Services.Women are more likely to receive treatment from a doctor than men. You can ask your primary care doctor to treat you, however, primary care doctors are less likely to diagnose depression in Black people (Holden et al., 2014). If you are struggling with depression, it is important to visit a psychiatrist or therapist to be diagnosed and begin receiving appropriate treatment.
A mental health doctor can teach you how to defeat things that can cause depression. If that doesn't work, then your doctor may need to prescribe a medication to also help you defeat the symptoms of depression (Swartz). |
Seek HelpAccording to the CDC, 3,924 people died from suicide in Texas during 2020 (CDC, 2022 - c). If you are considering suicide or hurting yourself, contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). If you are not considering suicide, first, begin by taking the free depression quiz. Second, contact a doctor to officially diagnose you with depression and begin treating you. There are multiple options for therapy appointments, such as video calls, texting, and in person visits.
World Health Organization. (2021, October 10). [Photo]. Twitter. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FBUSuK6WQAIvFdq?format=jpg&name=medium
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ResoursesWhen asking if you or someone you love is suffering from depression, start by completing a test to check if you are depressed through Mental Health America. You can also get a free or cheap therapy session. This can be done through local colleges, a state’s department of public health, seeing a therapist, or doing an online visit (Austin Trauma Therapy Center, 2020).
There are several ways the public has come up with a way to help people with depression. The first example is The African American Health Coalition (AAHC). The AAHC is a community-based non-profit organization whose goal is to promote therapy sessions and exercise programs to lower symptoms of depression in Black people (Nicolaidis, et al., 2013). The second resource is the Oh Happy Day Class (OHDC). The OHDC is a class run by Black doctors that focus on how to diagnose depression and ways to treat it. They also help people understand depression is an actual medical illness and isn't something that you did to cause depression (Ward, et al., 2015). |
At Home SupportThere are a some ways that can help you beat depression. Thinking and praying has been shown to lower your stress and can make you happy during your day. Writing your thoughts down gives you the chance to express your thoughts and emotions (Holland, 2022). Spending time with your loved ones decreases the ability of separating yourself from others during a time you feel depressed (Holland). Make a schedule that doesn't make you feel too busy or tired during your day (Holland).
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What to expect when seeing a mental health professional
There are several ways of treatment for a person seeing a doctor for depression. One way the doctor can work with you is by giving you the chance to see and control any bad thoughts that can make your depression worse. Another way is by giving you the chance to learn how to reveal your feelings and learn how to work out problems when you are feeling depressed (American Psychological Association, 2016). Giving you medicine is also another way to treat your depression if these forms of therapy don’t help (Swartz).
Government Involvement for
Improving Depression.
In 2022, President Joe Biden announced a plan for people with depression to have access to mental health doctors, inform people about depression, and create a support for our doctors and nurses (The White House, 2022).
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Federal Government's role:
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State's Role:
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If you live in the state of Texas and are struggling with depression, there are several places in the state that can help you. “The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) works with 37 local mental health authorities (LMHAs) and two local behavioral health authorities (LBHAs) to deliver mental health services in communities across Texas.” (Texas Health and Human Services, Adult mental health, para 1).
In Summary:
If you are a person who is struggling with depression or harming yourself, you are not alone. If you are considering suicide, please call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Depression can be treated. There are several services to help you, including seeking treatment with a doctor. Doctors can give you medicine if you need it, and they can also teach you how to get rid of depression. If you live in Texas, there are places in the state to help you. Avoid being alone and surround yourself with loved ones. Think, pray, or journal to help you control your depressive thoughts.