 |
More and more African American women are being diagnosed as suffering from clinical depression. According to DepressionIsReal.org, depression among black women is almost 50 percent higher than it is among white women. And of black women suffering from depression, only 7 percent receive treatment. This is compared to 20 percent of white women.
Dr. Lisa Lackey acknowledges that more black women are beginning to seek treatment for depression, but also feels that there are more out there who are undiagnosed. “There is still a prevailing thought in [black] culture that depression isn’t a real disorder or [a] disease that requires treatment,” she says. “So women — particularly black women — begin to feel that it’s just their life — like it’s just the way life is.”
Depression is described as a mood disorder with a collection of symptoms persisting over a two-week time period. These symptoms must not be attributed to the direct physical effects of alcohol or drug abuse or other medication usage. However, clinical depression may occur in conjunction with these conditions as well as other emotional and physical disorders such as hormonal, blood pressure, kidney or heart conditions.
“Comparatively, black women are able to express their depression in healthier ways than black men,” Dr. Lackey explains. “That is why you’re seeing an increase in black women being diagnosed with depression, while at the same time, you’re seeing an increase in black men committing suicide — women are seeking the help, while the men are still repressing and doing more harm emotionally.”
Depression can be a vague disorder for African American women, and due to cultural attitudes, many black women may have gone years before they even recognize that they are suffering from depression. Women that consult health professionals may be told that they are simply run-down, tense or just experiencing anxiety. If you feel you are experiencing depression, seek treatment that offers more than just prescriptions and quick fixes.
“Explore the root of the symptoms,” says Dr. Lackey. “And don’t allow the stigma to keep you from seeking long-term mental and emotional wellness.”–todd williams
