Tamika’s Take: Titi Branch — Putting a Spotlight on Depression

With the recent news of one of the co-founders of the successful curl hair care products line, Miss Jessie’s, passing away earlier this month, sadly it is being reported that Titi Branch may have taken her own life.

As a female entrepreneur, stylist and beauty insider, I was blown away after reading the news of Ms.Branch. I wanted to express a sincere, heartfelt loss to her family and to all those who lives she enhanced with her presence and savvy business expertise. Titi Branch and her sister were at the forefront of the black natural hair movement. “With her beautiful, curly, blonde ‘fro, Titi and her sister Miko encouraged women to embrace their natural beauty, kinks and curls and all,”stated Lauren Carson a Mental Health Advocate.

Social media has away of allowing us to paint perfect pictures and to see the beautiful side of what can be a difficult industry at times. Growing up in a family with a history of mental illness, I am aware of how this disease can destroy marriages, families and careers. A stressful or unhappy life event usually triggers the depression.

Unfortunately, the lingering image of depression as a female condition may keep men who are clinically depressed from recognizing the symptoms of depression and seeking treatment. More than six million men in the United States have at least one episode of major depression each year, According to National Association of Mental Illness.

Tips for coping with stress:
1. Get enough sleep.
2. Seek professional help or spiritual counseling.
3. Eat healthier, take vitamins.
4. Exercise regularly.
5.Get involved in activities that make you happy.
6. Spend time with family and friends.
7. Avoid alcohol, marijuana, and other recreational drugs.
8. Read motivational material.

Let’s not ignore signs of depression and seek professional help when needed.

To get help with Mental Illness
http://www.nami.org/ or http://blackgirlssmile.org/