Depression

Depression in African American WomenMental health professionals estimate that clinical depression affects 17-20 million Americans a year. Untreated depression is second only to heart disease in causing lost work days in America, and it is the No. 1 cause of suicide. Depression strikes women –favoring no single ethnic group – at twice the rate of men. The good news is that once identified, more than 80 percent of people with depression are successfully treated. But many African-American women do not get treatment, often because of a widespread belief in the African-American community that depression is evidence of personal weakness, not a legitimate health problem. Recognizing the need to increase awareness in our community, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and the National Black Nurses Association are partners in the national Campaign on Clinical Depression.

What is Clinical Depression?Clinical depression is a treatable illness that can strike anyone at any age. It can be caused by one or a combination of triggers including biological factors, genetics, difficult life events, negative thinking patterns, physical health problems and some medications. People suffering from depression may not feel hopeful or happy about anything in life, may cry a lot and withdraw from friends and family, be forgetful, anxious and worried, and have recurring thoughts of death and/or suicide. Clinical depression is not a "mood" that someone can "snap out of."

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Clinical Depression?An evaluation for clinical depression is recommended if you experience five or more of the following symptoms for longer than two weeks, or if the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your daily routine:

* A persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood
* Sleeping too little or sleeping too much
* Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain (weight gain is more likely to occur among African-American women suffering from depression)
* Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
* Restlessness or irritability
* Persistent physical symptoms that don't respond to treatment (such as headaches, chronic pain, or constipation and other digestive disorders)
* Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
* Fatigue or loss of energy
* Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
* Thoughts of death or suicide

How can you get help for clinical depression?A good first step is to talk to your doctor or to a qualified mental health professional. You also may be able to get help through your company’s employee assistance program (EAP), a pastoral counselor, guidance counselor or local mental health association. Since people with clinical depression often do not have the motivation or energy to seek treatment for themselves, it is often necessary for friends and family to help them seek treatment.

Treatment OptionsThe most commonly used treatments for clinical depression are antidepressant medications, psychotherapy or a combination of the two.
Medication The symptoms of depression are caused by imbalances in chemicals in the brain and other parts of the body that influence things like mood, sleep, and how much energy we have. Antidepressant medications correct these imbalances. The two most common types are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac and tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil. While antidepressant medications have been shown to be extremely effective, many can cause side effects, some of which are temporary. Since different medications affect individuals differently, you and your doctor may need to try more than one before you find the right one or combination.
PsychotherapyFor some cases of depression, talking with a trained mental health professional can help teach people how to better handle problems, change negative styles of thinking, and how to change relationships that can cause or worsen clinical depression. Short-term therapy that lasts just 10-20 weeks often is all it takes.

Empowerment Points 1.
You Can Make a Difference!

Lifestyle factors including diet and exercise can impact depression. Regular exercise such as walking, running, swimming, or other aerobic activity causes the brain to produce more of the chemicals that combat depression. Exercise also can make you look better, which in turn raises self-esteem and decreases depression. Increasing the amount of Vitamin B3 (niacin) in the diet also has been found to bring relief from depression. Good dietary sources of niacin include oily fish such as salmon; chicken; dried peas and beans; whole grains; and seeds.
2.
Reach Out for Help

Building and maintaining a strong support network of friends and relatives can help prevent and aid recovery from clinical depression. Calling the national Campaign on Clinical Depression’s hotline at (800) 228-1114 can put you in touch support groups and other resources. Seeking help from a spiritual source also has proven helpful for many. People with a strong spiritual faith have a lower risk for depression.
3.
If You Have Already Been Diagnosed With Clinical Depression

Be informed and voice all of your questions and concerns about your treatment to your health care provider. Make treatment a partnership. By working with your doctor or other mental health professional, you can find the best treatment, with the fewest side effects, for you.