Depression - Management

Tammy Thompson

It wasn't until Tammy was 31 that she was diagnosed with depression. Find out how she is keeping a positive attitude, and living a product life despite her condition.

The Dangers of Holding in Your Emotions

How bottled up stress can damage your physical and mental health, with five strategies to cope.

Treating Seasonal Depression: A New Option

Can vitamin D ease seasonal affective disorder?

6 Foods That Will Boost Your Mood

Next time you re having a bad day, try one of these mood-boosting foods. Emotional eating has never been so healthy.

How Good and Bad Events Can Trigger Depression

For some, even positive life changes can bring on bouts of severe anxiety or depression. But there is good news.

America s Mental Health Crisis

Not only is access to mental health care declining, a new study finds the majority of psychiatrists don t accept health insurance.

Caffeine: The Good, The Bad And The Unhealthy

Many of us start our day with a cup, but when we start relying on coffee to feel awake and energized, we're addicted to the caffeine it contains.

Establishing a Routine to Better Manage Bipolar Disorder

Sticking to a regular routine can help balance the ups and downs of bipolar disorder, but for some, establishing a routine can be a major challenge.

Is There a Connection Between Creativity and Mental Health?

There's a common belief that writers and artists are more likely to have mental health issues than the general population. We explore if there is any truth to this relationship.

Independent Psychological Assessments: What You Need to Know

Think you may have ADD, depression, or another psychiatric disorder? Learn how this type of assessment differs from other psychological tests—and why it may give you the insight you need.

5 Ways to Fight Fear

What are you afraid of? We ask a few pros for their top tips on working through what scares them.

Can Drinking Wine Make You Happier?

One study has found that moderate consumption of wine may improve your mental health. But don't uncork that bottle of Chardonnay just yet!

What Are Your Depression Treatment Options?

Both talk therapy and medication can help with persistent sadness. Here's how to get started.

How to Cope With Trauma

It's not only life-threatening incidents that can lead to persistent feelings of helplessness, depression, grief, or extreme anxiety. Learn more about how to move through trauma.

Meditation's Effect on Depression

Depressed? Adding meditation to your treatment plan may help. Here's why.

Co-Counseling: A DIY Option for Psychological Help

Inexpensive and self-directed, co-counseling may be a great way to explore your issues.

How to Comfort Someone With Bipolar Disorder

Though efforts are underway to raise awareness, you can do your part by acting compassionately toward those living with this condition.

Nervous Breakdowns: What You Need to Know

While some people are at higher risk, nervous breakdowns can happen to anyone. Here's what to look for.

Could Motherhood Cause OCD?

Find out why new moms are at increased risk and how to get help.

How Happiness Evolves

Has your idea of happiness changed over time? Find out more about this phenomenon of life.

How to Thrive Despite Your Depression

Whether you're struggling with low energy or a disconnect from loved ones, there are steps you can take to get back in the game.

The Surprising Link Between Sugar and Depression

Learn how changing your diet to eliminate sweet treats can help improve your mental health.

Why You Need a Support Network to Face Depression

What benefits come from a strong support network, and where can you find one of your own?

Grapefruit Juice and Meds: A Dangerous Combo

Grapefruit juice can increase the potency of certain drugs, converting them to life-threatening doses. Here's what you need to know.

Key Treatments for PTSD

Here are five common therapies that have shown promise for those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Dial Down the Heat on Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are a well-known, frequently-complained-about source of discomfort brought on by menopause. Here's how to get relief from these and other "more-than-just annoyances."

Chiropractic Care: Benefits Beyond the Back

Spinal manipulation is a helpful element of ongoing pain treatment for many. Learn what to expect from your visit to the chiropractor.

6 Simple Tips for a Better Day

Improve your mood (and your health while you're at it!) with these helpful hints.

12 Ways to Break Out of a Bad Mood...Fast!

These simple tips will help you clear away the clouds to let the sunshine in again.

Can Overthinking Lead to Depression?

Stop the replays and hit "pause". Ruminating over a problem may lead to an even bigger one: depression.

8 Ways to Access Low-Cost Counseling Services

Therapy can be an effective tool when coping with difficult situations, but many insurances plans don't cover mental health services, or they require expensive co-pays. Here are some ways to find affordable treatment.

Neurofeedback Therapy for Bipolar Disorder

With this therapy, brain waves are "trained" to keep mood more stable.

How Blood Sugar Affects Your Mood

Don't let your blood sugar swings result in mood swings. Use these preventative tips to keep an even keel.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Myths and Truths

With so many stigmas surrounding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), it's especially important to separate fiction from fact.

Can Worrying Lead to PTSD?

In small doses, worrying can keep you in check. But in excess, it can be downright debilitating.

Bipolar Disorder: What's Normal, What's Not?

Here's how to measure normal daily emotions against mania and depression.

Could Ketamine Treat Depression?

Discovering new treatments for mental health diseases is a complicated endeavor with plenty of dead ends. Sometimes, however, an impractical finding opens the door to new possibilities.

Ho'oponopono: The Hawaiian Secret to Happiness

In a time of high-tech medicine, can a simple technique involving nothing more than the power of your own mind be the key to health and happiness?

