Black Women and Depression

It is that time a year again, with all the celebrating we forget about those who are alone, suffering and untreated. As a woman of color I feel this is something I must address. 92% of black women suffer from depression and 87% of them are untreated. The reason this topic has been on my mind recently is after the lost of father and mother I suffered with very bad depression and I still do around the holidays. No matter who I am around or with, I still feel that sadness. I didn’t realize what was going on with me until my niece pointed out that something was wrong with me. I would lay in the bed all day, cry a lot and didn’t want to socialize. I sought help, I needed help, I wanted help.

There is so many black women that are going through the same thing as well as mental illness that never seek treatment.  Many time in the African America community depression is seen as taboo and a sign of weakness so many of us are told to pray about it.  Just take it to Jesus he will fix it. Now don’t get me wrong I am a firm believer in prayer but I also know that God puts people in place to assist us on this earthly plane. Depression is real and very treatable  you must seek help. Most black woman feel that it is selfish to put themselves first, we  brush things off, we do things to compensate for it. Many fall into drugs, alcohol and overspending. We must make self care a priority for only when we care for ourselves are we able to competently care for those who need us.

During this holiday season if you know someone who is depressed or if you suffer with depressions please seek help. Know that you are not alone, you are supported, your are not weak but you are loved. Depression affects 100 women out of every 1000 per statistics. Also black woman are more likely to suffer with depression because we are taught to be strong and suffer in silence. Many of us have hurt and trauma that we have never dealt with and these things seem to come up at the most unlikely times.  It is nothing to be ashamed of, take care of you!

If you are someone you know are suffering with the holiday blues or depression of any kind seek help. There are so many resources out there to help you overcome and deal with depression.

With Mad Love,

Follow me on Facebook