Traci Patterson
Traci Patterson is the Communications Director for Mental Health America of Greater Houston.
www.mhahouston.org
Articles by this Author
Stress Burdens the Minds and Health of Far Too Many African Americans
- By Traci Patterson
- Published 02/9/2010
- Community , Economics , Health
- Unrated

For many
African-Americans, excessive, long-term
stress is often a major
contributing factor in the
development or exacerbation of many serious
health
conditions and illnesses such as anxiety, depression,
high blood
pressure, stroke, heart attack, diabetes,
ulcers, and infertility.
No
matter how much they earn or where they live,
stress is a burden that
seems to weigh down far too
many African Americans. The hazardous level
of
stress faced by African Americans is keeping their
bodies constantly
on edge causing their health and
mental wellness to be at risk. This
Black History Month,
wellness advocates, Mental Health America of
Greater
Houston and the Houston Wellness Association are
encouraging African Americans to take better care of
their health by managing their stress—in their personal
lives and at work.
No
matter how much they earn or where they live, stress is a burden that
seems to weigh down far too many African Americans. The hazardous level
of stress faced by African Americans is keeping their bodies constantly
on edge causing their health and mental wellness to be at risk. This
Black History Month, wellness advocates, Mental Health America of
Greater Houston and the Houston Wellness Association are encouraging
African Americans to take better care of their health by managing their
stress—in their personal lives and at work.
“Stress is a normal response and the body’s way of protecting you,” said Betsy Schwartz, president and CEO of Mental Health