Dysthymia: The Other Depression

Dysthymia is a depressive condition that isn t quite as severe as full-blown depression, but lasts longer and can affect your life in many of the same ways.

The Emotional Benefits of Mindful Breathing

Paying attention to your breath could put you on the fast track to stress relief.

Are You Neurotic?

While some symptoms of neurotic behavior are natural, displaying too many could have a negative effect on your relationships.

Phobias: Who Has Them and Why?

There are five main categories of intense, unrealistic fears about certain things and situations.

Signs Your Loved One Has Bipolar Disorder

While bipolar disorder symptoms are similar to signs of regular depression, they are more likely to involve irritability, guilt, unpredictable mood swings.

Women, Men, and Depression

Depression affects both men and women. But there are key difference in their symptoms.

Feng Shui Your Way to a Better Mood

Making small, inexpensive changes to your personal environment can go a long way toward improving your quality of life.

Dealing With Regret and Remorse

New research reveals that how you handle such emotions can make a big difference in your well-being.

Adult ADHD: 3 Treatment Options

Combining education, medication, and psychotherapy shows promise.

Living With Invisible Pain

You look well. What are the challenges when you feel anything but on the inside?

Key Depression Risks as You Age

Depression is not a normal part of aging, but it is common. Be aware of these triggers.

How to Avoid Holiday Anxiety

Prevent feeling overcome by the season of stress with these tips.

When to Seek Help for Anxiety

Some anxiety is healthy. But these signs mean it's time to get support.

Eccentric or Mental Health Issue?

Distinguish the signs of mental illness from other behaviors that may seem odd.

Stress Solutions From Head to Toe

You probably already know that stress can have a big impact on your health. Here's how to release and let go for the sake of your health.

Would You Try Hypnosis for Anxiety?

It's more than just a party trick. Hypnosis has been shown to deliver real mental health benefits for some.

How to Find Mental Health Resources for a Loved One

If someone you care about is struggling with depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition, helping them find the support they need can be frustrating, complicated, and necessary.

Is Depression Hereditary?

By looking at patterns of mental illness in families with twins and those who have experienced trauma, researchers have uncovered new answers.

Is Depression a Looming Crisis for Baby Boomers?

Statistics paint a worrisome picture when it comes to aging Americans and mental illnesses like depression.

Pain Medication Addiction: Have You Crossed the Line?

This medication can be a blessing and a curse. Here's how to tell if you, or a loved one, have crossed the line into addiction.

Your Adult Child With Disabilities: A Caregiving Guide

Here's how to find helpful resources and know the right questions to ask.

Depression Doubters: How to Deal With Non-Believers

Your condition is real. Here's what to say and do when people say your depression is "all in your head."

Back Pain Could Be a Sign of Depression

One startling example of the mind-body connection is the link between back pain and depression.

Could Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs Also Prevent Depression?

Commonly used to prevent coronary heart disease, statins may also lower the risk of major depression.

How Does Anxiety Differ for Women and Men?

When it comes to mental health disorders such as anxiety, there are big differences between the genders.

The Link Between Peripheral Artery Disease and Depression

Psychosocial factors like stress and depression can have an adverse effect on cardiac health. Here's what you can do.

Can Loneliness Be Deadly for the Elderly?

It's a real and hidden danger among the older generation. Here are ways to combat isolation.

Could a Blood Test Reveal Depression?

Typically diagnosed based on questions and answers, it's possible that the blood holds the truth about who is depressed.

Why Sleep Apnea Can Be a Road to Depression

This sleep disorder can do more than interrupt your rest.

A Depression Treatment Now Used for Pain

Typically a treatment for patients suffering from depression, transcranial direct current stimulation shows benefits for those coping with chronic pain.

Why Does Time Outside Boost Your Mood?

It's now a proven fact. Being in and around nature makes people feel good.

How Is Mental Illness Tested and Diagnosed?

How do doctors measure and diagnose conditions from anxiety to personality disorders, especially when there is more than one condition involved?

Even a Good Job Can Cause Depression

There's no debating the stress of some jobs. But even enjoyable work can encourage mood disorders.

Dealing With Mental Health Issues During a Financial Downturn

Learn how to keep your head up during these frightening economic times.

Health by the Numbers: Depression

For millions of Americans, depression is more than just a bout with "the blues"; it's a serious psychiatric disorder. Here's a look at the disease by the numbers.

Don't Let Work Stress Cause You to Overeat

Stress can stir up an emotional appetite that can lead to overeating. The best solution is to find something other than food to take the edge off.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Stress and bipolar disorder go hand in hand; each can trigger and exacerbate the other. What are the basics behind this mental health condition?

Help Your Teen Cope With Anxiety

As many as 25 percent of teens suffer from a form of anxiety. Use these tips to help your child cope.

Grow a Therapeutic Garden in Your Yard or Window Box

Boost your well-being with a fragrance garden. It's easy to grow therapeutic herbs and flowers with these tips.

How Grief Affects the Body

Not only is it emotionally painful, grief takes a toll on your physical health as well.

Why Do Headaches and Depression Go Together?

People who live with depression often also suffer from headaches. What's the link?

Psychotherapy: The Myths and the Facts

Strip away the stigma and misconceptions. Here are four common myths debunked.

