Understanding Depression: A Call to the Black Community to Address This Often Misunderstood Issue

A troubling shift occurred in my friend's life; a once lively and devoted mother now seemed like a shadow of her former self. She withdrew from work and her family, neglecting even her cherished pet. Her teenage daughter stepped in, managing household duties and expressing confusion and resentment towards her mother’s situation. Concerned, I consulted a psychiatrist, contemplating addiction or severe depression. My inquiry revealed emotional turmoil stemming from a breakup, alongside a refusal to take prescribed antidepressants due to discomfort with their effects. I urged her to comply with treatment, but despite small improvements, she remains socially withdrawn. May, designated as Mental Health Awareness Month, underscores the crucial need for open dialogues about mental health, as statistics show significant disparities in mental health treatment across different communities.