DEPRESSION - MyHope

Complimentary and Alternative Medicine

Overview Complimentary and Alternative Medicine or CAM is a group of healthcare practices and products that are are not currently considered to be part of modern, Western medicine. The word ‘complementary’ describes a treatment that is used ‘in addition to’ and ‘alternative’ describes a treatment that is used ‘instead of’ conventional treatment. Thus, CAM treatments […]

Behavioral Activation (BA)

Overview Behavioral Activation (BA) is an effective psychotherapy for the treatment of depression. Sometimes depression can become a vicious cycle where people stop doing things or being social because of their depressive symptoms, which in turn, worsens the depression because people become may become isolated and miss out on fun opportunities. BA is based on […]

Depression: SSRI

Overview. Selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed medications for depression. The name “selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor” indicates how the medicine works in the brain by altering serotonin, one of the brains naturally occurring chemical messengers. SSRIs attach to cells in the brain in a way that interferes with the cell’s ability to vacuum […]

Depression: Societal Impact

Overview. For many people, it is most easily apparent that depression is an important problem because of the personal suffering that it can inflict on those who experience it. And, indeed, the personal suffering depression causes is troubling. In addition to this suffering, depression also has important impacts on society-at-large. Due to the high prevalence […]

Depression: Prevalence

Overview. Although it may be surprising to many people, forms of depression are among some of the most common health conditions out there. Major Depressive Disorder is the most commonly diagnosed form of depression. Because of the frequency with which it is seen, depression is sometimes nicknamed the “common cold” of mental health. However, this […]

Depression Comorbidities – Somatic Symptoms

Overview Depression and somatic symptoms often go hand-in-hand. Somatic symptoms are symptoms that affect the body as opposed to symptoms that affect the mind. Some examples of somatic symptoms include changes in appetite, low energy, fatigue, low sex drive, dizziness, headaches, back pain, and belly problems. If healthcare providers cannot identify underlying psychological or physical […]

Depression Comorbidities – Anxiety

Problems with anxiety commonly occur in people with depression. Up to 60% of people who experience clinical levels of depression may also have significant problems with anxiety problems at some point during their lives. What causes anxiety and depression to occur together? Part of the answer is that certain symptoms of Anxiety Disorders overlap with […]

When Is It Time to Seek Professional Help for Depression?

An important part of taking care of yourself and your family is learning to recognize early signs of depression so you can take steps to prevent symptoms from turning into larger problems. There are 9 symptoms of depression . There are also additional “warning signs” that someone might be experiencing difficulties that could lead to […]

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, a serious mood disorder

Depression (major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks. Some forms of depression are slightly […]

7 Ways to Short-Circuit Chronic Stress

Pretend you’re a zebra enjoying the hot African savannah. A lion is approaching. You shift into high gear and run for your life. That’s what stress was designed to do: get you out of immediate danger. But what if you’re not a zebra. Week after week you’re worried about losing your job, or getting older, […]

Manage Bipolar Disorder Through Mindfulness

Dramatic shifts in mood and energy can create havoc in the lives of those with bipolar disorder. It can be tough to hold down a job, manage everyday responsibilities, manage symptoms and maintain relationships, even if you’re taking medications or involved in therapy. That’s what prompted William Marchand, MD, to explore the value of mindfulness […]