Antidepressant Fears and Facts

What are common concerns about these highly-prescribed drugs?

What Can Aromatherapy Do for You?

Here's how certain natural scents may help improve your health and overall state of mind.

Should Your Broken Heart Be Treated Medically?

Broken Heart Syndrome can be harmful to your mind and body, and it can be treated.

Understanding Depression

Get the real story on America's most prevalent mental illness from symptoms and diagnosis to treatment.

8 Ways to Prevent Manic Episodes

Follow these tips to help reduce the likelihood of a manic episode.

Are You in a Toxic Relationship?

Learn how to spot the warning signs and break the vicious cycle.

Are You a Perfectionist?

Get the top eight signs, and learn how to break the cycle.

Depression in Older Adults

It's common for seniors to experience sadness and grief, but when these feelings are persistent, they may be a sign of depression.

Can You Really Learn to Forgive and Forget?

You've probably heard you should "forgive and forget." But new research shows old standard is flawed logic. Here's a better way to process your emotions.

7 Tips to Prevent Depression Relapse

Although depression is treatable, some patients, especially those with more severe cases, can suffer a relapse.

Is It Alzheimer's?

Caregiving expert Jackie Pinkowitz discusses the difference between age-related memory problems and Alzheimer's disease.

Bipolar Disorder: One Man's Story

An estimated 5.7 million Americans suffer from bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression. Here's one man's story of despair, diagnosis, treatment, and hope.

Caring for Loved Ones Is More Rewarding Than Expected

Study shows that preparedness makes all the difference when it comes to caregiving.

Full Spectrum: Bipolar Disorder

Not so black and white: study concludes bipolar disease is more of a spectrum disorder.

Nap the Right Way for Emotional Healing

Studies demonstrate that proper napping techniques can relax your mind and focus your thoughts. What's the right way to catch some z's?

What Do Your Dreams Say About Your Personality?

Strange, wild, passionate, frightening. Your dreams may provide insight into who you really are.

Finding the Emotional Benefits in Adversity

Persevering through trying times may have long-term benefits, new research suggests. What can you reap from life's difficulties?

How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Can Treat Pain

Mind over matter: You've heard it so many times, it may seem meaningless. But new research shows how emotional therapy helps to make pain symptoms easier to bear.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder: Could Your Child Have This?

While some disobedience is a normal part of a child's development, overly troubling behavior is not. Watch out for these signs.

How Pets Can Help Your Chronic Pain Symptoms

Bringing a pet into your home is a big commitment, but it can come with serious rewards including a potential reduction of your pain.

Emotional Benefits of Being a Working Mom

Balancing office and home life can create conflicts between demands and stress from both sides. But there may also be healthy benefits to working outside the home.

Treating OCD and ADD With Medicinal Marijuana

What do the experts say about using medicinal marijuana to alleviate symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD)?

5 Tips to Combat Depression-Related Lethargy

Depression related lethargy is frustrating and can interfere in your daily activities. Here are simple steps you can take to lessen the impact.

How to Combat Pain-Related Depression

Chronic pain doesn't just affect your body but your emotions as well. In fact nearly 30 percent of pain patients suffer from depression.

How Genetics Affects Your Decision Making

Neuroeconomics, a relatively new branch of science, is slowly unraveling how specific gene variations influence how we make decisions. Read on to find out how your may be affected.

Depression and Physical Insecurities: How to Cope and Overcome

In a society obsessed with beauty, most of us don't want to stand out because of our appearance. Whether you have a physical deformity, or are just unhappy with some aspect of how you look, follow these tips to work toward better quality of life.

Caffeine and Depression: Does It Help or Does It Hurt?

For many adults, there's nothing like a good, hot cup of coffee to get you going in the morning. Few people, however, know the profound effect caffeine has on their mood.

Asthma and Depression: It's Not Just in Your Head

It's normal to feel sad every once in a while, but if you have asthma and you find yourself struggling with depression on a regular basis, you could be one of the many people who find that these two conditions are difficult to separate.

Why You Should Get Along With Coworkers

A recent study provides more evidence for what most of us know intuitively--getting along with people at work is good for you. The study reports that having a positive relationship with coworkers has long-term mental and physical health benefits.

Is Sleep Loss Leaving You Depressed?

Several studies have shown that lack of sleep has a profound effect on your mental well-being and that, for some people, chronic insomnia increases the risk of developing a psychological disorder such as depression or anxiety.

I've starting taking care of my ailing mom, and it's taking a toll on my marriage. How can I find a balance?

If you are a caregiver to a family member, it's not selfish to want to tend to your own needs and whims.

Overcoming the Depression Stigma

Despite the prevalence of mental health disorders and society's increasing awareness of them, stigmas about mental illness persist. Follow these tips to get past the misnomers.

Why Men Have Difficulty Discussing Their Problems

A new observational study uncovered why men seem to struggle when it comes to talking about their problems. Read on to get the scoop.

How to Cope With the Loss of a Pet

A study conducted at the University of Hawaii's animal science department of 106 pet owners found that almost a third experienced grief that lasted six months or more after their pet's death. Twelve percent reported that their grief caused major disruptions in their lives.

Is Depression Inevitable During Old Age?

