October Is Depression Awareness Month:Why the Conversation Must Continue All Year
October is Depression Awareness Month — a time to pause, reflect, and extend compassion to those living with depression.
As I sit with this knowledge, I’m reminded that depression wears many faces. It doesn’t always look like sadness or isolation. It can show up in subtle ways — in the person who’s always helping others but rarely asks for help, or in the friend who stays busy to avoid slowing down.
A friend recently shared their experience with depression. They explained that they often take on more responsibilities — overextending themselves to the point of burnout. It sparked a conversation about high-functioning depression — when someone appears to have it all together while quietly struggling inside.
It’s important to know that “high-functioning depression” isn’t an official diagnosis in the DSM-5. It’s a term people often use to describe those who are struggling with depression symptoms but don’t meet the full criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD). On the outside, individuals may appear to be doing well—maintaining their work responsibilities, staying socially engaged, and caring for others. However, beneath the surface, they often struggle with persistent feelings of emptiness, fatigue, and hopelessness. Regardless of the terminology, this experience can be difficult to recognize, even in ourselves, making it easy to overlook the need for care and support.
Did you know that in Canada, one in five people will face a mental health challenge this year, and by age 40, half of us will have lived through one.”[1] These aren’t just statistics; they’re stories unfolding in our homes, workplaces, and communities. Whether we’re navigating our own struggles or supporting someone we care about, mental health touches us all.
As October ends, let’s remember: mental health doesn’t follow a calendar. Check in with yourself. Check in with others. Listen without judgment, make room for honesty, and advocate for mental health every day—not just this month.
Breaking the Silence in Black and Racialized Communities
The Silence We Carry
In Black and racialized communities — acknowledging that we are not a monolith and that many diverse experiences exist — mental health is often not discussed openly. This silence frequently stems from deep-rooted stigma, systemic and structural barriers, and cultural narratives that equate vulnerability with weakness or a lack of faith.
However, silence can deepen isolation — and isolation is where depression often thrives. It’s high time we change this.
Faith and Therapy Can Coexist
While prayer, spirituality, and church community can be powerful sources of comfort and strength, sometimes we need additional support to navigate what we’re experiencing. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. In fact, seeking help outside of church or your faith is an act of courage — a reflection of your strength and your commitment to your mental wellbeing.
Creating Spaces for Brave Conversations
Talking about mental health in our communities isn’t always easy — but it’s necessary. Creating open, judgment-free spaces where we can speak honestly about our struggles is both healing and transformative.
When we name our pain, we reclaim our power. When we reach out for help, we model courage, love, and care — not just for ourselves, but for those around us who may be silently struggling too.
Mental health conversations don’t need to be perfect. They just need to be real. Every time we speak up, check in, or hold space for someone else, we’re breaking cycles of silence and shame. We’re planting seeds of connection, compassion, and change.
Understanding Depression in Black Women: Key Differences in Symptom Presentation
Depression does not always look the same across communities or genders. Cultural, social, and historical factors can shape how symptoms appear and how individuals respond to them.
Research shows that Black women often experience and express depression differently than white women, which can sometimes make it harder to recognize or address. Understanding these differences is crucial for creating compassionate, effective support and care.
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Emotional
More likely to report irritability, anger, or emotional exhaustion.
Physical (Somatic)
More likely to present with physical complaints such as chronic pain, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, and appetite changes.
Behavioral
May exhibit the “strong Black woman” schema — suppressing vulnerability and striving to “push through.”
Cognitive
Less likely to report feelings of worthlessness or indecisiveness.
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Emotional
More likely to report sadness, hopelessness, self-dislike, or self-failure.
Physical (Somatic)
While physical symptoms occur, emotional distress is more often verbalized.
Behavioral
More likely to verbalize sadness and seek formal mental health support.
Cognitive
More likely to report worthlessness and indecisiveness.
