Poverty and Depression

•We often live from paycheck to paycheck which leads to anxiety, stress, guilt, and feelings of helplessness. Being poor can wear us out. Working two or three jobs can cause exhaustion, irritability, anger, and feelings of hopelessness. Hidden poverty is also living beyond our means. Some of us drive nice cars, wear designer clothes, and pay rent or mortgages on luxurious apartments and homes we can't afford, which can lead to - being harassed by creditors, having our cars repossessed, being evicted from our apartments and or losing our homes. Which can lead to depression.

THREE TYPES OF DEPRESSION

There are many types of depression, but I will discuss the ones that impact black women the most:

Situational Depression

Dysthymia Disorder

Clinical Depression

Situational depression is stress caused by outside factors such as; loss of a loved one, loss of job or extended unemployment, or a hostile work environment. Situational depression can effect your normal everyday life in a negative way.  If left untreated for too long, situational depression can turn into Clinical or Major depression.  Exercise, yoga, meditation, eating right, prayer, and having a friend or support system can help you through this situation.  You need to talk to someone about the stressors that are impacting your life. Therapy and perhaps taking a anti-depressant on a short term basis, can also help you until your situation turns around for you.

RISK FACTORS FOR SITUATIONAL DEPRESSION

• Poverty
• Violence
• Violence and pregnancy
• Workplace stress/harassment/hostile environment
• Chronic illnesses such as, cancer, heart disease, diabetes
• Divorce/Widowed
• Loss of a job

MORE TRIGGERS FOR SITUATIONAL DEPRESSION

No resolution for past abuses as a child or young woman such as:

•       Sexual abuse

•       Incest

•       Rape

•       Violence

•       Emotional abuse