Depression is particularly prevalent and overlooked in older adults. Despite the high incidence among seniors, it's definitely not a normal part of aging.

Do You Have Diabetes and Smoke? Read This

It's a life-threatening habit for anyone, but for individuals with diabetes, smoking is even more lethal and could be tied to another dangerous condition.

Depression Fallout: Managing Depression in Your Relationship

If you're the partner of someone who is depressed, it can take a toll on your relationship and your own mental health. Here, a guide to keeping your relationship intact in the face of mental illness.

Could You Be in a Codependent Relationship?

A healthy dependency is a two-way relationship; both parties contribute to it in positive ways. A codependent relationship, in contrast, is an unhealthy, dysfunctional, perhaps even abusive, one-sided relationship.

How to Handle National Grief

Here are tips for working through grief in a healthy way when it involves an entire community.

Suspect a Loved One Is Suicidal? 6 Essential Steps

Being confronted with a loved one who is considering suicide is frightening and distressing, and you may be at a loss as to what to do. By responding with these six steps, you might actually save someone's life.

The Link Between Your Relationship and Your Health

Research shows that people in stable, supportive marriages are generally mentally and physically healthier than couples in relationships fraught with conflict.

Learning to Cope After the Death of a Child

Everyone copes with loss in his or her own way. If you've lost a child, you can find a multitude of organizations, books, blogs, and support groups to help you. Behind them all, you'll find parents who have also suffered the same loss.

The Link Between the State of the Economy and Suicide Rates

During the Great Depression, suicide rates hit their highest level ever, increasing almost 23 percent over the four years of the depression. Since then, suicide rates have consistently risen during times of economic downturns.

Hugging, Touching, Kissing: The Key to Happiness?

Sure, there may be a laundry list of activities that make you happy, but when it comes to reconnecting with your partner, these are key (and the reason is chemical).

The Emotional Toll of Social Networking

Some mental health experts believe social networking can increase stress and anxiety, and they've have even coined names to describe this phenomenon, such as Social Media Anxiety, Social Networking Anxiety, and Facebook Depression.

Can Sunshine Make You Depressed?

Does summertime make you sad? While most people welcome the warm weather, long days, and opportunities for outdoor activities, a small percent of the population feels depressed instead.

Is It OCD or Something Else?

One of the challenges in diagnosing mental health disorders is that symptoms of different diseases tend to overlap. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) are two related conditions that are easy to confuse.

The Truth About Cyber Support Groups

While talking to a trained mental health professional can be invaluable for many patients, nothing compares to talking to others who are going through the same experience. But can the Internet substitute quality interpersonal dialogue?

How to Adjust to Life Without Antidepressants

Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed medication in the country, so mental health experts are trying to understand if, when, and how patients should cease taking them. Here, a guide to the transition to life without depression medication.

How Your Work Schedule Affects Your Mood

Work in the United States has become a 24-hour phenomenon. Working irregular hours may also lead to a condition characterized by insomnia, excessive sleepiness during work, difficulties concentrating, headaches, and lack of energy.

How Depression Affects Your Sleep

Although a few short nights can make us cranky and irritable, generally our mood returns to normal once we've resumed our regular sleeping routine. For individuals who struggle with depression, however, insomnia can be a chronic problem.

Could the Alexander Technique Work for You?

Is it possible that your pain is caused by the way you walk and sit? If so, the Alexander Technique might be for you.

Don't Let Chronic Pain Result in Social Isolation

When it hurts to be active, it's hard to stay connected. Read on to break free from pain's captivity.

How to Manage Your Chronic Illness-Related Depression

Depression is one of the most common complications in people with chronic illness, occurring in up to one-third of chronically ill patients. Learn how to manage your symptoms with these tips.

The Link between Mom's Symptoms and Her Child's Depression

Having children is an exciting, rewarding experience for most parents. For women suffering from depression, however, parenting is especially difficult and untreated depression can have long-lasting effects on their children.

Could You Be a Hoarder and Not Know It?

The topic of hoarding might make good fodder for TV program ratings and mindless entertainment for viewers. But it's a real problem that affects real people. Is it possible that you're among the 15 million who suffer from it?

Could You Be Too Sensitive?

Being sensitive can be an admirable trait. However, if you're highly affected by other people's moods and actions, you could be too sensitive.

Exercise Away Your Panic Attacks

You know physical activity is good for you, and that lack of exercise is associated with negative physical and mental outcomes. However, did you know exercise is also an effective way to stop a panic attack in its tracks?

Let It Out: Healthy Ways to Express Anger

Sure, expressing your emotions in positive ways can be a challenge, but keeping them bottled up is likely to lead to an explosion down the road.

Could You Have Borderline Personality Disorder?

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe and chronic mental health condition that disrupts a person's ability to regulate their emotions. Read on to get the comprehensive information you need to navigate the condition.

4 Avoidable Depression Complications

Mental health disorders such as depression permeate every aspect of your life, and may cause a multitude of other complications, some of which are even life threatening. Most, however, are easily avoided.

Mood Disorders: Are They Caused by Vitamin Deficiencies?

Vitamins play a critical role in mental health. And insufficient intake of certain vitamins have been linked to mood disorders. So, which deficiency is resulting in your symptoms? Find out here.

