Is there anything more beautiful than embracing your true identity? Celebrating who you are, no matter your gender identity, skin color, or sexual orientation, or gender expression, is a beautiful thing. It can be difficult or challenging to be yourself with family, friends, or in public, though. As a result, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersexed (LGBTQI+) community experiences alarming rates of mental health challenges. 

Belonging to the LGBTQI+ community can be a source of strength. There are often untapped resources that one would not know about if they weren’t in the community. On the other side of the coin, belonging to the LGBTQI+ community brings its own set of unique challenges. For a person on the outside, it may seem that there is no struggle, but the world can be a cruel place. Many LGBTQI+ people face discrimination or learn that not all mental health resources understand their experiences. 

Mental Health Statistics IN LGBTQI+ Community

According to statistics and surveys, LGB adults are twice as likely as heterosexual adults to experience a mental health condition. Transgender individuals are about four times as likely as cisgender individuals to experience a mental health condition. LGB youth can also experience a higher risk of mental health conditions and suicide. This is likely because LGBTQI+ people face socioeconomic and cultural conditions that negatively impact mental health. In the United States alone, 18% of LGBTQI+ adults of color have no health insurance coverage. 

Being a member of the LGBTQI+ community does not increase the risk of mental health issues. The stigma and discrimination that LGBTQI+ individuals face can increase the risk for mental health challenges, though. For Pride Month, which is a time for the LGBTQI+ community to celebrate their identity in solidarity, we wanted to take the time to share reputable mental health resources. For anyone who needs them, the following resources are excellent to use. Find the one that is right for you if you need it, and share the resources with the people you love or care about. 

The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is the leading national organization that provides suicide prevention and crisis intervention services to people under 25 in the LGBTQI+ community. The organization has a commitment to producing new research that sheds a light on suicidology. There are life-saving programs and services that cater to LGBTQI+ youth. Trained counselors can offer 24/7 support, so reach out to them if you are a young LGBTQI+ is in criss and need a safe, judgment-free place to talk. 

It Gets Better Project

This is a nonprofit organization that aims to empower and uplift the LGBTQI+ community. The It Gets Better Project has an informational site that shares stories and gives a directory of local resources to help people get the support they need. They regularly put out educational material and programming, and have an arsenal of tools to help people in the United States and 20 other countries. 

Each Mind Matters

Made up of millions of individuals and thousands of organizations, Each Mind Matters works to advance mental health. Millions of people around the world face challenges ever single day. There’s no reason to be alone in times of struggle. Each Mind Matters is a useful resource that hosts LGBTQI+ videos, stories, and information to help overcome mental health issues. 

Trans Lifeline

The Trans Lifeline works to promote the general well being of transgender people. It’s a nonprofit organization with a hotline that is staffed by transgender people. Trans Lifeline helps to connect trans people with community support and resources that may be of use to them. 

Association Of LGBTQI+ Psychiatrists (AGLP)

AGLP celebrates over 40 years of service to the LGBTQI+ community. Gay and lesbian members of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) met secretly in the 1960s to hold annual meetings. Homosexuality could have caused them to lose their licenses to practice psychiatry at the time. Now, the AGLP is a wonderful resource that publishes a quarterly newsletter and conducts full seminars and discussion groups. It can offer many referral services and provide psychiatric professionals to people in need. 

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There’s a false concept about clinical depression being a “woman’s disease.” Men, women, and people of all gender identities can experience depression. According to the surveys, over six million men in the United States experience depression each year. Because the thought is that it is a female condition, many men ignore the signs and symptoms of depression. This prevents them from seeking treatment and improving their mental health.

What Is Depression?

It’s possible for everyone to feel sad or irritable at some point in life. These emotions are usually short-lived and go away after a few days. Depression is a serious mood disorder that can cause mild to severe symptoms. It’s a condition that impacts the ability to feel, think, or carry out daily tasks. Clinical psychologists say that the symptoms must linger for at least two weeks to give a clinical diagnosis.

Why Is It Common To Not Recognize Depression In Men?

Psychologists give several reasons as to why people don’t recognize signs of clinical depression in men. The most common reason is because men typically deny having problems because of the notion that they have to “be strong.” Expressing emotion is “largely a feminine trait,” according to most men. In reality, showing emotion is not a sign of weakness; rather, it’s inspiring to be honest about what you’re feeling. Bottling up symptoms of depression can not only worsen mental health, but also impact the body in a negative way. 

