BLACK MEN AND DEPRESSION

Depression and Black men is a silent epidemic. Black men often hide their depression rather than face the ridicule or shame they experience in their own community.

Terrie M.Williams wrote in her book, Black Pain, "The real horror in Black men is how well they cover it up. I'm constantly struck by the magnificence of Black male style: the swagger, the flair, the sheer originality. Yet, I'm constantly struck by just how much sadness lies underneath those polished surfaces.  That is why it's so important for us to be able to see beneath the shiny exterior to the vulnerability, shame, frustration, and pain."


Rapper/Actor Kid Cudi revealed in an emotional letter to fans Tuesday that he checked himself into rehab after battling "depression and suicidal urges."
"It's been difficult for me to find the words to what I'm about to share with you because I feel ashamed,"  "Ashamed to be a leader and hero to so many while admitting I've been living a lie. It took me a while to get to this place of commitment, but it is something I have to do for myself, my family, my best friend/daughter and all of you, my fans."

Cudi continued, "I am not at peace. I haven't been since you've known me. If I didn't come here, I would've done something to myself. I simply am a damaged human swimming in a pool of emotions everyday of my life. There's a ragin' violent storm inside of my heart at all times. Idk what peace feels like. Idk how to relax.""My anxiety and depression have ruled my life for as long as I can remember and I never leave the house because of it," Cudi continued in his letter to fans.

 "I can't make new friends because of it. I don't trust anyone because of it and I'm tired of being held back in my life. I deserve to have peace. I deserve to be happy and smiling. Why not me? I guess I give so much of myself to others I forgot that I need to show myself some love too. I think I never really knew how. I'm scared, im sad, I feel like I let a lot of people down and again, I'm sorry. It's time I fix me. I'm nervous but ima get through this."

Credits: www.facebook.com 
            "Black Pain" Terrie M.Williams
             Black Men and Depression with Soledad O'Brien
             Philadelphia Eagles lineman opens up to Soledad O'Brien about a topic that black men rarely talk about.