Could You Have Treatment-Resistant Depression?

While medication generally provides significant relief from depression, many patients find their symptoms persist. A variety of factors can contribute to treatment-resistant depression; however, with a bit of know-how, you can find a treatment regimen that works.

Can Music Help Treat Emotional Pain?

Using music as a tool to heal dates back to Aristotle and Plato. But can the right tunes address modern day emotional woes? Read on to find out.

5 Myths about Panic Disorders

Panic attacks are frightening and disruptive enough, and you don't need the additional stress of worrying about whether common misconceptions about panic disorders are true.

The Link between Chronic Pain and Obesity

Chronic pain and obesity are epidemics in the United States and new research is shedding some light on why. A new study that obesity and pain are also linked to each other as well as other conditions.

Could You Have Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Do you tend to worry too much about everyday things, even when there's no real reason for worry? Do you have trouble relaxing, concentrating, or sleeping? Are you plagued with unexplained aches and pains? If you answered yes, you may be suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

What's to Blame for Your Bad Habits?

If you've struggled with giving up a bad habit, or trying to create a new one, don't be too hard on yourself; it's not a personal weakness or lack of self-control. Turns out, there's a whole science behind habit formation.

The Expert's Take: "Cluster A" Personality Disorders

Does a loved one suffer from a Cluster A Personality Disorder? If so, coping with his actions may not always be easy. Here, a guide to help you understand and cope with the condition.

Take a Deep Breath: How Breathing Can Remedy Anxiety

Have you ever stopped to take a deep breath (or two or three) in the midst of an anxiety-provoking situation? That s a smart move. Breathing is an effective way to tame the symptoms of anxiety.

7 Ways to Ensure You're Getting the Help You Need

Appropriate treatment not only makes you feel better and improves the quality of your life, it helps prevent a relapse in the future. Read on for 7 tips to guarantee you're receiving the treatment you need.

How to Prevent Lapses in Judgment

Has your unconscious come to surface and forced you into a sticky, embarrassing situation? If so, worry not. There are ways to bounce back.

What Has the Biggest Impact on Your Happiness?

What's the key to happiness? While some believe it's a genetic trait shared by a lucky few, recent studies find that true happiness comes as a result of the choices we make.

Are Eating Disorders Genetic?

Genetics play a significant role in mental health disorders. Individuals who have one or more family members with a mental health disease are more likely to develop a brain disorder than those without a family history. This link holds true for eating disorders as well.

An Expert Overview on Personality Disorders

Personality is a combination of thoughts and behaviors that are unique to each individual. It is the way everyone views the world and yourself. In general, individuals with personality disorders have different perceptions of life and thought processes.

7 Tips to Control Your Mood When You're in Pain

Mood and pain are strongly connected. We've got tips for how to control mood when you're in pain.

Can Quitting Smoking Help Treat Depression?

In fact, a new study found an inverse relationship over time between quitting smoking and a reduction in depressive symptoms.

Treat Depression and Lose Weight

While it's difficult to determine the exact reason, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: Treating depression helps patients lose weight.

Why Allergies Can Increase Suicide Risk

Every once in a while, allergy symptoms can be overwhelmingly intolerable. But can it be so intolerable that thoughts of suicide emerge?

5 Tips for Managing Your Bipolar Triggers

You can minimize a bipolar episode and maintain some control over your life with a bit of planning and being aware of your environment. Here are a few suggestions for managing your bipolar triggers.

Overlooked Antidepressant Risks for Seniors

There's no question that antidepressants can be a tremendous help to depressed seniors. However, antidepressants, in combination with other medications, can cause adverse reactions, or drug-drug interactions.

Could You Have Selective Eating Disorder?

The National Eating Disorders Association estimates that about 10 million people in the U.S. suffer from eating disorders.

Are Relationships Key to Happiness?

New research studies further qualify how the quality of the relationship affects a couple s individual happiness and health.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Are You at Risk?

You may not realize that something as mundane as a car accident could put you at major risk for this disorder.

Psychodynamic Therapy for Depression

Psychodynamic therapy is one of the oldest forms of psychological treatment, and one that some psychologists and social workers still use

Could Light Therapy Cure Seasonal Affective Disorder?

If you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), there may be a way to ease your symptoms.

6 Ways to Make This New Year's Eve a Cheerful One

Although many people enjoy New Year's Eve parties and festivities, if you find them a bit depressing, you're not alone. New Year's doesn't have to be a dreary occasion, however. Here are a few ideas to tip the scales and make this New Year's Eve a cheerful one.

6 Ways to Cope with Painful Holiday Memories

The holidays can be a happy, joy-filled time. However, if painful memories make you wish you could sleep until after New Year's, you are not alone.

4 Tips for Caring for a Depressed Senior

Have you noticed changes in your aging parent or another elderly adult you care for? It may be depression. Depression in seniors is prevalent and often overlooked.

Feeling Blue? Vitamin C May Be For You

You may be able to change your frame of mind by eating foods that are rich in vitamin C.

Overcoming Family Issues for Bipolar Parents

Parenting certainly has challenges. So when a parent has a mental illness such as bipolar disorder, it adds another whole dimension to the family dynamics.