If you think someone you know or love may be struggling with depression, continue reading to learn about some of the common signs and symptoms that men may experience. Take action and show support because it will only benefit the person in the long run. 

Mental Signs Of Depression In Men

It’s possible for men to reveal mental symptoms of depression differently than other people do. This can make depression more difficult to detect. The symptoms may interfere with the way a person thinks or processes information, and may even affect emotions and behavior. Experts agree that the following are the most common mental symptoms of depression in men: 

• Racing thoughts
• Inability to concentrate
• Sleep issues (typically difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep)
• Memory problems
• Obsessive-compulsive thought patterns
• Suicidal thoughts

Behavioral Signs Of Depression In Men

Depression can affect mental, physical, and emotional well-being, which can influence behavior. It’s common for some men to resist the urge to discuss their emotions, bottling them up to never share. This can weigh heavy on the mind and cause a person to act out in ways that are out of character. In men, common behavioral symptoms of depression include:

• Drug misuse
• Social isolation
• Difficulty meeting wrk, family, and other personal responsibilities 
• Drinking alcohol in excess
• Engaging in risky activities (such as reckless driving)
• Suicide attempts

Physical Signs Of Depression In Men

Depending on the man, physical signs of depression may be more noticeable in the initial stages of depression. Depression is a mental health disorder, but it can also manifest in the body. Statistically, men are more likely to visit doctors for physical issues, as opposed to mental or emotional issues. Many common physical signs of depression in men can include:

• Headaches
• Chest pain (including chest tightness)
• Digestive discomfort (including bloating, gas, and constipation)
• Erectile dysfunction
• Racing hear (heart palpitations)
• Hormonal issues (including low testosterone)
• Unintended weight loss (possibly weight gain)
• General pain

Emotional Signs Of Depression In Men

“Sadness” is often the first word that comes to mind when people think of depression. Sadness is just one of the many emotions that a depressed person can experience. It’s very possible to experience an array of emotions, which may not be characteristic of the depressed person. It’s quite common for emotional signs to include:

• Anger
• Hopelessness
• Aggression
• Lack of libido
• Emotional withdrawal from friends, colleagues, or family
• Agitation
• Lack of interest in hobbies, work, or community
• Restlessness

Should you identify any of these emotional, physical, mental, or behavioral signs in men, don’t hesitate to ask them how they really feel. Depression is quite common and will continue to negatively affect overall health without addressing it. There are so many treatment options available and you can access them easily. Sharing information about these resources and signs of depression can help pave a new path towards a better, more inclusive mental healthcare system.

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Knowing the signs of depression is one of the best ways to get ahead of the condition. As a supportive friend or family member, it’s possible to identify behaviors or patterns in someone you love and get them the help they need. More often than not, you notice small changes that are cause for concern. What can you do to help, though? 

The last thing you want to do is diagnose someone with a mental health problem. It’s possible that someone can feel down without experiencing full depression. Clinical psychiatrists say that behavior that interferes with day-to-day functioning for a long time is a telltale sign of depression. Someone feeling this way can still engage in regular activities. It’s not as if depression patients are incapable of functioning. Clinical depression, however, can cause a general disinterest or withdrawal from friend groups and day-to-day activities. 

Learn The Signs

Helping someone with depression is no easy feat. You may even feel helpless and not know what to do or where to start. The best place to start is learning how to identify the signs of depression. The following list includes common signs of depression.

• Loss of interest or pleasure in regular activities (hobbies, sports, or even sex)
• Changes in appetite (reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased cravings for unhealthy foods)
• General feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Anxiety, restlessness, or mood swings
• Difficulty focusing, making decisions, or concentrating
• Insomnia or too much sleep
• Slowed body movements, speaking, or thinking
• Feelings of worthlessness (fixating on past failures)
• Frequent mention of death or suicidal thoughts

People who have severe depression often make their symptoms noticeable, simply because of their declining mental health. They aren’t seeking attention from others. If you know someone who displays signs of depression, the following tips may help you help them in an encouraging, loving way.

Show Empathy

It’s best to always put yourself in the shoes of the person with depression. Approach and talk to them in a non-judgmental way. How would you feel if you had to cope with depression? When you answer this question, you may better relate to the person you want to help. The most important thing you can do is listen, maintain eye contact during conversation, and support them. If you have personally dealt with bouts of depression, open up about it so that they know you understand. 

