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Dr. Shantel Thomas speaks with youth participants at The Center for Healing the Hurt's 2023 Teen Mental Health Day (provided)
In 2022, Interact for Health commissioned a Community Health Status Survey showing Greater Cincinnati mental health challenges are widespread in the region. About 2 in 10 adults in the region (17%) reported frequent mental distress, which is defined as 14 or more mentally unhealthy days in the past month. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 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. Dr. Shantel Thomas, CEO of the Center for Healing the Hurt, emphasized the importance of understanding what depression looks like in our communities, especially those that have been historically marginalized and underrepresented, so that we can have better outcomes for those navigating the disorder. Different types of depression Dr. Thomas noted that when most people think of depression, they think of clinical depression, but, depression can show up in different ways. “There are different types of depression, such as atypical depression, where you may be experiencing things like backaches, diarrhea, or stomach aches. Situational depression can occur when a particular situation you’re in is causing you to be depressed. Seasonal affective disorder is also a form of depression that can affect your mood and thoughts due to the change of seasons.” What to look for The signs of depression can be subtle or blatant. Dr. Thomas says that things such as low motivation and fatigue, irritability, being argumentative or confrontational, and isolation are signs that should be taken seriously. Sometimes a lack of concentration and engaging in behaviors such as excessive or sudden use of drugs or alcohol can also indicate depression. When to seek help If you’ve been experiencing crying, sadness, not engaging in the activities you usually participate in or consistently experiencing any of the signs mentioned earlier for two weeks or more, then it is time to seek professional help. Importance of culturally relevant care One key takeaway from Interact for Health’s 2022 Community Health Status Survey is that improved access to quality, tailored mental health care from providers who share backgrounds and experiences with their patients is needed. “If you haven’t worked in the community or haven’t taken classes on how to engage with people of color or backgrounds other than yours, then don’t do it.” Dr. Thomas also added that when there is no cultural understanding or capacity, people can be misdiagnosed. Treatment and stigma Regarding mental health, Dr. Thomas expressed that there is nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. Being able to openly communicate with honesty and vulnerability about what you are experiencing and how you feel can be a step toward healing. If you think you’re depressed, starting with therapy is a good first step. From there, a therapist can help determine if you are experiencing depression and what type of treatment plan is best. Dr. Thomas encourages people to get a mental health check-up every year, just like they do a physical check-up with their primary care physician. If you or someone you love is experiencing a mental health crisis, text or call 988.
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