How Anxiety Affects Your Pain Symptoms

Many patients report pain several months or more after having surgery and scientists are developing clues as to why. Several studies have focused on understanding the interlinking roles of genetics, anxiety and pain.

Can You Turn Stress into a Good Thing?

Stress is inevitable and, although it generally gets a bad rap, sometimes stress can actually be a good thing.

Could Magnet Treatment Cure Depression?

There's a potential new treatment for depression that is showing promising results in studies and clinical trials, especially for patients who don't respond to traditional therapy.

Which Therapy is Best for Substance Abuse Treatment?

Psychotherapy is noted to be very beneficial for individuals struggling with substance abuse. The delivery model can be individual or group.

How Testosterone Affects Your Mood

We generally equate testosterone with male characteristics, such as a deep voice and facial hair. However, testosterone is responsible for a host of other body functions and may even affect a man s mood.

Sleep Deprivation and Teen Depression

If your teenager seems depressed, the problem could be in the bedroom.

Be a Better Spouse for a Depressed Partner

Considering how prevalent depression is, it s not surprising that many marriages have at least one spouse who suffers from depression. Over time, untreated depression can really take a toll on relationships.

10 Ways to Live 10 Years Younger

These simple strategies can knock a whole decade off of your outlook so you'll feel 10 years younger.

Don't Let Depression Ruin Your Sex Life

People with depression typically lose interest in many activities they once enjoyed, including sex. This can significantly reduce their quality of life. Because many patients are reluctant to discuss sexual problems with their physician, the problem often goes unidentified and untreated.

What to Do When Allergies Get You Down

Does your mood take a sharp turn for the worse when your allergies kick in? It might not be "all in your head."

How Ragweed Allergies Can Affect Your Mood

Ragweed allergies can consist of never ending itchiness and a terrible time of coughing and sneezing. But did you know it can also depress you?

The Dangers of Being Cynical

Do you believe that most people will tell a lie if they think they can gain by it? If you answered yes to this question, chances are you have a bit of a cynical streak.

The Link Between Depression and Diabetes

Overwhelmed with sadness? You should know diabetes sufferers have higher rates of depression.

Got a Problem? Sleep on It

Remember the last time you noodled over a problem but didn't arrive at a suitable solution? Chances are, you put it out of your mind and told yourself you d sleep on it, only to wake the next day with the answer.

Are You Paranoid or Just Cautious?

Do you or does someone you know feel distrustful of others, suspecting their motives and finding hidden meanings in their comments? This persistent and unfounded mistrust is the cornerstone of paranoia disorders.

Are You Really Suffering from Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, a debilitating mood disorder, is often misdiagnosed, delaying appropriate treatment and even increasing the severity of a patient s illness.

Don't Let Stress Compromise Your Oral Health

If you need another reason to convince you it s important to manage stress, here s one you might not expect: stress takes a toll on your teeth and gums and can cause long-term damage and subsequent oral health problems.

6 Steps to Manage Your Anger

Anger is a normal emotion and a natural response to real or perceived threats. Angry feelings can range from mild irritation to intense rage. When anger is felt too intensely, too frequently, or expressed inappropriately, it becomes a problem.

How can I feel happier?

Don t let your moods get the better of you. Here are some ways to increase your feelings of happiness.

Keeping Your Cool in a Negative Work Environment

A study of the effect of work environment on employee mental health found that a negative environment, defined in the study as poor team climate, was significantly associated with depressive disorders and antidepressant use.

Do Supplements Really Promote Mental Health?

For every news report touting the mental or physical health benefits of a supplement, there is another discrediting it, or, worse, warning that it is dangerous. With so many conflicting reports and persuasive marketing promotions, how do you know if what you read is true or just hype?

How to Trick Yourself into a Better Mood

Believe it or not, there s scientific evidence that forcing a smile, even when you don t feel like smiling, can really change your mood for the better.

The Link between the Media and Substance Abuse

Research has demonstrated that substance abuse (illicit drugs, alcohol and tobacco) is one of the most serious health problems in the nation. Here, the role the media plays in our understanding of substance abuse.

Could Phone Therapy Work for Depression?

There is good news for these patients: a new study shows that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) by phone seems to provide the same therapeutic benefits.

What to Do if You Wake-Up with a Panic Attack

A panic attack can happen anytime even when you re sleeping.

Bipolar? How to Better Handle Stress

For someone who has bipolar disorder, the same stressful situation that a healthy individual successfully manages can lead to a Bipolar episode. At the same time, bipolar disorder also produces stressful behavior.

Music and Massage for Anxiety

A recent study found that massage reduces anxiety to the same degree that listening to music does.

6 Strategies for Coping with Sobriety

The stigma of alcohol and substance addiction is lifting as scientists learn more about the biology behind addiction. Understanding what drives people to become addicted can help you develop strategies for staying sober.

Health Risks of Depression during Pregnancy

If you suffer from depression and plan to become pregnant, you may be understandably concerned about the effect of depression and treatment on your unborn child.

Can Acupuncture Cure Pregnancy-Related Depression?

Pregnancy is normally a time of joy and anticipation. For women who suffer from depression, it can also create confusion and concern about how antidepressant medications might affect their baby s health. Fortunately, acupuncture may be a good alternative for treating pregnancy-related depression.

