Hey Girlfriends!  Did you know that DEPRESSION is one of the most common mental health disorders among women of color?  It is the leading cause of suicide among women between 16 and 65 years of age!  At times we may not notice the signs and symptoms of depression.  As a result, we tend to experience emotional and physical problems on a daily basis.  Below, you will find a list that will assist you in recognizing the signs of depression.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM DEPRESSED?????!!!!!!!

1. I have trouble sleeping or I sleep too much.
2. A dramatic change in appetite, often with weight gain or weight loss.
3. I am really tired and I lack energy.
4. Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, or inappropriate guilt.
5. I can’t concentrate on anything.
6. Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
7. Recurring thoughts of death or suicide.
8. I am agitated, restless, and irritable.
9. Withdrawal from daily activities.
10. My sexual appetite is gone. (Don’t touch me!!)
11. I am sad and tearful.  I cry often.
12. I just want to be left alone.
13. Lack of pleasure from activities that used to make me happy.
14. I have physical aches and pains, including headaches, stomachaches, etc.
15. Sudden changes in job or school performance.
16. I have sudden mood swings.
17. I don’t feel anything.  I am numb.

There are several risk factors for developing depression.  Depression often runs in families.  This may be due to your genes (inherited).  However, not everybody with a family history of depression will develop the illness.  In addition, depression can occur in women who have no family members with the illness.  This suggests that other factors such as chemical imbalances, environmental stressors, or psychosocial factors may play a role in the onset of depression.  Below is a list of possible factors that can lead to depression.

RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING DEPRESSION:

1. Alcohol or drug abuse.
2. Childhood trauma: abuse or neglect.
3. Chronic stress.
4. The loss of a friend, relative, or a pet.
5. Disappointment at home, school, or work.
6. The ending of a relationship (divorce, breaking up with a boyfriend or a girlfriend).
7. Side effects of medications.
8. Medical and/or health conditions.
9. Nutritional deficiencies.
10. Overly negative thoughts about oneself and life, low self-esteem, and self-blame.
11. Involvement in a physically or mentally abusive relationship.
12. Involvement in an unhappy relationship with a partner, friend, family member, co-worker, or schoolmate.
13. Prolonged pain or having a major illness.
14. Sleeping problems.
15. Poverty, racism, injustice, or discrimination

If you believe that you are experiencing depression………………………………………

PLEASE DON’T WAIT!  SEEK HELP NOW!  IT’S IMPORTANT!

If unsure where to go for help, ask your family doctor, OB/GYN physician, or health clinic for assistance.  You can also check the Yellow Pages under “mental health,” “health,” “social services,” “suicide prevention,” “crisis intervention services,” “hotlines,” “hospitals,” or “physicians” for phone numbers and addresses.  In times of crisis, the emergency room doctor at a hospital may be able to provide temporary help for an emotional problem and will be able to tell you where and how to get further help.  Listed below are the types of people and places that will make a referral to, or provide, diagnostic and treatment services (National Institute of Mental Health, March, 2008).