The Many Faces of Depression

Please welcome guest blogger Jacquelin M, from Help for Depression. 

Connect more at helpfordepression.com.

Depression is a cross-cultural problem. Depressive symptoms are

the same for every ethnicity, but stigma, knowledge, availability of treatment options, and financial resources vary by race. For example, in the U.S. suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in people aged 18 - 25. For American Indian and Alaska Natives, suicide is the second leading cause of death in that same age group. 

October is designated Depression Awareness Month, to help the public understand the extent of this problem. Depression can make life seem unbearable and yet many people with unbearable symptoms struggle to do what is necessary each day. Spreading awareness about this mood disorder, and the location of treatment resources, means fewer people will suffer unnecessarily. 

Reasons To Spread Depression Awareness
Just 28% of Asian Americans who have a mental illness, seek out treatment. For an Asian individual, there is shame incurred by going to a psychiatrist or therapist, and anxiety that treatment will reflect poorly on the family. A study completed in 2005 showed that Asian psychological distress was higher than other groups because treatment was often put off as long as possible. 

Suicide rates of adolescent African Americans have been on the rise, and among African American men with depressive symptoms, it is believed 92% do not look for help. Another study showed Hispanic girls in the ninth through twelfth grades had a suicide rate 60% above the same age group of white female students.

Recently arrived immigrant families are generally uncomfortable going for counseling. They report feeling it is unlikely their cultural issues will be understood. However, their children may need help. There is evidence that children of immigrant families have an elevated risk of mental health problems. It is not easy moving to a new country and facing real and perceived discrimination. 

You Can Make a Difference
Two internet organizations, Help for Depression and 

To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA), have joined forces to raise funds for depression awareness. Their goal is $15,000 and you can easily help. Take a few seconds to click the “like” button on Help for Depression’s Facebook page between October 1st through the 15th. Each new “like,” adds one dollar toward the $15,000 goal.

Give the gift of your time. One click assists Help for Depression and TWLOHA to educate people about depression. The hope is that with increased awareness, depression suffers will feel comfortable enough to get the help they need. Please go to the Help for Depression’s Facebook page to make a cost-free contribution.

Depression is highly treatable. That is why suffering with symptoms, or taking one’s life, is such a tragedy. To help the public develop a compassionate attitude toward depression, and to make mental health resources more available, is the reason for Depression Awareness Month. More people will get the help they need if you go to the link above and click “like.”


See Also:
Model Minority

Microaggressions
Troy Davis: Georgia's 'Strange Fruit'