5 minute read
FROM STRUGGLES TO STRENGTH: BRITTANY JEATTER'S STORY OF LIVING WITH DEPRESSION
By Megan Freeman
Brittany Jeatter, a wife, mother, elementary school teacher, licensed funeral director, author and United States Army Captain, openly discusses her journey living with depression and how she manages it all.
Jeatter recalls being at work when she experienced an uncontrollable crying spell at her desk. “I sent my shift leader a message saying, ‘Please don’t make it noticeable, but I’m having a crying spell, and I can’t stop crying. I need to go home,’” she said.
“I called my mom on the way home and told her I couldn’t stop crying.” Jeatter’s mother asked if she wanted to harm herself. Jeatter assured her mother she did not, but she was overwhelmed by the crying. Her mother responded, “I’m on the way,” and soon took Jeatter to the hospital.
Upon arriving at the hospital, Jeatter noticed her Company Commander, who was also a nurse there. “I asked the hospital staff to hide me from her because, at the time, anxiety and depression were frowned upon in the military. It wasn’t as open as it is today, where soldiers can use the open-door policy to talk to leaders or seek help,” Jeatter said.
Jeatter’s mother informed the doctors that her daughter was not suicidal but needed help with her anxiety and depression. Jeatter was prescribed Ativan for her depression and referred to Charleston Mental Health, where a therapist officially diagnosed her with Anxiety Depression Disorder. This diagnosis was in 2015; Jeatter has been living with depression for nearly 10 years.
One issue that Jeatter touches on is the stigma surrounding mental health in the African American community. Seeking help for mental health is often seen as taboo. "It seems even crazier not to get help just because seeking help is considered ‘crazy,’” she said. However, Jeatter believes that attitudes are changing.
According to Dr. Erica Richards of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, mental health issues can affect anyone and are becoming more prevalent than major illnesses like diabetes, cancer or heart disease. This is especially concerning for minority women, as women are at least twice as likely to experience an episode of major depression as men. Additionally, African American women are half as likely to seek help compared to their Caucasian counterparts.
With all that Jeatter has on her plate, seeking help—even if it meant taking medication—was likely one of the best decisions she could have made. She emphasizes the importance of taking care of mental health just as we manage other responsibilities. "Who else is going to make sure things get done if we don’t take care of ourselves?” she added.
Over the years, Jeatter has been prescribed medications like Ativan, Zoloft and Sertraline. She stresses the importance of adjusting medications and having open, honest conversations with your doctor. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) advises that just because you feel better for the moment doesn’t mean you should stop taking your medications or going to therapy. It's crucial to have a treatment plan, identify coping skills and maintain a healthy diet and sleep routine.
Jeatter noticed a significant improvement in her mood when she could sleep better after taking her medication. “My anxiety usually affected my ability to sleep,” she said. "I chose not to take it during my last pregnancy, which was a struggle, but my husband and I came up with ways to manage. I didn’t want the medication to negatively impact our baby’s development."
Despite her busy life, Jeatter believes that her depression has had a positive impact on her professional realm. “I can be transparent with others instead of hiding it. I have the resources to guide others when they need help,” she said. "Being open about my experiences has allowed me to connect with others on a deeper level."
When asked what advice she would give to women not feeling like themselves, Jeatter recommends seeking professional help and getting a therapist. "I’ve had both mental and behavioral health counseling," she said. "It’s a place where I can express myself and be heard without judgment."
Jeatter also stresses the importance of communicating with your partner or spouse. "Explain how you're feeling and what your triggers are so they can recognize the signs and know when to intervene or step back," she advises. She adds that while church can be a great outlet, professional mental health counseling is also necessary.
Jeatter admits that discussing her anxiety and depression with her husband can sometimes be challenging. "I often feel misunderstood, but every day is a new day to work on overcoming depression and moving forward. Some days are better than others, but the key is to keep progressing."
Jeatter and her husband, Robert, have two daughters: Corrine and Brooklyn.
