Dr. Faye Vargas Morris on Depression and The Black Community, an Unspoken Story

Depression is a huge health concern among African-Americans — particularly women — but mental health is often stigmatized in the black community. Although it can impact people from all walks of life, cultural habits and historical experiences can cause depression to be expressed and addressed differently among black women and men. Depression is linked to other diseases such as diabetes and is one of the symptoms of the disease. Moodiness, lack of motivation, lashing out, being irritable, an attitude of "I don't care about this or that", or a spirit of "I can't be bothered" can sometimes be swept away as 'not feeling up to it". Especially in black men, depression is oftentimes a taboo subject and can lead to alcoholism and other addictive behaviors.

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn't worth living.

More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn't a weakness and you can't simply "snap out" of it. Depression may require long-term treatment. But don't get discouraged. Most people with depression feel better with medication, psychological counseling or both.

About Dr. Vargas Morris : Faye Vargas Morris, MD is an Internist and co-founder of Atlanta Vanguard Medical Associates. Dr. Vargas Morris has practiced Internal Medicine in both hospital and outpatient settings in New York City and upstate New York from 2003 to 2006 and later served as a Medical Director for CareCore National. She is a music lover and enjoys dancing, cooking, traveling, exercising and spending time with her two sons Michael III and Xavier.