In the Hispanic community, talking about major depressive disorder stigma can be taboo.

Here’s how one woman learned to push back against it.

She learned to live with her symptoms.

woman standing against a wall

My depression started to take more of a toll on me, she says.

That morning, she collapsed.

This landed her in the hospital.

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However, everyone experiences MDD differently.

Only a health care professional can diagnose and treat MDD.

For many people, a health scare could be the worst moment of their lives.

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After her initial diagnosis, she tried various treatment approaches and began seeing a licensed mental health counselor.

My new psychiatrist was incredibly thorough, she says.

What really stood out to me was her commitment to my well-being.

She consistently reminded me of follow-up appointments and took a real interest in my mental health journey.

Trintellix has not been shown to be safe and effective for use in children.

Scroll below for additional Important Safety Information, including Full Boxed WARNING for Suicidal Thoughts and Actions.

Click here forMedication Guideand discuss with your doctor.

This is an aspect of cognitive function that may be impaired in adults with MDD.

The improvement in processing speed may be the result of an improvement in depression.

No studies have been conducted to see whether Trintellix is any better at improving processing speed than other antidepressants.

Some reports of weight gain have been received since product approval and also in a separate long-term study.

Both of these medications maintained antidepressant efficacy.

Sexual side effects have been reported with Trintellix.

The most common side effects of Trintellix are nausea, constipation, and vomiting.

These are not all the possible side effects of Trintellix.

For nearly four years, Marisol has been taking Trintellix for her MDD.

She is not Marisols doctor or psychiatrist.

I have seen many Hispanic women assume the role of matriarch and perceive depression as a sign of weakness.

Its important to me to create a safe space for my patients to feel comfortable sharing their personal experiences.

Talking about their symptoms and history helps me tailor my recommendations.

In Marisols community, depression continues to be a sensitive topic, especially among friends and family.

Theres still a lot of stigma surrounding depression, Marisol says.

Thats why she has initiated conversations with her close friends and family about mental health.

She encourages them to express their feelings.

This is especially important in our culture.

Marisols advice for someone who is living with depression?

Dont be afraid to ask questions.

Dont be afraid of what other people think.

Talk to a friend or someone you trust.

No matter what, theyre going to understand and take you seriously.

The prevalent stigma surrounding mental health services creates barriers to well-being, says Dr. Diaz Fernandez.

Its important to reinforce that seeking assistance is not a sign of weakness but a courageous step forward.

To read more patient stories like Marisols and get access to other patient resources, visitTrintellix.com.

*Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor

Marisol is a paid contributor for Takeda Pharmaceuticals.

Last name withheld to protect personal privacy.

Dr. Virmarie Diaz Fernandez is a board-certified psychiatrist practicing in Georgia and Florida.

She is a paid contributor for Takeda Pharmaceuticals.

TRINTELLIX has not been shown to be safe and effective for use in children.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.

For additional Important Safety Information, click here forMedication Guide, and discuss with your doctor.

2024 Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. All rights reserved.

1-877-TAKEDA-7 (1-877-825-3327).

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