The Dark and Unexplored Corridors of Mental Illness within the Black Community - Part Three: Turn on the Lights

As mentioned, in part two of this series, many African-Americans view those who suffer from depression as weak and inferior. Moreover, African-American women believed they were not susceptible to depression and that individuals develop depression due to having a “weak mind, poor health, a troubled spirit, and lack of self-love.” However, if one were to enter the corridors where those who suffer dwell, you would find a variety of personalities, each one groping the cold walls as they attempt to navigate their way out of the agony under which they live. 

Turn on the lights and instead of scrambling for cover, victims of depression will more than likely cower. I can attest to this because my oldest sister Dawn suffered from bi-polar disorder, also called manic-depression illness. 


On St. Patrick’s Day 2001, Dawn suffered a severe episode after choosing once again to not take her medication, which attacked her with severe side effects. Dawn went to an emergency room where instead of treating her they (emergency room attendants) called the police, causing Dawn to flee. She began walking down a highway in a torrential rainstorm and was struck and instantly killed by a drunk driver. Bipolar disorder often starts in the teen years, can emerge in later life, and can be a potentially life-threatening illness that a person cannot handle alone. Tragically, one of five people with bipolar disorder commits suicide. The signs of bipolar disorder include:

Mania

• Excessive energy, restlessness, racing thoughts and rapid talking
• Denial that anything is wrong
• Extremely happy feelings
• Easily irritated
• Needing little sleep
• Unrealistic belief in one’s ability
• Poor judgment
• Sustained, unusual behavior
• Increased sex drive
• Substance abuse
• Aggressive behavior
• Paranoia

~~ Written by Jay Arrington
     Maryland Daily Examiner