Ten Simple Tips Wealthy Woman Words of Prosperity Year End Tax Strategies D epression Depression in African American Women Mental health professionals estimate that clinical depression affects 17-20 million Americans a year. Untreated depression is second only to heart disease in causing lost work days in America, and it is the No. 1 cause of suicide. The good news is that once identified, more than 80 percent of people with depression are successfully treated. Recognizing the need to increase awareness in our community, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and the National Black Nurses Association are partners in the national Campaign on Clinical Depression.
Clinical depression is a treatable illness that can strike anyone at any age.
It can be caused by one or a combination of triggers including biological factors, genetics, difficult life events, negative thinking patterns, physical health problems and some medications. A good first step is to talk to your doctor or to a qualified mental health professional. Since people with clinical depression often do not have the motivation or energy to seek treatment for themselves, it is often necessary for friends and family to help them seek treatment. The most commonly used treatments for clinical depression are antidepressant medications, psychotherapy or a combination of the two. The symptoms of depression are caused by imbalances in chemicals in the brain and other parts of the body that influence things like mood, sleep, and how much energy we have.