Depression: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning People
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ) people experience higher rates of depression compared to the general population (30% vs. 16%) and are less likely to receive treatment. Although many laws protecting the rights of LGBTQ people have been passed in recent years, they continue to face a high degree of societal discrimination. […]
Depression: Children and Adolescents
For some people, it is surprising to learn that depression can strike early in life. However, the numbers don’t lie—children and adolescents experience depression at about the same rate as adults. For example, about 15% of children and adolescent will experience depression in their lifetime and that number is 16% for adults (CDC). Although the […]
Depression: Helpful Resources
Several helpful resource are listed in the Self-Help section of this website. In addition, the following may be useful sources of information on depression and mental health: Informational: • National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml • National Alliance on Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Antidepressant Decision Guide: http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/ehc/products/7/10/AntidepressantsConsumerGuide.pdf • […]
Depression: Biological Causes – Genetics
If you ask someone with depression if they have a family member with a history of a depression, the answer will most likely be, “Yes.” That’s because depression tends to run in families. The question then becomes one of Nature vs. Nurture, “Does depression run in families because family have similar genes or because family […]
Depression: Substance Use Problems
Substance use problems – drinking alcohol, using drugs or misusing prescription medications in a way that interferes with a person’s daily activities – are common among people experiencing depression. Almost 1/3 of those with depression also have substance use problems and those with both depression and substance problems are at a greater risk for suicide […]
Depression: Chronic Health Conditions
There is a high rate of overlap between depression and chronic health conditions. Chronic health conditions are long-term medical problems that are influenced by lifestyle factors (e.g., diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep) and require active engagement from patients for best management. Some examples of chronic health condition symptoms are heart disease, hypertension, type II […]
Depression Causes – Trauma
Traumatic events are events in which individuals perceive the physical and/or emotional safety of themselves or loved ones to be threatened. Traumatic events can be single-events such as a serious car accident or being robbed at gunpoint. They may also be longer lasting events that unfold over weeks, months or years; for example being present […]
Depression Causes – The Interaction of Nature and Nurture
What is understood about the causes of depression is often oversimplified in popular media descriptions. In doing so, theories about people’s biological makeup or so-called “nature” and their life experiences, “nurture” may be portrayed as opposing or distinct explanations and pitted against one another. Examples of this include overemphasizing that depression is caused by particular […]
OCD: Signs and Symptoms
Obsessions or compulsions that are not due to medical illness or drug use Obsessions or compulsions that cause major distress or interfere with everyday life There are many types of obsessions and compulsions. These can be physically doing things (behaviors) or doing them in the head (mental acts). Examples include: Checking and rechecking actions (such […]
Study: Positive and instructive anti-smoking messages speak to older smokers
Background Smokers over the age of 45 are the only group with an increase in smoking prevalence, are the least likely to quit smoking, and bear most of the burden of tobacco-related disease. Research characterizing older adult perceptions of warning labels and anti-tobacco messages has not been reported in the literature. The purpose of this […]
What Are the Risks of Smoking?
The chemicals in tobacco smoke harm your heart and blood vessels in many ways. For example, they: Contribute to inflammation, which may trigger plaque buildup in your arteries. Damage blood vessel walls, making them stiff and less elastic (stretchy). This damage narrows the blood vessels and contributes to the damage caused by unhealthy cholesterol levels. […]
Selecting a Weight-Loss Program
Some people lose weight on their own; others like the support of a structured program. Overweight people who are successful at losing weight, and keeping it off, can reduce their risk factors for heart disease. If you decide to join any kind of weight-control program, here are some questions to ask before you join. Does […]