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Depression in Black Men: Understanding the Issues
You’re probably here because you’ve been looking for information, or maybe you’ve been looking for advice. We at Black Health Matters understand the importance of the topic of Mental Health, and want to make sure that as we progress into Mental Health Awareness month and eventually Minority Health Awareness month that you have an abundance of answers, resources, and information at your disposal that support your desire to learn more about depression.
What is depression?
According to psychiatry.org depression (also known as Major Depressive Disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is treatable.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Symptoms of depression can include:
- Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Loss of energy or increased fatigue
- Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech (these actions must be severe enough to be observable by others)
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide