African American Mental Health Guide
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Depressive Disorders

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Depressive Disorders

Understanding Major Depressive Disorder also referred to as Clinical Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the U.S. Current research suggests that depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.
Depression can happen at any age, but often begins in adulthood. Depression is now recognized as occurring in children and adolescents, although it sometimes presents with more prominent irritability than low mood. Many chronic mood and anxiety disorders in adults begin as high levels of anxiety in children.
Risk factors include:
  • Personal or family history of depression
  • Major life changes, trauma, or stress
  • Certain physical illnesses and medications
Primary Types of Depressive Disorders
  1. Major Depressive Disorder
  2. Persistent Depressive Disorder
  3. Seasonal Affective Disorder
  4. Postpartum Depressive Disorder 

Personal Story:  Michelle Williams, Major Depressive Disorder and Suicidal Ideation

Symptoms

Major Depressive Disorder (Clinical Depression) is a common illness that negatively affects an individual’s mood.  Symptoms include:
  • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
  • Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
  • Irritability
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
  • Decreased energy or fatigue
  • Moving or talking more slowly
  • Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
  • Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
  • Appetite and/or weight changes
  • Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
  • Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment

Treatment

Medication and Psychotherapy
Depression, even the most severe cases, can be treated. The earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is. Depression is usually treated with medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two.
Medication
Antidepressants are medicines that treat depression. They may help improve the way your brain uses certain chemicals that control mood or stress.
Psychotherapy
Evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches specific to the treatment of depression include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and problem-solving therapy.

Depression Brief Assessment

The brief Depression Assessment is not intended to provide you with a diagnosis. It can be used to provide you with further insight into whether you should seek counseling. You should not use the assessment alone to make a determination. It is just one tool to add to all the factors you can consider in deciding to seek treatment.

Assessment Source: Mental Health America (MHA)

Personal Story: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Major Depressive Disorder

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