The Link Between Your Blood Sugar and Your Mood

Irritable? Sleepy? Confused? Your feelings are closely tied to your blood sugar.

Breast Cancer and Depression: Two Habits That Help

Unfortunately, there is a link between breast cancer and depression. In fact, about 25 percent of women with breast cancer suffer from significant depression.

Is Stress Causing Your Insomnia?

We all experience the occasional night where we can t seem to fall asleep or we toss and turn all night. It s frustrating, but generally, not detrimental. However, chronic insomnia can be harmful to our health, and stress is often the behind-the-scenes culprit.

Personality Type and Work Stress

You've seen him or her at work: aggressive, racing against the clock, competitive, always multitasking. The typical type A personality type. Recently, experts have examined whether personality type plays a role in workplace stress. They found personality type did, and didn't, correlate to stress.

Men and Depression: Overcoming the Stigma

About six million men in the United States suffer from depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. While the stigma of mental health disorders is fading, some men are still reluctant to talk about, or seek help for, depression.

Coping with Sadness after a Major Loss

It's important to recognize that all these emotions are normal and to understand that working through them is vital to your mental health.

Coping Skills: When a Loved One Self-Medicates

It s difficult to watch someone you care about hurting. Here are a few tips to help you cope when a loved one is self-medicating.

The Link Between Depression and Obesity

In yet another example of the inseparable link between mental and physical health, medical experts are noting the increase in depression among people who are obese, especially as they age.

Bipolar Disorder: Making Relationships Work

Every marriage has challenges even among the most healthy, well-adjusted adults. When you add a mental health condition such as bipolar disorder into the mix, it can really strain a relationship. If you or your significant other has bipolar disorder, you can still make your relationship work.

Kava for Anxiety

Many people suffering from depression or anxiety seek alternative treatments such as herbal remedies. The root of the Kava plant is an example of an herb used to treat anxiety disorders.

What to Do If You're Having a Panic Attack

Breathe. Relax. Bring yourself back to awareness. Follow these three key steps so you can begin to gain control again.

Could You Have OCD?

As its name implies, individuals with this mental health disorder alternate between obsessive thoughts and behaviors, and compulsive rituals to try to control the obsessions. This cycle is disruptive and causes stress and anxiety. In many cases, OCD interferes in an individual s ability to engage in work, school or other daily activities. Approximately 2.2 million Americans suffer from OCD.

Love, Passion, and Depression

Forensic psychologist Debra Warner explains how love and passion can give way to depression and how you can negotiate a balance between your relationship and your emotions.

Should You Stay on Your Antidepressants?

If you're prescribed antidepressants, you may have a few questions concerning how long you should keep taking them. Here, the answers to your most pertinent questions.

Anxiety and Life Changes

We all know that little saying, "the only constant in life is change?" Well for those who suffer from anxiety, change can be a big problem.

The Dangers of Self-Medicating

Sometimes you know what you need to feel better and other times you think you know. Find out when you need to rethink you treatment habits.

One of my family members seems to be severely depressed. What could/should I do if anything at all?

Forensic psychologist Debra Warner answers a reader's question about how to help a loved one that suffers from severe depression.

The Benefits of Optimism

After more than a half century, publishers are re-releasing the landmark book, The Power of Positive Thinking, by Norman Vincent Peale. Is the idea of positive thinking just a great topic for selling books, or does it really improve your mental well being, especially when it comes to depression?

Coping with Loneliness

Studies show increased loneliness in America. Find out how to cope with loneliness through 7 healthy strategies.

Are You Anxious All the Time? 10 Tips for Relief

While it's normal to feel anxious from time to time, if you have ongoing anxiety that's interfering with your work, relationships, and daily activities, it's time to do something about it. Try out 10 tips to get relief.

Expert Advice: Pregnancy and Depression

Postpartum depression is a common, and troublesome, occurrence. Psychologist Debra Warner explores the issue in her weekly column.

When Does Depression Peak?

Research shows that we are most likely to feel depressed when we reach middle age.

Conduct Disorder and Your Child

Almost five percent of all American children are diagnosed with this disruptive disorder.

Holiday Recovery: Keep Post-Holiday Happiness Alive

What happens after the presents are opened, the eggnog is finished, and all the relatives have gone? You don t have to lose yourself to the post-holiday blues this year. Try out some proven strategies to keep post-holiday happiness alive.

Social Factors for LGBT Youth

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) youth face distinct challenges both in school and out. It is important for parents and educators to understand the high levels of stress that LGBT youth feel and to be able to recognize warning signs associated with that stress.

Should You Use Antidepressants?

Antidepressants are a common choice of treatment for adults with moderate to severe depression. Studies show that although antidepressants may not cure depression, they can reduce depression symptoms. But are antidepressants right for you?

Share Your Story. Become a Health Hero.

Have you or a loved one survived a life-threatening disease? Are you currently struggling with depression, chronic pain, heart disease, or other health-related condition? Have you gone to extraordinary lengths to help someone in a health crisis? If so, we want to hear from you!