Help Find Treatment

People with depression may require assistance in regards to seeking treatment. Not everyone wants to open up about depression because there is a negative stigma surrounding mental health. As mentioned before, don’t judge and do what you can to help if the person asks. If you know of a great treatment center or professional, recommend those services. Perhaps you have a therapist that has helped you in the past. Suggest this person and explain how seeing them helped you overcome feelings of depression, anxiety, stress, etc.

Identify If Treatment Is Not Working

Treatment isn’t for everyone, and it won’t work just because you recommend it. If treatment is not working, be on the lookout for signs that indicate that the condition is worsening. When treatment doesn’t work for someone, it can bring about feelings of worthlessness or suicidal thoughts. Cement the fact that life is worth living if the person makes statements or actions that may indicate suicide. Make an effort to try a different therapeutic method. If the person has guns, remove them from the home. Make sure that they are not hoarding medications. You may have to step in and talk to their provider to express the seriousness of the condition.

Don’t Fix Their Problems

Supporting a person with depression and recognizing their symptoms does not mean you can fix the problem. It does more harm than good to attempt to fix things for the person with depression. This is where treatment comes into play. Allowing a professional to step in and aid the person is often a better approach. 

Be Assertive With Your Concerns

Many health experts recommend that openly talking with the depressed person about your concerns is beneficial. Address the issue and assert how you feel and if you have concerns. The important thing is to remind your friend/family member that they have your full support, especially emotional support. A great way to do this is by using “I” statements. For example, “I am worried about you,” or, “I’ve noticed this…” Don’t say things like, “You don’t seem like yourself lately.” Using “you” statements can create defensiveness and close the doorway to healthy communication and help.

There are many mental health resources available. Be it an in-person visit or through an app, many services exist to help people achieve better mental health. Don’t be afraid to seek help because you are not alone. Help is closer than you realize. 

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The World Health Organization (WHO) focuses on a specific mental health issue annually on October 10^th to raise awareness for World Mental Health Day. This year’s focus is on suicide prevention and the steps people around the world can take to help those in need. While Suicide Prevention Day is observed every year on September 10^th, the WHO wants to improve awareness on the significance of suicide as a global problem.

Suicidal behavior is not a recent epidemic; rather, it has existed throughout human history. Within the past few decades, however, suicide rates have dramatically increased. The WHO estimates that roughly 800,000 people commit suicide every year, and it is the primary cause of death for people between the ages of 15-29. While people in this age range may exhibit suicidal behavior, anyone can engage in this type of behavior. The most common reasons for suicide include violence, cyber bullying, bullying, or sexual abuse.

Know The Signs

• Talking about death or suicide
• Giving away possessions
• Losing interest in activities
• Withdrawing from family or friends
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Extreme mood swings
• Saying they are a burden

Each person can do his or her part to help prevent suicide. Whether you initiate conversation with someone you are concerned about, or share positive messages with someone who is struggling, know that involving yourself in the situation means a great deal, and it may even prevent a suicide.

Interpret Suicide As A Cry For Help

A suicide attempt is not always an indication that the person wants to die. It may indicate severe emotional pain, which they do not know how to handle or communicate. Suicide is often the easiest escape route to a seemingly unsolvable problem. If the person survives an attempted suicide, extend yourself to the person as much as you can. Attend meetings with them, go on hikes or engage in group activities, or simply be an ear to listen without judgment. Taking on someone’s burdens may be what they need to avoid committing suicide.

Don’t Be Afraid To Talk About Suicide

It can be intimidating to discuss the topic of suicide, especially since it may give depressed people ideas. Regardless of what you might say, bringing up the topic opens the discussion about it, giving them the opportunity to open up and ask for help. The best thing you can do in that situation is encourage them to get help because the goal is to remove the stigma that asking for help is a bad thing. Help is all around and it can go a long way in saving lives.

Talk About It If You Have A Platform

Given that someone commits suicide every 40 seconds, anyone with a platform, be it media-based, digital, political, or as an employer, take time to share this statistic. The message should be that help is all around, whether it is seeking professional help, consulting someone in the workplace, or attending a community meeting. Use your platform to open up the conversation about mental health; it means more than you realize.

The objective of World Mental Health Day 2019 is to raise awareness about suicide prevention, and make people aware of the various resources that exist. Suicide is preventable and can be avoided, and we need everyone’s help to increase organizations or services in all communities, so that people who need help can get it.

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Mental Health Awareness Week is held in May every year, but the World Health Organization (WHO) aims to raise awareness about a specific issue on World Mental Health Day on October 10^th every year. It is integral to ensure that people are comfortable talking about mental health and that any related topic is not feared.

