Depression and The Black Community?

We usually think we’ve got it together until we are faced with a situation that compromises what we have been raised to believe.

Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person's thoughts, behavior, feelings and sense of well-being. People with a depressed mood can feel sad, anxious, empty, hopeless, helpless, worthless, guilty, irritable, ashamed or restless. They may lose interest in activities that were once pleasurable, experience loss of appetite or overeating, have problems concentrating, remembering details or making decisions, and may contemplate, attempt or commit suicide. Insomnia, excessive sleeping, fatigue, aches, pains, digestive problems or reduced energy may also be present. Depressed mood is a feature of some psychiatric syndromes such as major depressive disorder, but it may also be a normal reaction to life events such as bereavement, a symptom of some bodily ailments or a side effect of some drugs and medical treatments – Wikipedia.

This post is a sequel triggered by last Friday’s post and subsequent discussion on racisizing depression; the belief that it is a ‘white people thing’, and as such, cannot (will not) affect a black person.

With the definition of depression given above, it is clear there is no mention of any race, or ethnicity because depression knows no color. It is a condition that can happen to anybody; white or black, so it’s a bit weird that people will consider it a ‘white people’ problem. Perhaps it comes from the common mantra of ‘black people are strong, and can handle everything’?

Adam Ant compared depression to malaria saying “depression is something that doesn't just go away. It's just... there and you deal with it. It's like... malaria or something. Maybe it won't be cured, but you've got to take the medication you're prescribed, and you stay out of situations that are going to trigger it.”

This only goes to confirm that depression can be chronic if not given the necessary attention. The thought of it being a ‘white people thing’ causes many black people to ignore the signs of the underlying problem.

In the black community, we are used to stigmatizing mental, emotional and health issues. So how does one tell another how he/she is ACTUALLY feeling? How does one deal with depression when they themselves refuse to accept it? How do people seek help with something described to be ‘all in your head’

We are humans; we have weaknesses as well as strengths. We are prone to any sort of emotion whether good or bad. Some emotions we call upon ourselves, others we have no control over. Any event can trigger any kind of emotion at any time.

Depression can be triggered by a lot of things including abuse, conflicts, death or loss of a loved one, and personal problems. And these do not only affect one particular race or even tribe.

We live in an economically trying time and issues with the economy and finances are all factors that can trigger depression. It is a global issue, and it is happening across continents. Our lack of ‘acceptance’ of its existence is doing us more harm than good. Depression is not a black people thing. It is happening everywhere!

Somewhere in 2011, I was experiencing some family issues, was jobless and had to endure rejection and ridicule. This drove me into a very depressing state with suicidal thoughts. I didn’t exactly weigh the graveness of the situation, come to terms with it or even admit that I needed help until I was totally broken. I lived in anxiety and seclusion from people, my family included.  I was afraid of talking about it because I didn’t know how people would react to it.

Where I come from, seeking help by going to see a shrink could be you signing your official ‘mad’ status. People are quick to judge, by age, saying things like ‘You are too young to be experiencing this, or that’. It’s not surprising therefore that people will prefer to keep things to themselves, or deal with such states themselves rather than seeking help.

If you’re experiencing depression or not sure what’s happening to you, talk to someone, a friend, or seek professional advice. And if you suspect someone or a friend is going through it draw closer to the person, and try to help him/her. 

We must understand that depression is a serious condition and can impact every aspect of one’s life. Depression doesn't mean one is too weak to just 'snap out of it'. It isn't a 'go see a Man of God' sort of thing. It isn't a gender thing. Neither should it be treated as a racial thing. Black people are not immune to it. White people are not immune to it. Nobody is immune to it.

This is the education (re-education) we need.