Depression symptoms can show differently for everyone.
What is depression?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), depression “is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working.”
Unique Types of Depression
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
PMDD is a severe condition with disabling symptoms like irritability, sadness, suicidal thoughts, and physical discomfort.
- Perinatal depression
Impacts people who give birth and after childbirth, covering prenatal and postpartum depression with symptoms of extreme sadness, anxiety, fatigue, affecting daily tasks and self-care.
- Perimenopausal Depression
Experiencing irritability, anxiety, sadness, or a lack of enjoyment during the menopause transition could indicate perimenopausal depression.
Why is depression hard to diagnose?
- Hesitant to discuss depression symptoms
It’s a common misconception for some people to think they’re not strong or masculine to express feelings and emotions associated with depression, and they try to suppress them.
- Downplaying signs and symptoms
Without realizing it, people will suppress or mask depression with unhealthy behavior and worsen their negative emotions.
- Resisting mental health treatment
With the fear of a mental health stigma harming their career and relationships, people will often refuse to seek help.
If you want to talk to a mental health professional, contact us at TheLadipoGroup.com/ Therapy.
The Ladipo Group was founded to increase access to Black therapists in Philadelphia and decrease the stigma of mental health treatment. With our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion consulting, we collaborate with national and international organizations and institutions to create equitable spaces and opportunities for Black, Brown, and African Americans to thrive.