207 - What Is Depression?

When I read some of the posts and articles about how to deal with depression, I often encounter content that states that "if only you would change your thinking." Or the reader is being told to employ positive thinking techniques. Or is being given the f*ck up bunkie, nobody cares but you pep talk.

Or "Pour more faith into it, that will fix it."

I have no doubt that some of the above works for a specific set of people. 

I think the most important thing to understand is that there are multiple forms and levels of depression and there is treatment available. Your task might be to find the right treatment for you.

If you can't read or think your way out of your depression there might be a reason for that; like an internal body problem. You won't know that unless you get evaluated and remove the possibility that 
there could be an organic problem inside of your body.





In this episode, I want to look at the definition of depression and some of the resources to learn about the condition. 

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Resources Mentioned: 

2024 Update: John has a new podcase called Depresh Mode under Maximum Fun. I'm sure you can still access the archives of  The Hilarious World of Depression Podcast. But check out his newish gig. If you would like to buy John Moe's book you can find links at the McMillan book page.

The Mood Mission app helps users deal with anxiety, stress and depression. 

Harvard Health updated post about the Six Common Depression Types.

The American Psychiatry Associations page on What Is Depression
APA also has a page about peripartum and postpartum depression and a page on Seasonal Affected Disorder aka Seasonal Depression.

Depression Basics from the National Institute of Mental Health

Anxiety and Depression Association of America page about Depression.


Office of Women's Health has an information page about Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and some of the treatment options. 

Post Partum.net provides information for moms, dads and families that are experiencing this situation.

Disclaimer: 


Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. 

Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.

This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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Pebbles in the Road - Three Resources

Yeah, best laid plans and cucumbers. You know for certain what you are gonna get with cucumbers. But not to leave you totally in the lurch, I have three resources that you might be interested in checking out. 

First is a free meditation resource and then two books, one is a short e-book on Worry and Anxiety and the other is about having an anxiety condition and a relationship.







If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.


Resources Mentioned: 


Self-Compassion Guided Meditations and Exercises from Kristen Neff's Self-Compassion web site. 

The Sheldon Short Guide to Worry and Anxiety by Frank Tallis, this is a 64 page guide that is avalible at many of the online book vendors. You can read a portion of the book at Google Books.

by By Carolyn Daitch and Lissah Lorberbaum · You can read an except of the book at Google Books.






Disclaimer: 


Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. 

Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.

This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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Mental Health Resources for Black, African American, Melanated and Adjacent People

It is a time of change, a time of death and a time of renewal. If we survive what is going on around us.

Since we come from a long line of survivors this is possible. But we sometimes need a shoulder to lien on. We can come from different traditions but we know that we have to move forward. Even when that means taking a nap.

 So we hold the wall of sanity on many things but sometimes there are cracks that can't be hidden.

These are some, but not all of the on-line resources for mental health resources. I hope to add to the page when possible.

Apps, Functional Tools and Websites

Eat Thrive Yoga by Andrew Sealy is an app that will help you to eat better, learn and update your yoga practice and meditation. There are videos and nutritional guide.

The Association of Black Psychologists - a directory of providers.

Black Emotional and Mental Health (BEAM) directory of telehelp providers.

The Liberate Meditation app has content specifically for Black, Indigenous and People of Color. There is a free version and you also can purchase a subscription.

The Safe Place Jasmin Pierre's app contains information about mental health issues and topics specifically for folks like, How to Cope After Police Brutality, Mental Health In The Black Church, How to talk to black family members who may not want to understand mental illness, Breathing Techniques, Meditation and Exercise. The app is currently on iOS for iPhone and iPad. 

ZenCare How To Find a Black Therapist: Resources and Advice - Able to select therapist in select cities.




Articles, Blogs, Essays and Magazines

Alex Elle post on 3 Ways To Create Emotional Safe Spaces For Your Self-Care - Mater Mea

Depressed While Black by Imade. Much goodness here. Originally a Tumblr site, it has now been moved to a Facebook page.

For Harriet Black Women Mental Health post on How Therapy Gave Me the Grace I Needed to Breathe Easier.

Hot New Hip Hop page on musical performers handling the issue of dealing with mental illness.

Radical Self Care Black Men Healing is an article on Afripop about the invisibility of black men on their healing journeys.

To Be Female, Anxious and Black, ADAA article by Angela Neal Barnett on the impact and social pressures that affect women.


The Strong and Stressed Black Women - an opinion article by Dr. Inger E. Burnett-Zeigler about the unwillingness and at time unrecognized need for mental health support for African American women

Ourselves Black Mental Health Library - A publication and website that puts meaning behind the medical term.

How To's

Celeste The Therapist  Shifting the way you think or helping you to get out of the negative loop.

Inclusive Therapists - a way to find affordable and respectful therapists that are open to a range of clients, including languages, cultural backgrounds and spiritual knowledge.

