by Stephanie L. Ogle
Lack of motivation. Mood swings. Lack of appetite or a surge in one. A lowered sex drive or an over-active one. Suicidal thoughts. These are all symptoms of depression. The "D-word" is something those in the African-American community don¡¦t like to acknowledge. Maybe some think it just isn't "cool". Others may think that to admit one suffers from depression means they are one step away from a lifetime of taking zombie-inducing medication & confinement to a mental institution. Some have even stated, "That just ain't a 'black thang' ". All of that is false. Over 17 million people in this country suffer from some form of depression.
Depression does not discriminate based on age, sex, color or social/economic status. Depression also comes in various forms & may not be easily detected initially. Throughout history, African-Americans have been improperly & under- diagnosed in regards to depression yet have been over-diagnosed when it comes to schizophrenia. Part of the reason for the misdiagnosis is in part due to the fact that African-Americans may report their symptoms differently than Caucasian-Americans do. African-Americans are said to be less likely to report instances of sleep changes, fatigue, diminished concentration or thoughts of suicide.
The depression rate among African American women is estimated to be almost 50% higher than the rate among Caucasian women
So why is depression & mental illness considered to be taboo in the African-American community? The follow information is based on the National Mental Health Association survey on public attitudes and beliefs about depression:
- 63% of African Americans surveyed believed that depression is a personal weakness, compared to the overall survey average of 54%.
- 27% of African Americans said they would "handle it" (clinical depression) by themselves.
- Only 31% of African Americans said they believed depression was a health problem.
- 19% of African Americans said they would seek help for depression from friends and family.
- Fewer African Americans are aware of the "active" symptoms associated with clinical depression such as anxiety, agitation, and reduction in sleep and eating habits.
- Only one in four recognize change in eating habits and sleeping patterns as a sign of depression and only 16% recognize irritability as a sign.
- Almost two-thirds of respondents said they believe prayer and faith alone will successfully treat depression "almost all of the time" or "some of the time."
- Only one-third of African Americans said they would take medication if prescribed by a doctor, compared to 69% of the general population.
To better be able to treat depression & mental illness, we need to recognize some of the symptoms. Below is a list of symptoms of depression. If you have or know anyone who has 5 or more of them, please consult with a doctor as soon as possible:
* Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood
* Sleeping too little, especially early morning awakening, or sleeping too much * Reduced appetite and/or weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
* Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex
* Restlessness, irritability
* Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment (such as headaches, chronic pain or digestive disorders)
* Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
* Fatigue or loss of energy
* Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
* Thoughts of suicide or death
Most importantly, get a physical check-up/examination on a regular basis.And remember...there is help for depression & you are not alone.
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