Hello & welcome the audience to episode 1, season 3 of deep roots with NaijaBabeinTexas. I have a fabulous guest, “Dr. Ijeoma Ajufo,” on the show today; she is a licensed physician specializing in Psychiatry. We will discuss mood disorders, especially depression and bipolar, in our communities.

In my experience, Africans, African Americans, Nigerian Americans, etc., don’t understand mental health illnesses. We allow the sigma and our religion to impact our ability to ensure our family gets the care they need. People forget that mental illness is as severe as any other health disease, i.e., cancer, diabetes, etc. Our goal is to educate our audience on this topic.

Dr. Ajufo and I discuss the causes, risk factors, types, and stigmas of mood disorders. How to recognize the patterns. As well as how to get management and treatment. There are several ways to get care. If you have suicidal thoughts: Please get care immediately by calling 911, going to an Emergency Room, or texting 988 is a Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

For care in Texas: Don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Ajufo at her practice.

Northridge Behavioral Health

Website: northridgebehavioral.com

Address: 2829 Babcock Rd, Suite 126

San Antonio, Texas 78229

Tel #: 210-475-3048

Resources:

-https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression

-https://www.gradschools.com/get-informed/careers/types-of-mental-illnesses

PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) - MDCalc.

-https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders

-https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mood-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20365057