UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 18 JULY 2018
A Birmingham City University lecturer explores why some black women in the UK are more likely to experience anxiety and depression in a new radio documentary airing this week.
Award-winning journalist and broadcaster Marverine Cole heads up Birmingham City University’s journalism degree and discusses black female stereotypes and societal issues in ‘Black Girls Don’t Cry’, set for broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Friday 20 July.
Research suggests that women of African-Caribbean heritage living in the UK are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, panic attacks and OCDs than white women. A recent study also revealed a rise in the rates of self-harm amongst black women aged 16-34.
In the radio documentary, Marverine meets 33 year-old Jay and 39-year old Jade – two Birmingham women who share their experiences of mental illness, from being sectioned to their frustration and disappointment at the community care they received.
The documentary was featured as Radio Times’ ‘Pick of the Week’ and has received extensive early praise on social media.
Hear ‘Black Girls Don’t Cry’ on BBC Radio 4 on Friday 20 July at 11am.