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#257: Haitians and Depression : A personal history
From:Tetgren1@aol.com
>From my experience, depression, or any other form of mental disorder does not
exist in most Haitian families. Since there is a stigma attached to mental
disorders, if someone has been diagnosed, the diagnosis is replaced with
other explanations by family members. As in cases I've witnessed.
When one of my brothers was younger, a guidance counselor referred my mother
to a psychiatrist because he was overactive. My father quickly stifled that
idea because he feared that it would come back to haunt him later. About two
years ago that same brother was diagnosed with a bipolar disorder, a form of
manic depression.
It was a very painful experience for all of us, yet no one really wanted to
talk about it. My whole family had to attend a counseling session while he
was hospitalized and I remember the pain in my mother's voice as she
recounted the signs which were there all throughout his life.
My brother had graduated from an ivy league college, was working and was
living on his own. He had to move back home after that. When we were alone,
my mother would instruct me not to tell people what the problem was. She said
that he was overworked, had studied too much, needed a girlfriend. All sorts
of things. She was clearly in denial. Until this very day, not too many
people are aware of his condition.
I know of a lot of other Haitian families who go through the same thing, so
it is not uncommon. They just refuse to talk about it. Sometimes, people go
without the treatment they need because of fear of having some "crazy"
disease. The most recent explanation I've heard for these illnesses is very
supernatural. I don't know too much about that.
One thing, I do know is that there is help. One important thing is that the
person in need of help has to accept the fact that he/she may have a mental
disorder. They have to acknowledge the fact that they need help or it won't
do a bit of good. If anyone knows someone in need of help, try to visit a
Haitian community center. They should be able to direct you to a Haitian
psychologist. Although this has been very painful for me, even to share, I
think talking about it helps. If it would help, I could share some more of my
experiences with depression. Good luck and just know you're not alone.
Peace and Guidance,
Tetgren