10 Natural Stressbusters

Stress affects millions of people in the US every year. If untreated, stress can cause serious health problems and speed-up the aging process. Health professionals encourage patients to integrate natural stress busters into their daily routine to reduce stress and improve their quality of life.

Can Keeping a Routine Help Control Bipolar Symptoms?

Studies show a daily routine may make a big difference for people with bipolar disorder.

10 Simple Mood-Lifting Tips

If you are depressed, antidepressants aren t the only solution.

Seasonal Affective Disorder: Is Tanning a Good Idea?

Health professionals warn against using tanning beds or booths to relieve seasonal affective disorder symptoms.

Depression and Shopping: Does "Retail Therapy" Exist?

Shopping to cope with depression may provide temporary relief, while causing long-lasting damage to your health and finances.

Depression Dulls Brain s Pleasure Center

New treatment for depression may be possible based on study that shows how this mood disorder affects areas of brain involved in pleasure.

Wednesday: The Deadliest Day for Suicide

New study marks Wednesday as the most likely day for people to attempt suicide.

Job Stress and Depression

Stress at work is linked to depression which can increase absenteeism and affect your income. Learn how to recognize the symptoms and how to reduce stress in your workplace.

Asthma and Suicide: Is There a Link?

New research has made critical correlations between asthmatics and suicide risk.

How to Become a More Positive Thinker

You have the power to change your attitude for the better.

Managing Long Term Depression

Here s what to do if your depression feels like it just won t go away.

Recently Diagnosed with Depression? Next Steps to Take

Coping with a diagnosis of depression could certainly be difficult. Here, tips to get you moving in the right direction.

What Your Kids May Ask About Depression

Your children may find it hard to understand this complex condition. Here, tips to help you answer their questions.

Depression and Crohn s Disease

Depression--it s not all in your head and it does matter.

Asthma and Other Health Conditions

It's bad enough that you have asthma, but to make matters worse, do you also have to suffer from a variety of other illnesses?

The Truth About Antidepressants and Sexual Dysfunction

It's a frustrating fact that the very medications people take to help lift their mood can also create distress by causing sexual difficulties.

The Link Between Chronic Stress and Depression

Learn how these two conditions are connected and what you can do combat them.

The Truth About Antidepressants and Weight Gain

Learn more about the link between the two.

Caffeine May Make Depression Worse

Learn more about caffeine's effect on your state of mind.

Could Your Child Be Depressed?

Learn what steps you can take when it comes to diagnosis and treatment.

Could Low Vitamin D Levels Be Causing Your Depression?

Find out how more D in your diet can help your mental health.

Breathing to Relieve Depression

Some simple exercises can bring about inner peace and tranquility.

The Facts About Workplace Depression

More than 200 million days of work are missed each year due to employee depression. Get the whole story here.

Understanding Depression in Men

The disease can wear a very different face on men than it does on women.

Take a Pill or Talk it Out?

When it comes to treating depression, is there a better option?

The Cities That Will Bring You Down

If you re thinking of moving, these cities might not be the best for your mood.

Seniors and Depression

From causes to treatments, learn more about this common problem.

Natural Remedies for Depression

Some simple lifestyle changes can significantly improve your mood.

4 Diets That Bring You Down

We all feel a little bummed from time to time, but could your diet be the cause? Find out here.

6 Signs You're a Shopaholic

Find out how to control your excessive spending.

Are You Obsessed With Revenge?

When you've been wronged, can you forgive and forget, or do you need to exact revenge?

Back Pain and Depression: What's the Link?

Feelings of depression are significantly more common in people with chronic back pain. Find out more about how to manage your pain and your emotions.

How to Bounce Back From Embarrassment

A sense of humor and perspective can help you maintain your dignity—even in the most humiliating circumstances.

Is There Really Such a Thing as a Broken Heart?

As it turns out, heartbreak may be more than just a metaphor.

The Different Types of Bipolar Disease

Bipolar disorder represents not a single disease, but a spectrum of disorders. Learn about the most common forms.

10 Ways to Stop Worrying

Everyone worries from time to time, but too much worrying can affect your health. Here, 10 ways to stop stressing.

Dispelling the Top 10 Depression Myths

Nearly 7 percent of Americans suffer from depression, but the disease is often misunderstood. Here, we separate fact from fiction.

Are You Emotionally Intelligent?

An ever-growing topic among psychologists, emotional intelligence can play a significant role in your job, your relationships, and your own self-worth.

5 Ways to Boost Your Body Image

The way you view your body can affect your health. Follow these tips for an instant body-image boost.

The 10 Most Depressing Jobs

A national survey recently examined 21 major occupational categories and found that people who change diapers, tend to the elderly, and wait tables have the highest rates of depression, while the lowest rates occur among engineers, architects, and surveyors.

Beating the Holiday Blues: Understanding SAD

An estimated 10 million Americans, or about 6 percent of the U.S. population, experience these feelings in their most extreme form--a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

The Top 5 Schizophrenia Myths

Schizophrenia affects millions of Americans, but the illness and its causes are often misunderstood. Here, we dispel the disease's most common myths.

What Causes Schizophrenia?

Research points to a complex combination of known factors.

Can a Pet Boost Your Health?

According to some researchers, a four-legged friend can add years to your life.
Advertisement