In this final installment, we will explore the general symptoms of depression and how they are manifested specifically in African Americans. In addition, I address the importance of breaking through the stigma that allows depression to go untreated in our lives.
It is very important that we begin to understand the symptoms of depression in order to begin the first steps of diagnosis and recovery. They include:
• Overall sad mood for at least a month
• Crying
• Anger
• Appetite disturbance
• Sleep disturbance, too much or too little
• Headaches, stomach aches, and general pain
• Chronic fatigue
• A loss of interest in activities and things once considered enjoyable
• Alcohol and or chemical abuse
If you have one or more of the above symptoms don't ignore them. See a treating clinician immediately to determine if you are depressed or suffering with some other mental and or physical illness.
Perhaps the most important thing that we can all do when it comes to mental health issues and depression in the African-American community is lend support to one another and not judge. We must push the message that depression is not a weakness; it is a medical/psychological condition that can and must be treated.
Learn how you or your loved one can get help here:
Dr. Jeff Gardere, better known as America's psychologist is one of the most widely sought-after experts in the field of mental health. In addition to having a private practice in Manhattan, he has garnered a reputation as being a top motivational and keynote speaker, empowerment and media coach. He now appears as the relationship expert on VH-1's 'Dad Camp.'
23-July-10 - A child pyromaniac is suspected of murdering his mother and siblings, setting fire to his home, and then slitting his own throat with a razor.
23-July-10 - A child pyromaniac is suspected of murdering his mother and siblings, setting fire to his home, and then slitting his own throat with a razor.
22-July-10 - Ieshuh Griffin is a legislative candidate from Wisconsin who seems willing to do whatever it takes to get elected. In the five words that candidates are allowed to put on the ballot to describe themselves, Griffin put the phrase, "Not the white man's b*tch."
21-July-10 - DeFarra Gaymon, a father of four and the CEO of Credit Union of Atlanta, was shot to death in a Newark, N.J. park known for male prostitution.
20-July-10 - Snoop Dogg and his wife revealed to People Magazine that the discovery that their then-6-year-old daughter, Cori, had lupus helped bring their family closer.
20-July-10 - Gangsta-rapper-turned-actor Ice-T was reportedly pulled over by New York City police officers early on Tuesday for driving without a seat belt.
14-July-10 - An Iowa Tea Party group recently caused an uproar by creating a billboard that compares President Barack Obama to Adolf Hitler and Vladimir Lenin.
14-July-10 - Cad-about-town Tiki Barber has been hit with a $1-million lawsuit by a fitness company that has rendered him "worthless overnight" as its spokesperson, because he cheated on his pregnant wife.
14-July-10 - Fox News reporter Megyn Kelly (pictured) and New York Post columnist Kirsten Powers went at it recently regarding charges from a former Justice Department lawyer who claims that civil rights cases in which whites are the victims are ignored.
13-July-10 - A criminal investigation should be opened for two officers who Tasered and pepper-sprayed a 57-year-old Georgia woman who called police to report a prowler.
13-July-10 - Aimee L. Sword, 36, pled guilty to having sex with the biological son she gave up for adoption, whom she later tracked down on the Internet via Facebook.
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Dr. Jeff Gardere, better known as America's psychologist is one of the most widely sought-after experts in the field of mental health. In addition to having a private practice in Manhattan, he has garnered a reputation as being a top motivational and keynote speaker, empowerment and media coach. He now appears as the relationship expert on VH-1's 'Dad Camp.' 
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By: Ed Hardy Hat on 12/17/2010 6:55AM
I don’t usually reply to posts but I will in this case.
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