Let's talk about depression, amigas. I'm on a mission to destigmatize mental health issues especially among Latinas where certain issues like depression are dismissed with comments like, its just nervios or it's just a bajón, pray and you'll feel better. As a matter of fact did you know that Latinas experience depression at twice the rate of Latinos and we are also more prone to experiencing depression than African American or Caucasian women?
Depression, clinical depression, is not something to be ignored, nor is it something to be ashamed of. I think the big mistake we make is separating mental health from health in general. The truth is that mental health is simply another aspect of HEALTH in general and if we have diabetes we go see a doctor, if we break our arm, we go see a doctor, SO if we are depressed or have anxiety or any other number of mental health issues, WE SHOULD GO SEE A DOCTOR, not pray about it, not suffer through it and NOT BE ASHAMED of it.
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So when do you know that the slump you are going through is more than just a case of the blues and something you need to see a doctor about? There are signs, but I'm not gonna lie to you, the signs themselves can be contradictory, which makes it even harder to recognize when you need help, but if you are dealing with the following symptoms every day for two weeks, it's time to go see a doctor, okay? Don't put it off, don't be ashamed, instead be proud of yourself for seeking help.
1. You are overeating or under-eating. See what I mean about conflicting symptoms? Some people experience a loss of appetite when depressed whereas other people find themselves gorging or binge eating in an effort to feel better.
2. You are sleeping too much or not enough. I know, another contradictory one, but depression makes some people want to sleep through the sadness while other people are so full of anxiety and upsetting thoughts that they can't sleep.
3. Every little thing bothers you. You're feeling hypersensitive and something that normally wouldn't irritate you gets to you instantly. You might find yourself getting really cranky around others and find them annoying
4. Your brain is foggy. You can't concentrate the way you normally would, you are forgetful (more than usual), you aren't your usual sharp self.
5. Things that have always brought you joy, stop being joyful. You love to run or knit or read and all of a sudden you can't be bothered. You find yourself not wanting to be around people you've always loved being around. Doing things that you know would make you feel better don't seem like they would be worth the effort.
Amigas, I'm not a doctor and I can't tell you whether you are depressed, but there are doctors who can and they can also help you battle that depression. What I can tell you is that I have my own mental health issues and I waited FAR too long to get help. I told myself that it was normal to live with the level of anxiety I had, that it was normal to freak out over everyday things, that it was normal to have panic attacks and for a while it was my normal, but then I finally got help and I realize that it doesn't have to be my normal.
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