Don't be intimidated because you don't know the "professional terms". You know how you feel - Just say it!
We black folks have learned to disguise our depression, even from ourselves. We hide it in blank faces (being cool), submerge it in our rap, wear it in our tough demeanors or call it "just bein' tired".
There are other symptoms:
Cognitive:
(How you think)
Difficulty concentrating
Forgetfulness
Confusion
Emotional: (What you feel)
Sadness
Tearfulness
Emptiness - lack of feeling
Negative thoughts
Feelings of hopelessness
Physical:
Sleeping too much
Unable to sleep
Tired all the time
Behavioral:(How you act)
Irritability
Argumentativeness
Avoidance of people
Lack of interest in usual activities
No appetite
Too much appetite
Note: No two people are alike in how they show depression. What is a mid-stage symptom for one person is evidence of extreme depression and suicidal risk for another person. Comparing how a person is to how they used to be - that's a key to determining the seriousness of a situation. When in doubt - check it out!
| Early: Less interested in normal activities Somewhat depressed Somewhat negative in attitude - grumpy Less reactive than usual Overreactive |
| Middle: Very sad or angry Slowing of activity level Avoidance of friends Less careful about physical appearance Misses days at work Misses usual events Quits or loses jobs |
| Late: Suicidal: Intentions of harming self Provoking others to harm you or putting self at risk Emptiness of feelings Overwhelmed with sadness Unable to eat Unable to stop eating Oblivious to physical appearance Avoidance of grooming Will not leave home or room May begin to see or hear things |
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Psychotherapy:
Discussion sessions with a supportive but objective licensed
professional where clients are helped to look at the events, people or situations that
affect their moods in a negative way. They are supported with evidence of their
strengths while building new strengths to handle difficult situations. In addition, they
are helped to look at old understandings that are no longer useful or valid for their
current situations.
Diet, lifestyle behaviors & habit
change: Some of the most common daily behaviors cause or help maintain depression
in some people. Changes are suggested in these and outcomes are charted to determine
effectiveness. Some foods or food additives cause an allergic reaction that shows up as a
mood change in some people.
Short note on
depression, anxiety and medications: Eliminate ALL processed foods, caffeine &
alcohol. Cook like your grandma did in the country. Add 8 hours of sleep nightly
and daily exercise and see
if your depression or anxiety goes away. Try it for at least six weeks. (Yes,
it will be hard - but not impossible - keep trying!)
Medication: There are a number of antidepressants that provide the body with chemicals that it is missing. This helps the body make it's own physical changes that improve mood. Hormone levels are intricately tied in with mood. Changes in hormone level during the month may cause sudden changes in mood. Antidepressants and other medications that affect hormone level, often affect mood.