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For many women of color, depression is not an issue discussed often nor openly. We take on an active role for the care of our physical and sexual health, yet we are still hesitant when it comes to our mental health. How can we ignore depression, when approximately 12 million women in the United States experience depression each year? As women of color, depression can be complicated by issues relating to our race and ethnicity.

Depression is a medical illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way you eat and sleep, the way you feel about yourself, and the way you think about things. Depression is also described as “feeling blue”, “out of it”, or “feeling down” for long periods of time. There is no single cause of depression. Some causes may include but are not limited to: stress, hormonal factors, chemical imbalances, or social factors. There are several symptoms for depression. You do not have to show all of these to have depression. However, if you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek professional help:

• regular episodes of sadness, tearfulness, or crying
• hopelessness
• increased irritability, anger, or hostility
• persistent boredom or fatigue
• low self esteem
• feelings of guilt
• inability to concentrate
• acute sensitivity to rejection or failure
• loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities
• social isolation, withdrawal
• difficulty with relationships
• physical illnesses associated with stress (headache, stomachache)
• missing class or work
• school grades or work performance diminishing
• loss of appetite or constant hunger
• too little or too much sleep, increasing fatigue
• alcohol or drug abuse
• self-injury or mutilation (cutting, burning, biting)
• discussion or thoughts of suicide.[1,2]

Please seek immediate help if you are having thoughts about suicide. A hotline is provided at the end of this article.

Despite the seriousness of depression, many women do not seek help or treatment. There are many barriers preventing women from accessing the treatment they need. Some of these barriers may include low income, lack of healthcare, or lack resources. A woman’s culture could even affect how she perceives depression or treatment. Here are some examples:

• For some African Americans, depression is perceived as a personal weakness and not as a legitimate health problem. Furthermore, African Americans may rely on their friends and religious communities instead of a doctor.[3]
• Some Asian American women may feel the pressure of living up to many standards. These standards may include doing well in school, helping the family, taking care of elderly family members and maintaining a job. There is also the issue of the cycle of silence. Some Asian American women may see their own family members suffer from depression, but may not be able to talk about it.[4]
• For many Native American communities, traditional healing is used by the majority. Some Native Americans rate their healer’s advice 61.4 percent higher than their physician’s advice.[4]
• Many Hispanic women put their families first and often ignore the fact they too are struggling. Also, some Latina women may feel uncomfortable seeking help because of language barriers.
• Many women of color feel as though they have to be “strong” for the rest of their community. Women have been traditionally viewed as nurturers. Therefore, some women put the needs of others before their own.

It is very important to address the issue of depression. If not treated, the symptoms of depression could persist for a very long time and some times with negative consequences. For instance, suffering from depression can impair your mind as much as being intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. In this condition, it might be difficult to make well-informed decisions. Such decisions could pertain to your sexual health and safety. It is so easy to become vulnerable when you cannot think clearly. Remember, it doesn’t have to be “one of those days”. Here are some resources to get you started towards a better day.

• Women’s Mental Health
• National Institution of Mental Health
• 800 SUICIDE (800-784-2433)
• Email a MySistahs peer educator with specific questions

References

1. "Identifying Teenage Depression Symptoms." Accessed November 9, 2007 http://www.about-depression.com/articles/teen-depression/teen-depression-detection.php
2. "Depression." Accessed November 9, 2007 http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/depress.htm
3. Wesley, Joya. "Depression." Accessed November 9, 2007. http://www.blackwomenshealth.com/2006/articles.php?id=61
4. "Asian American Women and Depression." Accessed November 9, 2007 http://www.4woman.gov/pypth/articles/api_depression.html
5. "American Indian and Alaskan Native Communities Mental Health Facts." Accessed November 9, 2007 http://www.nami.org/Content/ContentGroups/MIO/Fact_Sheets1/American_Indian_MH_Disparties_03.pdf