A growing body of research and frontline testimony is drawing attention to persistent barriers faced by Black women in Canada’s health care system, with clinicians and patients pointing to delayed care, misdiagnosis and a lack of culturally safe services as contributing factors in worsening mental health outcomes.

For Lesley Fraser, an education program assistant in Nova Scotia, a workplace accident marked the beginning of an extended health crisis. After being struck by a ball during a gym class, she suffered a severe concussion that she says left her unable to function normally for months.

“I was listless, I didn’t have any energy, I didn’t want to go out. The thought of even showering was exhausting,” Fraser said in a radio interview. She believes her symptoms may not have been taken seriously within the broader health system. “Unless, you know, God forbid, which I didn’t go there, wanted to commit suicide, is literally what I would have to do for the medical community to help me,” she said.

Fraser’s experience reflects concerns raised in data showing that Black women are more likely to feel dismissed when seeking care. A national survey of 1,966 Black women, girls and gender non conforming people found that 76.6 per cent reported feeling unheard or disbelieved by health care providers. The findings were published by the Black Women’s Institute for Health in November.

Experts say these experiences are rooted in longstanding racial narratives. Roberta Timothy, an associate professor at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health, said historical stereotypes continue to influence treatment today.

She pointed to the enduring myth of the “strong Black woman,” which she said emerged from colonial systems used to justify slavery. “If you are strong like an ox and you don’t break, that means we don’t have to see you,” she said.

Timothy said these assumptions contribute to the minimisation of symptoms and limited recognition of mental health challenges among Black women. The same report found mental health conditions affected 15.8 per cent of respondents, while 27.4 per cent reported self harm ideation, more than six times the national average of 4.2 per cent recorded by Statistics Canada in 2021.

Against this backdrop, specialised services are emerging. The Nova Scotia Sisterhood in Dartmouth provides primary care focused on Black women and gender diverse people. Clinical therapist Crystal John said demand is increasing, with around 15 clients seen weekly and a waitlist of 40.

John said trauma informed care is central to treatment, as patients face stressors including workplace discrimination, violence and grief. She noted that some clients describe heightened scrutiny in professional environments that contributes to burnout.

Fraser, who received care at the clinic, said the difference was immediate. She described prompt assessment and medication support. “I feel comfortable coming here and seeing someone that looks like me and asking all the right questions,” she said.

John said the goal must extend beyond clinics to broader systemic change, including more Black representation in medicine and teaching. She also emphasised sustained funding and culturally informed training.

Ultimately, John said improved care benefits society as a whole. “As we all do better, the whole country is better,” she said.

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