Examining Depression Among African-American Women From a Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Perspective (641 hits)
-- Nikki Giovanni, "Introspection" ...Because she didn't know any better she stayed alive among the tired and lonely not waiting always wanting needing a good night's rest...
Clinical depression is often a vague disorder for African- American women. It may produce an abundance of "depressions" in the lives of the women who experience its ongoing, relentless symptoms.
The old adage of "being sick and tired of being sick and tired" is quite relevant for these women, since they often suffer from persistent, untreated physical and emotional symptoms.
If these women consult health professionals, they are frequently told that they are hypertensive, run down, or tense and nervous. They may be prescribed antihypertensives, vitamins, or mood elevating pills; or they may be informed to lose weight, learn to relax, get a change of scenery, or get more exercise.
The root of their symptoms frequently is not explored; and these women continue to complain of being tired, weary, empty, lonely, sad. Other women friends and family members may say, "We all feel this way sometimes, it's just the way it is for us Black women." ...
So true Saint. Also we ( Black women) need to educate ourselves on the signs and symptoms of depressions because many of us don't even realize that we are depressed. In this way, we can be more proactive in our own healthcare. As you probably know Saint, mental health isn't something we talk opening about in the Black community due to the stigmas associated with it. Hopefully we can mobilize our community with education and awareness of clinical depression that requires more treatment such as medications and counseling rather than using religion as a means to an end.
Tuesday, December 21st 2010 at 3:23PM
Jen Fad
Women are more prone to depression because they feel that they have less control over their lives. Forming a sense of learned helplessness from not being able to change negative situations(abuse), and experiencing more discrimination than men. The treatment that most therapist suggest is selecting pleasurable events or activities and trying to view life with more positive thinking.
Tuesday, December 21st 2010 at 4:35PM
Helen Lofton
@ Saint, I don't really buy the slavery point, but I do agree that we need to communicate more openingly and honestly about what's going on in our lives. Like how many years ago was slavery?
@ SIster Helen, That is so true regarding the reason women tend to be more prone to the blues and clinical depression. It takes a little more that thinking of pleasurable events and thinking positive sometimes. Sometimes medications are necessary to correct imbalances.
Tuesday, December 21st 2010 at 4:58PM
Jen Fad
@ Sister Shequita, I'm really glad that you were able to help your cousin. I hope she's on the road to recovery.
Wednesday, December 22nd 2010 at 6:47PM
Jen Fad