The theme for World Mental Health Day 2018 is “Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World.” Adolescence and early adulthood are important periods in life. So many exciting changes happen, but these changes can often bring about feelings of stress, apprehension, and anxiety. The worst thing a young person can do for his/herself is bottle up these feelings and avoid communicating them to anyone, because that can lead to mental illness.

Did you know that 50% of mental illness begins by age 14? Common mental illnesses in the adolescent years include depression and anxiety, both of which can lead to suicidal thoughts or risky behaviors that put lives in jeopardy. Considering that suicide is the second leading cause of death between the ages of 15-29, it is best to open the discussion about mental health so that the condition or feelings can be managed.

There is growing evidence that providing support for adolescent mental health brings greater benefits in the long run. Aside from overall health, findings indicate that the importance of building mental resilience leads to greater contributions to family, the workforce, and society as a whole.

Prevention can only begin by detecting and understanding the early signs and symptoms of mental illness. Building mental resilience is integral for adolescents to feel confident and maintain self-esteem. While teachers may provide psychosocial support in school, it is best to make the adolescent comfortable at home, a place where he or she shouldn’t be afraid to talk about feelings or sensitivities.

Always talk about mental health. The less we talk about it, the less we can offer help and promote healthy societies.

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Boosting your vision, increasing your energy, reducing stress, boosting brain function, or getting rid of fat are all things that seem hard to accomplish. Believe it or not, there are nutrient-rich foods that work to help to do all of those things and more. What you put in your body can greatly influence how it functions. You could be eating foods that worsen your mood or joint function without even knowing it!

How Do Foods Improve Mood?

Healthy cognitive function is integral for regulating mood. Research has found that calcium, chromium, omega-3s, vitamin B6, magnesium, and iron, among others, have the ability to naturally boost mood and combat depression. Being deficient in some of these nutrients can lead to anxiety, depression, or more serious conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. See which nutrients help you feel amazing below.

Folate

A great way to keep the mind sharp as you age is by eating foods that are high in folate. These foods can include black eyed peas, spinach, avocado, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts. Folate has been shown to slow the effects of cognitive decline. Folate aids with new cell production and regulates serotonin, which helps the brain determine moods and social behavior.

Magnesium

Magnesium has many responsibilities (over 300 to be exact) in the body. Magnesium deficiency can cause mental confusion, headaches, fatigue, high stress levels, and irritability. Aiding with serotonin development, magnesium, helps to regulate emotions and balance mood. You may want to check this list of the best plant-based foods that great magnesium sources.

Calcium

As one of the most abundant minerals in the body, calcium helps to strengthen bones and maintain healthy blood vessels. Calcium deficiency tends to affect more women than men, which is why low calcium levels have been linked to PMS-related depression. Check out this list of the best non-dairy calcium foods.

Omega-3s

The body does not produce these essential fatty acids, which is why we need to get them from outside sources. Studies show that balanced omega-3 levels reduce the risk of suicide and depression. Mood swings, memory decline, and fatigue are several symptoms of omega-3 deficiency.

Chromium

Chromium is a trace mineral that is found in small amounts in the body. Not only does it help to metabolize food, but it also helps to regulate insulin and increases serotonin levels in the brain. It also increases melatonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, helping to regulate emotions and mood. Great chromium foods include broccoli, potatoes, and the juice from raw grapes.

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If you don’t know by now, turmeric is an ingredient that is worth having at all times. You never know when it will come in handy. It has potent anti-inflammatory properties and tons of antioxidants, which can help remedy many health conditions. Did you know that turmeric has been known to inhibit cancer cell growth? Well, it can!

While we could talk about the many benefits of turmeric, this article is about how turmeric can help naturally fight depression. Turmeric has traditionally been used in Ayurveda and folk medicine to treat gastrointestinal issues, blood disorders, or hepatic disorders. Recent studies have shown that the active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, has antidepressant like activity.

Curcumin was tested side by side with fluoxetine (an antidepressant) in a six-week study that was conducted on patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Over the course of the study, findings revealed that curcumin had a more positive effect than the fluoxetine. In fact, the study concluded that curcumin could be used as a safe modality for treatment in people with MDD without simultaneous suicidal or psychotic disorders.

Turmeric vs. Prozac

The problem with taking an antidepressant like Prozac is that you may experience an onslaught of side effects. People can experience stomach bleeding, difficulty breathing, or thoughts of suicide. Turmeric on the other hand doesn’t have any side effects and is beneficial for the entire body. You could be improving your digestion and combating depression at the same time!