These differences matter — because they shape how depression in Black women is seen, understood, and treated. When symptoms present as irritability, exhaustion, or physical pain instead of sadness, they’re often misdiagnosed or dismissed altogether. This can leave Black women without the care and validation they deserve.
Recognizing these unique patterns is essential. It helps break down bias in mental health care and ensures that Black women receive the empathy, support, and treatment they need — not just what the system expects to see.
Mental health doesn’t look the same for everyone. Understanding that is the first step toward getting help.
Depression in Black Men: Beyond the “Classic” Symptoms
Depression doesn’t always look like sadness or tears. In Black men, it often shows up in ways that defy traditional expectations — and because of that, it’s frequently misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or missed altogether
Here are some common ways depression may manifest in Black men:
Anger and Irritability: Heightened agitation or angry outbursts, often misread as behavioral problems rather than emotional distress.
Physical Complaints: Chronic headaches, stomach issues, or fatigue that prompt visits to primary care — not mental health professionals.
Social Withdrawal: Pulling away from relationships, community, and activities once enjoyed.
Substance Use: Turning to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with internal pain.
Overworking: Immersing in work or staying constantly busy to avoid emotional discomfort.
Sleep Changes: Difficulty falling asleep or waking up too early — rather than excessive sleeping.
Limited Emotional Expression: Cultural stigma around vulnerability may prevent Black men from voicing feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or despair.
Recognizing these patterns is essential. It allows for culturally responsive care that meets Black men where they are — with empathy, understanding, and respect for their lived experiences.
Mental health care must reflect the diversity of how depression shows up. Only then can we begin to close the gap in support and healing.
Healing Through Connection:
At Umunthu Psychotherapy, my practice is rooted in the philosophy of Umunthu — “I am because we are.” This guiding principle reflects a deep belief: healing unfolds through connection, compassion, and community. When we feel truly seen, heard, and understood, transformation begins.
The pain we carry rarely forms in isolation. It’s shaped by relationships, systems, and the environments we move through. That’s why healing must also happen in relationship — through care that honors the full context of your life.
I offer culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and strength-based therapy for individuals navigating depression, anxiety, and life transitions. I see you — your story, your strength, and your struggle — and I walk beside you with empathy and respect.
Call to Action
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by depression, stress, or burnout, please know this: you don’t have to carry it alone.
Take one small step today. That could be pausing to check in with yourself, reaching out to someone you trust, or connecting with a therapist who is culturally responsive and approaches care with humility. You deserve support that meets you where you are and sees you fully.
Healing doesn’t happen all at once — but it begins with a single act of care.
At Umunthu Psychotherapy, we’re here to walk alongside you. Together, we can move from surviving to thriving — one conversation at a time.
Ready to begin? Book a free 15–20 minute consultation to explore how culturally responsive, compassionate therapy can support your healing journey.
References
Joseph, J.J., Nolan, T.S., Brock, G. et al. Improving mental health in black men through a 24-week community-based lifestyle change intervention: the black impact program. BMC Psychiatry 24, 34 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-05064-5
Perez, Nicole Beaulieu; D'Eramo Melkus, Gail; Wright, Fay; Yu, Gary; Vorderstrasse, Allison A.; Sun, Yan V.; Crusto, Cindy A.; Taylor, Jacquelyn Y.. Latent Class Analysis of Depressive Symptom Phenotypes Among Black/African American Mothers. Nursing Research 72(2):p 93-102, 3/4 2023. | DOI: 10.1097/NNR.0000000000000635
[1] 1 Smetanin et al. (2011). The life and economic impact of major mental illnesses in Canada: 2011-2041. Prepared for the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Toronto: RiskAnalytica.
Watson KT, Roberts NM, Saunders MR. Factors Associated with Anxiety and Depression among African American and White Women. ISRN Psychiatry. 2012 Jan 3;2012:432321. doi: 10.5402/2012/432321. PMID: 23738202; PMCID: PMC3658591.
