depression



Black Women’s Mental Health: It Takes Courage to Ask for Help!

Depression can be as sneaky as a sucker punch; you often don’t see it coming. A variety of circumstances put Black women at high risk for mental and emotional stress – economic insecurity, responsibilities of caregiving, neighborhood violence, lack of social support and physical illness or disability. As a result, many are plagued by tension, anxiety, worry and fear. Because of the powerful and complex links between the mind, emotions and body, chronic states of stress and anxiety can have dangerous and sometime fatal, health consequences. In addition, the daily struggles of coping with racism and sexism further exacerbate mental and emotional stress.


The True Cost of Depression

In any year, nearly 10% of the U.S. population suffers from depression. Often simple misdiagnosis: many sleep problems and chronic pain actually are symptoms of depression. "These illnesses are just as real as other medical illnesses," Dr. Insel says.


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