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Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder: Insights from the DSM-5

While the exact cause of SAD remains unclear, it is thought to be related to the reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter, which may affect an individual's biological clock or circadian rhythm, leading to feelings of depression.

Overcoming the Stigma of Depression to Seek Help

It's another morning with you waking up to exhaustion. You're feeling hopeless and you wonder what's wrong with you. Are you questioning whether it's just a small phase you're...

Depression and Genetics: Decoding the Risk Factors

Is it true some people are more susceptible to depression than others because of genetics? The concept continues to be studied with various factors potentially behind...

Depression and Social Media: What You Need to Know

Mental health is observed to have connections with different things in human society. One of these things is technology. Technology is an important part of our daily living...

The Effect of Depression on Eating Habits

One of the most frequently reported symptoms of depression is appetite changes, and people can either lose weight or gain weight because of this. When people are depressed...

Does Light Therapy Help Depression?

Light therapy is a relatively new form of treatment that has shown results in helping people who have depression symptoms, particularly those who struggle with seasonal...

Seasonal Depression Treatment: The Light Therapy Lamp

Seasonal depression is a mental condition that can cause severe life consequences. So, it makes sense to seek treatment if you know you have this disorder. Once you realize...

Why Hospitalize for Depression? Understanding the Reasons

When you think about treating depression symptoms, going to the hospital may not be something you think about. For some, this is a critical decision when experiencing serious...

Debunking the Myth: "Depression is Fake"

It is hard enough to deal with depression, but what can make it even more difficult is when your friends and loved ones do not understand. Even with all the new information...

Fast, Effective Ways to Relieve Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States. Over 15.7 million American adults have suffered at least one depressive episode. And it...

Depression-Related Quotes to Help You Feel Understood

If you've ever experienced depression, you know how isolating it can be. Quotes are short phrases that serve a variety of purposes, from summing up points in a way that is...

Is It Depression? Take the Questionnaire to Find Out

It can be hard to distinguish if you're feeling depression or not. Especially if you experience symptoms like emotional numbness, it might not match what you think of when you...

Food and Mood: How Diet Affects Depression

You love pasta and those warm breadsticks served on the side, and of course, you like to wash it all down with a glass of soda, but you don't always like the feeling that comes...

Helping a Friend with Depression: 13 Effective Strategies

You may have a friend or loved one who seems depressed or has been diagnosed with depression, and you aren’t sure how to reach out to them. Depression can be a touchy subject...

What is Depressed Affect?

According to the Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders, affect is seen as a psychological term to imply “an observable expression of emotion." Descriptively, a person's affect...

The Link Between Nicotine and Depression

Have you ever noticed you or someone you know smoking or vaping more during depression? What’s that about? Researchers are just beginning to explore the connection between...

13 Reasons for Rising Rates of Depression

Depression can affect anyone, regardless of their age, race, or economic condition. Although depression is prevalent, especially in teenagers, some people experience...

Is There a Link Between Bullying and Depression?

Approximately 20% of students have reported being bullied at school, 30% have admitted to bullying others, and more than 70% of teachers in the United States say they have...

The "Black Dog" and Its Role in Depression

A black dog's image has been an omen for danger, death, or illness for a long time. While the image of a black dog may immediately conjure the thought of the grim or may...

Four Ways Service Dogs Aid Depression

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 264 million people are discovered to be suffering from depression globally. Depression is a common mood disorder...

Decoding Depression and Sexuality

Sex is something that most will agree is one of the best things in life. Having a satisfying sexual connection with someone can enrich your life in various ways, but not...

What is Concealed Depression?

Depression isn't just about feeling down; it's a mood disorder which the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) explains as a condition characterized by severe symptoms...

What Is Cyclical Depression?

The American Psychiatric Association shows depression as a common and serious medical illness that can negatively affect people's feelings, thoughts, and actions. It's also...

Handling Irritable Depression

Depression is a clinical term used to refer to one of the common mental health illnesses. According to the World Health Organization, it's seen to be a mental disorder...

Debunking Common Myths About Depression

It is hard enough to deal with depression, but it is even harder to deal with all the myths and misconceptions that go along with the disease. Yes, it is a disease. That is...

Self-Care Strategies for Depression

Depression or major depressive disorder is seen as one of the serious and common mental health challenges characterized by feelings of sadness and loss of interest in....

Decoding Depression: Criteria and Signs

Depressive disorders are some of the most common mental health conditions, second to anxiety disorders. However, not everyone realizes that there are different kinds of...

Overcoming Sudden Depression Attacks

Sometimes, unpleasant situational events may bring down your high mood and leave you feeling unsettled and upset. You may be emotionally hit very hard to the extent of...

The Real Numbers: Depression Statistics

You may have heard before that depression is one of the most common mental health issues that people can experience, but have you ever thought about the numbers before? The...

Coping with Abandonment Depression

What could cause thoughts such as "What is wrong with me?" " No one's calling me," " It seems my friends are too busy for me," "It seems I'm facing more problems than others...

The Root Causes of Depression

What Is Depression? Depression may be described as a mood disorder that affects the general outlook and mood of an individual. It is typically characterized by symptoms...

Overcoming Depression: 7 Proven Treatments

Depression can impact your life in many ways. You may experience physical symptoms, along with mental and emotional symptoms. And when your symptoms hit, you may find it...

Pregnancy and Depression: What You Need to Know

There are a lot of changes that come with being pregnant. Most people focus on the physical changes that take place. But pregnancy can also have an impact on your mental and...

The Exhausting Link: Depression and Fatigue

Depressive disorders can cause a variety of symptoms, one of which is fatigue or tiredness. Often, people with depression experience lethargy or low levels of energy. This...

