By Jarrette Wright-Booker LPC, CAADC
Many people think depression looks like sadness, staying in the bed, and poor hygiene. All in that order. Other people think that a person must look depressed in order to be depressed or that you need a reason to be depressed.
For many of us experiencing depression, these ideas keep us thinking that we are ok. We get up, we go to work, we tend to social obligations, we take care of the kids or other family members and we do it all pretty well. We’re fine, right?
Not necessarily. Social and cultural stigmas can keep many symptoms and signs of depression hidden.
Here is the truth about women of color
Black and Brown women. Strong Black and Brown women. We do it all. And, we don’t have time to take care of ourselves. We find our strength and identity in caring for others. And what’s the point in being sad or upset about something anyway? It won’t change anything!
What’s underneath all of that? All of what we are supposed to be for ourselves and others? Self-loathing. Guilt. Shame. Loneliness. Resentment. Rage.
Try as we might, we can’t escape it. It does show up in other areas of our lives.
Here are some symptoms and signs of depression:
Irritability.
Are you short with people and prefer not to be around them? Maybe you’ve also noticed that small things bother you. They didn’t use to but they do now. And when they do, you react in a BIG way.
Fatigue.
Tired often? Not sleepy but exhausted. Your body feels slower and you don’t have the energy you used to have. You’d rather lay down but you have so much to do so you can’t.
Anxiety.
Worrying often? Lots of lists in your head? Tons of energy spent trying to stay ahead? Waking up with racing thoughts and a pounding heart? You used to have it all together but it feels like things are slowly starting to fall apart.
Apathy.
Those things are starting to fall apart – you can’t care much about them anymore. The things that used to matter don’t matter much anymore. Feeling “blah” or like “whatever”.
Insomnia/Early waking.
Tired but can’t sleep? Waking up earlier than normal?
Appetite Changes.
Carbs have become your best friend. Or, you’re eating less because you are nauseated or just not hungry at all. Have you gained or lost weight? Eating habits changed?
Isolation.
After all of the obligations, you don’t want to be bothered. You’d rather stay in the house away from people. In fact, you don’t feel like talking. You don’t have the emotional space to deal with your feelings or others’. And, you feel like you want to hide.
Unexpected crying spells.
Crying that comes out of nowhere. You’re listening to a song or watching a show and Bam! You’re crying, deeply and intensely.
Difficulty concentrating, organizing, and/or remembering things.
You used to have it all together and now you don’t. You feel scattered and unprepared. Your performance is slowly dwindling at work and at home. And, you’re feeling guilty and ashamed about it.
These are just some of the signs of depression. What’s more, is that these signs can cause deeper negative feelings about ourselves. The good news is that there is help and that you are not alone.
Begin Understanding the Signs of Depression in Detroit, MI Today!
At our Detroit, MI counseling practice you will work with our online therapists who specialize in working with women of color and minorities. We know that for the Black community. we don’t often ask for support. Perhaps, you feel you do not need help or you feel ashamed. Our therapists in Detroit, MI can help you grow and become more comfortable. We empower black women to YES to themselves first. If you’re ready to develop that radical acceptance, then start your online therapy journey by following these simple steps:
- Contact Introspective Counseling
- Meet with one of our skilled online therapists for depression therapy!
- Start feeling better about yourself and feeling more confident to tackle your mental health
