Depression among black gay men is one of those topics we don’t often discuss, which is slowly eating away at our community. Rates of depression in people with HIV are as high as 60%, compared with 5-10% of the general population. With the high incidence of HIV among black gay men, that would also suggest a high incidence of depression. In the black community, we still don’t talk about and address mental health and depression as much as we need too. Even if you don’t suffer from depression, you probably know someone who does. Too often, we accept certain behavioral patters as the norm, instead of seeing them as possible signs of depression. Drinking too much, always getting high on weed or other drugs, no longer engaging ion activities one used to enjoy, or unusual or scary behavior could all be signs of depression. Whether it is your own life, or the life of a friend or loved one, you might want to do something, before it is too late. There will be an open and frank discussion about depression and black gay men, at 6.00-8.00pm, on May 17 2011 at The Riverside Church in New York City, 91 Claremont Avenue (btw 120 & 121st Streets) Room 10 T. Look out for other forums in other cities – Washington DC, Raleigh NC, St. Louis MO. You must RSVP your attendance directly to: riversidehiv@aol.com.
Moderator
Antoine Craigwell
Journalist/writer for Out In Jersey magazine
Panelists:
Christopher Johnson, MSW
Supportive Services with Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD)
Delroy J. Baker aka DJ Baker
Talk Radio and Blog host
O’Brien Dennis Tyson,
Founder – O’Brien Dennis Foundation, (Research)
Rev. Stacey Latimer
Senior Pastor of Love Alive International
Ty Martin
Services and Advocacy for
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders (SAGE)
Refreshments will be served at 6:00 pm / Metro-card reimbursement for PLWHA
Seating is limited / You must RSVP your attendance directly to:
riversidehiv@aol.com
Event Sponsors
The Riverside Chruch Global HIV and AIDS Ministry
AIDS Service Center New York City
United Church of Christ HIV and AIDS Network (UCAN, Inc)
Black Leadership Commission on AIDS New York City
Depressed Black Gay Men (DBGM)
Maranatha – Riversiders for LGBT Concerns
If you can’t make it, or are not interested, please pass the information on to someone who might be interested, or who you think might benefit from attending a discussion on depression and black gay men.
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i hope there will be next forum when i get the am in jamaica i love attend those forum to learn more about black gay men and prevention
As someone who’s been living with HIV for 11yrs and depression for even longer, I can agree with everything you’ve said. However, I’ve seen over the years that those who are living with depression also are afraid to seek out help. The see talking to a therapist as a taboo, so they’ll continue to go through whatever they’re going through by drinking, drugs and other ways to numb themselves.
I too struggled with depression a few years back. I smoked and drank as well. I also think I am susceptible to winter depression. What I found that really helped me a lot was reading and applying the principles in the book “A Guide To Rational Living” by psychologist Dr. Albert Ellis. I had initially thought of going to an actual therapist, but after reading several of Dr. Ellis’ books I found it unnecessary. I am a much happier person now. Many of Dr. Ellis’ books can be found at your local library or on line. In addition to the above title, I like “Sex Without Guilt For The Twentieth Century” and “A Guide To Personal Happiness.”
I wish I could have attended this event.. Does anyone know if someone will be doing something like this in DC?