Depression in African-American women.

Depression is an increasing problem for African-American women. These women are experiencing role changes and additional stressors. Depressed African-American women may perceive themselves as being devalued within American society and may have fewer support systems to buffer stressful conditions (Carrington, 1980). Depressive symptoms may escalate into clinical depression, which can erode quality of life for African-American women. Psychiatric mental health nurses can be instrumental in developing protocols and individualized interventions that respond to the psychological and physical needs of their depressed clients and promote an improved quality of life.