Depression has become so widespread among women that you wouldn't believe who has dealt with it.  Everybody from singers Janet Jackson and Jennifer Holiday, entertainer Marie Osmond and the late Phyllis Hyman, to actress Halle Berry and Oprah Winfrey have had their bouts with depression.  Unfortunately, many in the black community have often written off symptoms of depression as just a case of "the blues."  I'm not talking about a little case of the blues.  I'm talking about the very real condition of depression.   When you feel worthless, helpless, uninspired to do just about anything and in many cases suicidal.

It's common to get "the blues" from time to time.   Many people get down over a job lay-off, a divorce, the death of a loved one, etc. Sadness is a normal part of life.  But, when sadness never returns to gladness, it becomes the nation's leading psychological problem: clinical depression.

So, are you depressed?   If you answer yes, to more than 2 of the following questions, you should see your healthcare provider.

 

*  Most of the time, do you feel sad, helpless, hopeless or worthless?

*  Most of the time, do you have a hard time making decisions or concentrating?

*  Do you have memory problems?

*  Lately, have you lost interest in things that use to give you pleasure? 

*  Have you had problems at work? 

*  Have you had problems with your friends and family? 

*  Have you isolated yourself from others?  Or have you wanted to?

*  Do you have trouble falling asleep? 

*  Do you have low energy?

*  Have you gained weight or lost your appetite? 

*  Have you been drinking more than you use to? 

*  Have you thought about hurting yourself?

These are all signs of depression, but it can be controlled with the proper treatment.

For free information on depression, treatment and other resources, visit www.depression.com.