How To Make The Lemonade

You can make this lemonade in various ways, but we prefer the way described below.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of distilled water
• 2 Tbsp. freshly grated turmeric or turmeric powder
• 4 Tbsp. grade B maple syrup, or stevia powder to desired sweetness
• juice of 1 lemon
• small pinch of black pepper

Directions

• Mix all of the ingredients in a pitcher and stir well. Serve with fresh lemon slices. You can consume this daily and it goes well with any meal.

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As this week kicks off Black History Month, today is also the first day of African Heritage & Health Week (AHHW). AHHW challenges everyone to try at least one dish, homemade or from a restaurant, that is inspired by traditional African cuisine from Africa, the Caribbean, South America, and the American South. Enjoy a family-style meal at an Ethiopian restaurant, season your way through a traditional, home-cooked West African stew, or enjoy farm to table delicacies of African ancestors.

We at Dherbs will provide some recipes of these traditional dishes to inspire you. We continually try to inspire people to eat healthier, plant-based foods that stem from the cuisine of our ancestors. A world of processed foods, junk foods, fried foods, and meat-based diets can cause serious health problems.

The leading causes of death to African-Americans include cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, depression, and cancer. Nearly all of these killers are diet-related and can be remedied naturally. This is why it is important to always care for the body. Eating fresh fruits & vegetables, nuts & seeds, legumes, and whole grains is the best way to start fighting these diseases. Don’t wait for problem to occur to start taking care of your health.

Cardiovascular Disease

This is the number one killer of all Americans, but research indicates that African-Americans are at a greater risk of coronary disease, hypertension, or stroke. This can be attributed to poor diets, lack of exercise, cigarette smoking, and genetics. The easiest ways to prevent these ailments include eating right and exercising.

Diabetes

Roughly 13.2% of all African-Americans, who are over age 20, are diagnosed with diabetes. Unless you develop type 1 diabetes early on in life, type 2 diabetes is commonly associated with poor diets and obesity. Daily exercise, along with a modified diet, will do you a world of good in helping to prevent diabetes.

Obesity

Out of all African-Americans who are over age 20, two-thirds are either obese or overweight. A BMI that is over 30 indicates that a person is obese. Obesity can lead to heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and stroke. Here are some helpful tips:

• Participate in the Full Body Cleanse to rid toxins from your system
• Drink detoxifying teas like ginger, turmeric, cumin, or coriander
• Improve your digestive system by drinking fresh lemon juice and apple cider vinegar
• Control your portions (meals shouldn’t be bigger than both fists combined)
• Boost metabolism by exercising for about 40 minutes a day
• Eat probiotic foods like kimchi, fermented vegetables, and sauerkraut to improve digestion and establish healthy gut flora.

Cancer

Cancer is one of the top 3 killers of African-Americans. African-American men are 2.4 times more likely to die from prostate cancer and 52% more likely to die from colon cancer, while African-American women are 42% more likely to die from breast cancer.

What You Can Do To Change These Statistics

• Eat plant-based foods that are high in antioxidants to help counteract DNA damage and free radicals. These foods include blueberries, Brazil nuts, kiwi, onions, and broccoli, among others
• Boost your immune system by getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night, soaking up the sun to get vitamin D, lowering stress levels, laughing a lot, and consuming immune-boosting herbs like Echinacea and astragalus
• Consider getting colonics or performing at-home enemas because a toxin-filled colon makes one more prone to developing colon or prostate cancer
• Eliminate processed foods, soy products, dairy products, meats, junk foods, and added sugars
• Meditate and exercise daily to bring stress levels down and develop a more positive outlook on life

Depression

Your mental health can greatly influence how the rest of your body functions. African-Americans have a high depression rate that can sometimes lead to suicide. Rather than getting hooked on anti-depressants, try the following things to naturally remedy the condition.

To start you off on your African Heritage and Health Week challenge, try making this tasty coconut curried soup. Make the time in the kitchen enjoyable by sharing stories with relatives or listening to music by legends like Nina Simone, Buddy Guy, Billie Holiday, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Prince, and modern artists like Lauryn Hill, Kamasi Washington, and Beyoncé, of course. Try expanding your musical horizons by listening to traditional African or Caribbean artists. Go beyond Bob Marley and try Gregory Isaacs or Brenda Fassie.

More recipes will come throughout the week, so keep your eyes peeled for these delectable dishes.

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