Starting Over Talk - Peer Coaching Support Site

I agree that, had Niambi admitted she was previously diagnosed as clinically depressed, Iyanla would have done things differently, or suggested Niambi come back to the house when she had taken care of getting help for that.

As someone who has "been there, done that" (depression), I think viewers would all have had more empathy and undertanding of Niambi's behavior if we had known that.

Just one example: when they were all supposed to help (I think it was) Antonia with an assignment and Niambi spent almost the entire day alone in her room. Several of the women commented (in the Confessional) about her "isolating" and not being supportive of another housemate. Sadly, this is "normal" behavior for someone with depression. Rhonda was correct when she told Niambi, as she was leaving the house, that it was a "success" that she was able to GET OUT OF BED EVERY DAY and get DRESSED.

I understand that Niambi didn't want to "put her business out in the street" (regarding her depression). However, I disagree with comments made during the conversation between Niambi and Jill about "cultural differences".

I am of a different "culture" and was also raised with the "rule" that "what happens in THIS HOUSE, STAYS in THIS house!!!" I think most people have that same sense of privacy and want other people, such as neighbors, friends, co-workers and even acquaintances, to think the BEST of them. (Iyanla talked said about the problems/damage caused by keeping secrets. This is why there is so much unreported spousal and child abuse.)

Ooops, got a little carried away here....<br><br>Post edited by: ACOG, at: 2006/09/23 22:33

<br><br>Post edited by: ACOG, at: 2006/09/23 22:25

I agree would have made a difference i thought Niambi was just being mean, the depression makes understanding her better.

I never saw Niambi as anything but sad....why her depression was not immediately picked up on by Dr. Stan, in particular, is a mystery to me. It showed in her face, her physical movements, her voice. But, she was also very intelligent, and saw through the insincerity of the &quot;support, &quot;it ...was... condescending at times. IMO.