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Mama Sings The Blues...

Mama Sings The Blues. Clinical Depression and African American Women Jocelyn Gavin-Lane, LCSW, MPH Licensed Clinical Social Worker Premier Professional Counseling Services, LLC. We have been singing the BLUES since…. Ain’t No Way…. What is clinical depression?

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Mama Sings The Blues...

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  1. Mama Sings The Blues... Clinical Depression and African American Women Jocelyn Gavin-Lane, LCSW, MPH Licensed Clinical Social Worker Premier Professional Counseling Services, LLC

  2. We have been singing the BLUES since…

  3. Ain’t No Way…. What is clinical depression? It is normal to feel sad when a loved one dies, or when you are sick, going through a divorce, or having financial problems. But for some people the sadness does not go away, or keeps coming back. If your “blues” last more than a few weeks or cause you to struggle with daily life there may be a cause for concern.

  4. Something’s got a hold on me…. Many factors can contribute to clinical depression such as, cognitive issues (e.g., negative thinking patterns); biological and genetic factors; gender (it affects more women than men); other medications; other illnesses; and situational factors.

  5. Crazy Blues….. Depression is a real medical condition. Depression is a common but serious mood disorder. Depression symptoms can interfere with your ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy your life. Although the causes of depression are still being studied, current research suggests that depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Most people with depression need treatment to feel better. You can’t just ‘snap out’ of depression. Well-meaning friends or family members may try to tell someone with depression to “snap out of it,” “just be positive,” or “you can be happier if you just try harder.” But depression is not a sign of a person’s weakness or a character flaw. The truth is that most people who experience depression need treatment to get better.

  6. Misty Blue….. If you are a friend or family member of a woman with depression, you can offer emotional support, understanding, patience, and encouragement. But never dismiss her feelings. Encourage her to talk to her doctor and remind her that with time and treatment, she can feel better. Most people with depression need treatment to feel better. If you think you may have depression, start by making an appointment to see your doctor or health care provider. This could be your primary doctor or a health provider who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions (for example, a psychologist or psychiatrist). Certain medications, and some medical conditions, such as viruses or a thyroid disorder, can cause the same symptoms as depression. A doctor can rule out these possibilities by doing a physical exam, interview, and lab tests. Your doctor or health care provider will examine you and talk to you about treatment options and next steps.

  7. Stormy Monday…. • A persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood, or excessive crying • Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased appetite and weight gain • Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain • Irritability, restlessness • Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling “slowed down” • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, pessimism • Sleeping too much or too little, early-morning waking • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities, including sex • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions • Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

  8. I got my Mo Jo Working….. Medication: Research strongly supports the use of medication for more severe episodes of clinical depression. Antidepressant medication acts on the chemical pathways of the brain related to moods. The two most common types are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are also prescribed by some doctors. Antidepressant medications are not habit-forming. It may take up to eight weeks before you notice an improvement.

  9. I’d rather go blind…. Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy can help teach better ways of handling problems by talking with a trained mental health professional. Therapy can be effective in treating clinical depression, especially depression that is less severe. Scientific studies have shown that short term (10-20 weeks) courses of therapy are often helpful in treating depression.

  10. From Pain to Joy… As Black women, we do not talk about our weaknesses, or our challenges.  We place pressure on ourselves to appear strong and have it together, while we are prisoners in our own minds, and are slowly crumbling each day.   Having a mental illness is not a weakness; it is a part of you that you have to learn how to own, and how to take care of yourself.  You have to want to become a better you, which may mean going to therapy and/or being on medication.  You cannot simply pray your mental illness away; you have to put in the work to get stronger for yourself because you are deserving.

  11. Our super powers are killing us…. Masking up as superwomen is killing us—whether we meet that death as a result of suicide or the stresses that lead to heart disease and other serious, life-threatening illnesses. According to Lottie Joiner of The Root, stress accelerates the aging of Black female bodies, and Black women between the ages of 45 and 55 are “biologically 7.5 years older than White women” of the same age.

  12. From Pain to Joy… You can try support groups. Members share their experiences with the illness, learn coping skills and exchange information on community providers. Get plenty of rest, exercise in moderation, stay away from alcohol and drugs, and eat regular, well-balanced meals. Some find strength from faith or spiritual communities.

  13. Mirror Mirror…Those who look like us..

  14. Mama’s whosang the blues…… Mamie Smith (1883-1946) was the first African-American female performer to make a vocal blues recording in 1920 with "Crazy Blues". The song was written by Perry Bradford and it was recorded on August 10, 1920, by Mamie Smith and Her Jazz Hounds. Bessie Smith (April 15, 1894 – September 26, 1937) was an American blues singer. Nicknamed the Empress of the Blues, she was the most popular female blues singer of the 1920s and 1930s.[She is often regarded as one of the greatest singers of her era and was a major influence on other singers. "Ma" Rainey (born Gertrude Pridgett, September 1882 or April 26, 1886 – December 22, 1939)was one of the earliest African-American professional blues singers and one of the first generation of blues singers to record. She was billed as the "Mother of the Blues".

  15. Resources: Suicide HotlinePhone: (800) 273-TALK (8255)http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)800-826-3632http://www.dbsalliance.org/ American Psychiatric Association703-907-7300www.psychiatry.org/ International Foundation for Research and Education on Depressionhttp://www.ifred.org/ National Institute of Mental HealthPhone Number: 301-443-4513Toll Free Number: 1-866-615-6464Fax Number: 301-443-4279Email Address: nimhinfo@nih.govWebsite URL: www.nimh.nih.gov

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