In Meri Nana Ama Danquah's 1998 memoir Willow Weep For Me: A Black Woman's Journey Through Depression, Meri Nana Ama Danquah wrote that mental illness that affects white men can often be regarded as a sign or genius. White women with mental illness are often portrayed as being spoiled or just plain crazy. She continues to state that black men are stigmatized and treated with shame. Then there are Black women. Danquah writes that Black women are not considered geniuses or even as pathological. We are called weak when a Black woman has a mental disorder. It is unacceptable for Black women to be weak.AdvertisementWhile watching Simone Biles, who is arguably the greatest gymnast ever to have thrown herself across the mat, leave the Tokyo Olympics, I was struck by Danquah's words. Biles pulled out of the Games after getting into a twisty midair and was at risk of serious injury. She later stated that she had been under pressure and was having a mental illness.AdvertisementAdvertisementSubscribe to the Slate Culture newsletter and receive the best movies, TV, books, music and more delivered straight to your inbox. Signing you up was not possible due to an error Please try again. To use this form, please enable jаvascript. Email address: I would like to receive updates on Slate special offers. You agree to our Privacy Policy & Terms by signing up. Thank you for signing up! You can cancel your subscription at any time.My pride must be forgotten. Biles said that I must do what is right for me, and put my mental health first and not compromise my well-being and health. It was for this reason that I took a step back.AdvertisementBiles' decision was significant for several reasons. Top athletes don't often withdraw from competition without a physical injury. And until recently, it was not possible to talk about mental health issues on a large public stage. Biles' withdrawal was especially significant for me because I am a Black woman and know how difficult it can be to show vulnerability.Black women are taught to accept and embrace the Strong Black Woman trope. According to one study, research shows that Black women are highly supportive of the Strong Black Woman (SBW). She is seen as resilient and able handle all kinds of stress, upsets, and trauma that life throws at them. SBW is stronger than others when she faces challenges that could break them.AdvertisementIt didn't take a piece of paper to remind me. My entire life, Black women have felt that they were expected to exercise self-control, suppress their natural emotions, and live in silence.AdvertisementIt is this reason that Naomi Osakas and Biles decided to prioritise mental health instead of insisting on tenacity every day. This is more than an athlete doing what is best for herself or acknowledging that mental health is equally important as physical health. It is a pair of visible Black women who make the clear statement that tough doesn't have to be the case. It is a profound moment for me and I know it will be for many Black women.AdvertisementI won't ever understand what it is like to be an Olympian. However, I know what it is like to feel perfect. As a Black woman, I can understand the immense pressure that comes with trying to move forward, even when my mental health is failing.Black women are more likely than other women to suffer from anxiety and depression, but less likely to seek help. This, combined with the stigmatization of mental distress within and beyond our communities and the myth that Black women are somehow superior, can lead to dangerous situations.This is probably why Biles's love is both encouraging and troubling. It has been encouraging to see that while some have questioned Biles' toughness and called her a quitter it has been mostly accepted. This shift in mental health public discourse is a positive sign. It won't be seen as a moment of hero worship. It seems like it has boosted Biles' self-esteem. That is what matters most.AdvertisementAdvertisementShe shared her thoughts on Instagram and Twitter, "The outpouring of love and support that Ive received has made it clear to me that Im more than my achievements and gymnastics. It's something I didn't really believe before."While the love is great, I worry about Biles supporters who praise her for being powerful, superhuman, and strong for giving up. Displays of vulnerability don't have to be a sign of strength or perseverance. They can also be moments of tenderness that are worthy of grace or kindness. They can also exist in moments of weakness. Danquah said that Black women's weakness is unacceptable.
