You may have found this blog due to my Instagram reel, which displayed some warning signs of depression. Or you may have just been searching, whatever it is I’m happy you are here.
Depression isn’t a one sized fits all approach, so don’t feel that just because xyz did anything that you haven’t or it will work for you.
Just 2 years ago, Roughly 37 million people, identify themselves as Black or African American in the United States. It has been stated that African Americans are 10% more likely to experience serious psychological distress than other races.
Mental illness does not discriminate, but we acknowledge that race impacts the perception of mental health, cultivated attitudes toward mental health, access to providers, and more.
Women are almost twice as likely to be affected by depression as men. Some professionals suggest that perhaps this is because women have a larger number of contributing factors in life that are a result of the many roles they may carry: wife, mother, friend, caregiver, employee, healer and so on. Each role in and of itself is quite complex and can cause many ups and downs.
Here are some ways I cope with my high functioning depression and I’ve helped others as well- these are based off of science and proven to improve when done:
- Movement- 20-30 mins a day walk, dance, jog, or bike if you prefer. People who are depressed may not feel much like being active. But make yourself do it anyway
- Nurture yourself with good nutrition.Depression can affect appetite. One person may not feel like eating at all, but another might overeat. If depression has affected your eating, you’ll need to be extra mindful of getting the right nourishment. Proper nutrition can influence a person’s mood and energy. Bioavailability multivitamins- all aren’t created equal.
- Identify troubles, but don’t dwell on them.Try to identify any situations that have contributed to your depression. When you know what’s got you feeling blue and why, talk about it with a caring friend.
- Express yourself. With depression, a person’s creativity and sense of fun may seem blocked. Exercise your imagination (painting, drawing, doodling, sewing, writing, dancing, composing music, etc.) and you not only get those creative juices flowing, you also loosen up some positive emotions.
- Reducing environmental toxins- your everyday lotions, toothpaste, chapstick, candles, cleaning supplies etc there are ingredients and companies (feel free to ask which ones) that use ingredients that are proven to trigger mental disorders or be protective factors, facilitating stress reduction, mental recovery, etc
- Try to notice good things. Depression affects a person’s thoughts, making everything seem dismal, negative, and hopeless. If depression has you noticing only the negative, make an effort to notice the good things in life.
Remember above all else- depression takes time to heal, and don’t take it lightly, that you are healing, that you need help in healing be it pharmaceuticals or a doctor or a therapist or if you want to go a homeopathic route like me. Healing is beautiful and it can be scary and lonely but I’m proud of you. Here are some resources for African Americans to seek the necessary care for their personal situation.