National Institute of Mental Health (NAMI) a few resources about challenges to accessing mental health care for African Americans.  Sharing Hope - PDF guide from NAMI on awareness of mental health issues.

2024 Update: The website One Mind PsyberGuide is closed. The non-profit could not obtain funding. At this time you can still access the site, but there will be no updates. 

PsyberGuide a resource to help you find and evaluate mental health apps. The project looks at on-line, Android and iOS apps. Some of the mental health apps have an evaluation of their performance.

Therapy for Black Girls  A resource to encourage mental health wellness for girls and women. Has a directory of African American therapists and there is a podcast as well.

Therapy for Black Men is a directory to help men of color in their search for a therapist

Sister Speak Suicide Awareness Inforgraphic on how to be aware of the signs and signals of a person considering suicide.

Two Therapists and a Microphone, Dr. Harrison Davis and Dr. Asha Dickerson drop knowledge and life skills once of month but you can catch up if you are a new listener.

The Reality of Navigating the Mental Health System as a Black Woman, October 13, 2018 article on Allure Magazine

Inspiration & Informational

Mental Health, A Guide for African Americans and their Families. This is a 25-minute video that talks about the kind of conditions, treatment options and the type of providers that can help.

Hey Girl - The Podcast - united women with uplifting messages, wisdom and resources.


Philip J. Roundtree TEDx video about why Black Mental Health Matters.

The Daily Show with Trevor Noah video on Mental Health Stigma in the Black Community


Mindfulness and Meditation

The Liberate Meditation app has content specifically for Black, Indigenous and People of Color. There is a free version and you also can purchase a subscription.

Thriving Mindfully with Ananda Leeke. This is her resource page with links to her social media offerings.

LGBTAQ+


Rest for Resistance for mental health issues for Queer and Transgender people of color.



Other Podcasts

Affirm Podcast  Interview style podcast on mental health, wellness, anxiety and self-care.

Black Therapists Podcast Nikita Banks talks about unique issues concerning people of color.

The Friend Zone per their show description "Dustin Ross, HeyFranHey & Assante explore mental health, mental wealth and mental hygiene, because who in the hell wants a musty brain?"

Hats Off is an edutainment podcast focused on changing the stigma around mental health.

Melanin and Mental Health Between Sessions Podcast covers physical, mental and emotional wellness with interviews and discussions with healers.

The  Black Unconscious Podcast is per the website: "Using research, current events, pop-culture and clinical insight, we breakdown the conscious and less-conscious aspects of Black mental health."

Ungentrified interview with Rwenshaun Miller, therapist talking about mental health issues in the African American community.
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Show 206 - More Anxiety Help Resources

It is like waiting for the other shoe to drop. I enjoy the rest period, but I’d just assume we’d all get instant enlightenment and be done with it. 

Since that isn’t going to happen, I do have actionable resources for you to help get a grip on your symptoms and your condition. 





If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.
 

Resources Mentioned: 

National Public Radio report about how All Women Should Be Screened For Anxiety Disorders.

Screening for Anxiety in Adolescent and Adult Women: A Recommendation From the Women's Preventive Services Initiative


Brightside is a remote treatment service for people with depression and anxiety. The FAQ page on where the service is currently authorized to offer services. 

Main website of Overdrive.com; you will need to have a library card from your library system to access the collection of books, audiobooks and other on-line materials.

Journaling.com post about Unleashing the Power of Expressive Writing, with Dr. James Pennebaker

I'm planting this for the next wave, there are website that have resources for people who are anxiously concerned about Corvid-19. This is site that on the Shine network website called https://www.virusanxiety.com/take-care 

Wall Street Journal Article on Expressive Writing - please note that the WSJ has a firewall for non-subscribers. However, if you have access to an academic or library account reading the article is not impossible.



Disclaimer: 


Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. 

Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.

This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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Show 205 A Need for Restorative Mindfulness Resources

I tried to write through it. I tried to be pity or intelligent or something. 

For 10 hours I tried to try to communicate something that would not be a waste of time. 

I couldn't do it. So, I had to step back and look for some of the help I needed. That is what I want to share in this episode. 

If you need support contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.




Resources Mentioned: 

2015 Clinical Psychology Review #36 Burnout–depression overlap: A review
access via Community College of New York.

The Liberate Meditation app has content specifically for Black, Indigenous and People of Color. There is a free version and you also can purchase a subscription.

Food vs. mood: Eating for physical and mental health during COVID-19 by Dr. Uma Naidoo

From the Center of Mindfulness and Compassion there are audio recordings to help you get int a mindful state. You can listen on the web page or download them to your device. 

Sitting Together Essential Skills for Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy also has a list of mindfulness recordings.

Christine Padesky, PhD, and Ron Siegel, PsyD talk about How to Work with Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Marisela B. Gomez http://www.mariselabgomez.com/



Disclaimer: 


Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. 

Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.

This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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