache or digestive issues.

Those differences could translate to fewer people getting diagnosed in the earlier stages of mental illness: Molock noted that black people are more likely to be diagnosed with severe mental health conditions.

Another issue that can stand in the way of people of color getting mental health care is the stigma of mental illness.