Healing and Hope for Black Women Battling Depression
DEPRESSION IN BLACK WOMEN
Breaking the Stigma: Addressing Depression in Black Women
Black women are and have been experiencing high levels of stress, suicidal ideation, and depression for many years. No one is exempt from it – Executives, entrepreneurs, married women, mothers, single parents, single ladies, millennials, and millionaires are susceptible to depression.
Even with all of the talks of self-care and living a soft life, it's getting worse. You're probably thinking, "Maybe it's not that bad," or "I can handle this." Maybe your life is not that bad, but let's stop it from getting worse. Perhaps you can handle this, but why not get help?
Don't Suffer Alone
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Don't Suffer Alone //
Signs of Depression: Seeking Help When You Need It
Don't think this is how life is supposed to be because you have been used to carrying the weight of your world. While it's true that we all have challenging moments, the fact that you are seeking answers shows that you are in need of help to address your struggles with managing your mental health. Sadness, change in sleep habits, withdrawal from social activities or communication with loved ones, difficulty making decisions, feelings of hopelessness, decrease in sexual desire, change in appetite, and suicidal thoughts are some of the common symptoms that come to mind when people think of depression. Often, people wait until they are experiencing several of these symptoms, which have significantly impacted their lives, before seeking help.
Unique Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety in Women: Importance of Seeking Treatment
Beyond the common symptoms, many women are underdiagnosed and undertreated because they ignore the unique symptoms they are experiencing due to depression and/or anxiety. For some women, it's an internal voice saying things like, "You can't do it," "Nobody cares," "Something is wrong with you," "Being alone is best for you," "You will always feel this way," or "you are weak; just get over it." For other women, it can be a sudden loss of interest in what you enjoy. Your symptoms may not be the typical signs of depression, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't seek treatment.
Despite all that you accomplish and the many reasons you have to be grateful, we all have life experiences that lead to depression. Have you seen the media stories of celebrities who looked happy and appeared to have a great life but committed suicide? Do you personally know someone who didn't show signs of depression but started abusing controlled substances or committed suicide?
Save yourself from the lows of depression
Sometimes the most challenging part about overcoming depression is understanding why you feel sad or stressed. You don't have to look for the answer or figure it out before seeking help. Leave that to us. At Transitions Therapeutic Services, we help you examine your behaviors, attitude, thoughts, and life situations that may be causing your depression. And we don't stop there! We help you discover positive ways to change so that you can see better days. Sometimes it only takes one session to begin to feel better. Use the strength inside of you to save yourself.
Depression rarely goes away on its own. It requires a treatment plan that identifies the root cause, challenges your beliefs, and changes your habits. Too often, women try to fight their way through depression and anxiety on their own. You are fighting against all odds. Let me fight with you.
Our Approach to Depression Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma Focused Therapy are used to help clients who battle depression. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) involves identifying your current thought patterns and behaviors based on your beliefs, changing the way you think about yourself and the issues you face, and changing the behaviors you rely on to cope with depression. We work together to help you understand how to navigate through your emotions and engage in positive activities to help you feel better. Schedule your appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may believe therapy can help you but you still have questions about depression therapy.
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Yes! Depression therapy has been shown to be very effective at reducing symptoms of depression and helping people feel better overall.
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It depends on how severe your symptoms are when you start, as well as any additional factors that may impact your recovery time. Some people notice an improvement in their mood within just a few sessions; others may not notice much change for several weeks or months. In either case, it's important for everyone who participates in these types of programs to have realistic expectations about what they'll experience during their treatment plan.
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According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 7% of U.S. adults experience depression at any given time—that's equal to about 16 million Americans each year. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression each year.
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Depression and anxiety are different. While they can occur at the same time, they have different symptoms and treatments. Depression usually involves a persistent low mood and a loss of interest in activities, while anxiety is more associated with an extreme fear of certain situations or objects.
Depression Therapy Services for Black Teens and Women
Our depression therapy is like a warm, supportive hug from your favorite person, here to help you conquer depression and embrace your inner awesomeness! Through Transitions Therapeutic Services, we help everyone from young Black teens to adult Black women gain the skills needed to manage mental health now and in the future. Schedule your appointment today.