This is a presentation on Depression in the Arab American Community

1. Los Angeles County
Department of Mental Health
Module 3
Depression

2. OVERVIEW
What we will cover
ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH DEPRESSION SUICIDE INTERGENERATIONAL
ISSUES
DOMESTIC ABUSE

3. Depression is more common than
AIDS, cancer and diabetes. Globally,
more than 350 million people of all
ages suffer from depression.
(www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs369/en/)

4. ARAB AMERICANS AND DEPRESSION
In one 2005 self-report study, the
highest rate of depression was found
in Arab American participants (23.2%)
followed by African Americans (15%)
and Middle Eastern (13.3%)
0%
6%
12%
18%
24%
30%
Middle Eastern African Americans Arab Americans
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19157251

5. Depression has many causes, it is not
just a matter of bad luck or personal
failings. Causes include:
Death or a loss:
Grief from the loss of a loved one,
though natural, can increase the risk
of depression.

6. Family History:
A family history of depression can
increase the risk
Death or a loss:
Grief from the loss of a loved one,
though natural, can increase the risk
of depression.

7. Family History:
A family history of depression can
increase the risk
Abuse:
Abuse or molestation can contribute
to depression later in life.

8. Abuse:
Abuse or molestation can contribute
to depression later in life.
Life Changes:
Losing a job, getting divorced, or
retiring and even positive events such
as starting a new job, getting married
or having a child can lead to
depression.

9. Life Changes:
Losing a job, getting divorced, or
retiring and even positive events such
as starting a new job, getting married
or having a child can lead to
depression.
Substance Abuse:
Nearly 30% of people with substance
abuse problems also suffer from
major depression.

10. RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS
Hopelessness or guilt
Poor concentration
Low self-esteem
Loss of energy
Changes in appetite or sleep
Lack of interest in usual activities
Signs of Depression include:
MENTAL PHYSICAL

11. DEPRESSION IS
NOT WEAKNESS
Depression isn't a weakness of character,
nor is it something that you can simply
"snap out" of. Depression often gets worse
if it goes untreated. Most people with
depression feel better with psychotropic
medication, psychological counseling or
both.
(Mayo Clinic)

12. DEPRESSION IN THE ARAB COMMUNITY
Common Immigrant Stressors
Language Family
Status Employment
Loss of extended
family support
(Laffrey et al., 1989).
Inability to find
adequate employment
Difficulty communicating
Reduction in social
status, especially
among professionals
(Budman et al., 1992).

13. WHY DON’T PEOPLE GET TREATMENT?
“If I give it time, I’ll snap out of it.”
Clinical depression may worsen if not treated
I don't feel sad all the time. Why do I need treatment for depression?
Many people with depression see their primary care doctors for problems such as muscle pain,
sleeping problems, or fatigue, not knowing those are signs of depression
I don’t want to take antidepressants.
Although antidepressants are effective, treatment for depression doesn’t always
involve psychotropic medication
Top excuses to avoid seeking help
I’m embarrassed to talk to my doctor about it.
Doctors are required to keep your information private

14. TREATMENT
Do not ignore depression
70-90% of people with depression respond
positively to treatments.* Examples of
different types of treatments include:
70-90%reduction of symptoms
with treatment
COUNSELING
CHANGE OF LIFESTYLE
PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATIONS
*https://secure.bengordoncenter.org/category/depression/

15. “Depression is often
underreported in Arab
Communities.”
(Jamil et.al 2008)

16. Over 50% people who
commit suicide suffer
from major depression.

17. WHAT TO DO
If you or someone you know is
suffering from depression, get help
right away:
Reach out to a family
member or close friend
Make an appointment
with a doctor
Contact a spiritual leader
or someone in your faith
community
Call the National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline at
800-273-TALK
(800-273-8255) to reach a
trained counselor
Call the LA County
DMH Access Hotline
at 1-800-854-7771

18. HOW TO
FOLLOW UP
Call the LA County DMH Access
Hotline at 1-800-854-7771

19. CITATIONS
www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs369/en/
http://theovernight.donordrive.com/?fuseaction=cms.page&id=1034
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17985442
https://books.google.com/books?id=TUjABAAAQBAJ&pg=PA272&lpg=PA272&dq=arab+americans+and
+depression&source=bl&ots=4-
OyPZwZHQ&sig=8KQ2ni-27fmOAuUuqy68NamGt_Q&hl=en&sa=X&ei=SPDcVOm5MozfsATFzIK4DQ&ved=0CFMQ6AE
wBw#v=onepage&q=arab%20americans%20and%20depression&f=false
http://newamericamedia.org/2011/12/suffering-in-silence-arab-americans-struggle-to-overcome-mental-health-
stigmas.php
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/basics/definition/con-20032977