The words in our language can evolve and change over time. New words also become a part of conversations, and there is a newer word that I want to discuss today. The word is intersectionality. What exactly does it mean? Where did it come from? And, for this blog, does is apply to depression?
According to Merriam Webster’s webpage (https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/intersectionality-meaning), which added the word in 2017, intersectionality is “the complex, cumulative manner in which the effects of different forms of discrimination combine, overlap, or intersect”. The word has been around since 1989, when it was coined by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw in an essay that asserts that antidiscrimination law, feminist theory, and antiracist politics all fail to address the experiences of black women because of how they each focus on only one factor.
Since its beginnings intersectionality has taken on a broader meaning, and can refer to more than just sexism and racism. It can include other forms of discrimination as well, such as those based on class, sexuality, and ability. So, intersectionality looks at the person as a whole and sees where they may face one or more categories of discrimination. For example, intersectionality would imply that a black female lesbian is going to face more discrimination than a straight white female.
How does intersectionality apply to mental health and depression? It can possibly affect things such as access to care and the quality of care that is received. Intersectionality can also affect the stigma some people experience and some groups may not have their depression symptoms taken as seriously as other groups. Overall, I think intersectionality is something to consider when looking at someone with depression, as it may play in to how they are being treated. We need to continue to demand that all patients with depression are treated with respect and compassion, regardless of what categories they may belong to.