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: A Treatment for Depression

The standard treatments for depression are usually very effective. A doctor or therapist can generally find the right combination of medication and therapy to decrease your...

Dispelling Depression Myths

Depression is a common mental health condition. However, there are many misconceptions about depression. It's important to break the stigma surrounding mental health conditions...

Supporting Women with Depression

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) shows depression as a mental health condition that is most common in women. Usually, women are seen to experience...

Physical Effects of Depression on the Body

Are you waking up still feeling exhausted? As you go through your day, do you notice your body is getting achy? You know you aren't sick, but you're concerned because this isn't...

Nighttime Depression: Why It Happens

People may recognize depression as a mood disorder that affects a person’s mental and physical health while interfering with daily activities. Depression affects millions...

Dysthymia vs. Depression: Comparing Symptoms and Treatments

Just about everyone knows a little about depression. And there’s a good chance that either you or someone you know has struggled with this mental disorder. However,...

10 Must-Read Depression Blogs

Depression, in its very nature, can be a lonely experience. Your symptoms may cause you to withdraw from those around you. And it can leave you feeling like you're completely...

Songs About Depression

Having something to relate to can be comforting and cathartic, whether you're going through depression or something else. If you are experiencing depressive symptoms, you..

MTHFR's Link to Depression Explained

Did you know there’s anywhere from 20,000-25,000 genes inside the human body? That number is subject to change as we learn more about them, but there’s no arguing over how...

10 Movies That Insightfully Depict Depression

Mental health is an important topic that many people are finally getting more comfortable with. Depression is something that millions of people around the world deal with...

What is Depressive Psychosis?

Nearly a fifth of all people suffering from major depression also experiences psychotic symptoms. The combination of these mental disorders is known as depressive psychosis. It...

Navigating Chronic Pain and Depression

When it comes to dealing with chronic pain and depression, this can be approached in a number of different ways. There is also evidence to indicate that there may be a...

Managing Dual Diagnosis: Anxiety and Depression

Dealing with symptoms of depression and anxiety at the same time is common. Some people with depression develop symptoms of anxiety and vice versa. While they are different,...

Narcissism and Depression: A Deep Dive

Being diagnosed with a mental health challenge can be complicated enough on its own, but it can add a new layer of difficulty when one diagnosis is connected with another...

Connecting Depression and Addiction

Almost 20 million adults in the United States have battled with addiction in their lifetime, and over 17 million have had a depressive episode. Experts are trying to...

Overcoming Retirement Blues: Dealing with Depression

One of the mental health illnesses that can affect the way you feel, think, and act is depression. It's a common and global mental disorder that affects more than 264 million...

What Is Depressive Realism?

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses globally, affecting over 264 million people worldwide. Women are almost twice as likely to develop depression, and...

Supporting a Loved One Battling Depression

One of the most significant things you can do when supporting someone you care about with depression is to learn how it affects them. Understanding depression includes ...

Quick Steps for Immediate Depression Relief

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States. Over 15.7 million American adults have suffered at least one depressive episode. And it...

Helping Teens Battle Depression

Every stage of life has something peculiar. Turning a teenager comes with its challenges. One of these challenges is depression, which is a common mental health disorder...

How to Aid a Loved One in Depression

Those suffering from mental health illnesses need supportive people around them to deal with their challenges. The fact is, depression, as a mood disorder, can be overwhelming...

Natural Depression Treatments: A Holistic Approach

Medication is typically a standard part of treating depression; however, many people cannot do it for various reasons, such as being pregnant or wanting to avoid any possible...

Best Jobs for People with Depression

Living with a severe depression problem is certainly not going to be easy. Some people have depression issues that are so bad that they feel as if they can’t even work. If...

Depression Quotes that Explain What It's Really Like

Major Depressive Disorder or MDD is a mental health condition that affects roughly 6.7% of those aged 18 or older. Though it's common, it can be hard to explain Depression...

14 Steps to Overcome Depression

Combating depression takes patience, persistence, and courage. While it is more than just feeling sad, it makes daily living a challenge, from getting tasks done to communicate...

How to Find a Depression Support Group

Depressive disorders are common mental health conditions that affect people of all ages and backgrounds. According to the World Health Organization or WHO, over 264 million...

Understanding Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder or MDD is a common type of depression. It's a depressive disorder characterized by a low or depressed mood or the loss of interest in activities one...

Exploring Situational Depression

When you're feeling depressed, it's normal to face a lot of questions. This is often the case if someone is not diagnosed with a depressive disorder or if it's their first time...

What's a Depression Nap?

The demands of everyday life can be overwhelming and exhausting, often driving us to seek moments of respite if we're feeling restless. Sometimes when a certain issue or situation...

Is Depression Contagious? Get the Facts

The question, "Is depression contagious?" is a very controversial statement. This is because several individuals believe that depression is contagious. In contrast, others...

What is ADHD-Related Depression?

ADHD Depression To understand the complexity of ADHD depression, it is essential to look at each condition separately to better understand if you may be experiencing the signs...

Is Depression Really a Choice?

Depression is a common mental health condition that affects numerous people globally,—the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that "more than 264 million people of all ages"...

What To Do When You Are Depressed

Depression can strike anyone at any age, gender, race, or culture. In fact, depression affects more than 16 million people in the United States. This serious mental health...

The History of Depression: Causes and Treatment

Going back in the line of history in mental health, one of the significant mental conditions that have been thoroughly researched to be clearly understood is depression. The..

Understanding Premenstrual Depression

Premenstrual depression, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), is a relatively common illness that affects many women every year. It is a group of symptoms that women...

Healing after a Miscarriage: Coping with Depression

Going through pregnancy only to have it end in miscarriage is something that will have a profound impact on your life. It’s incredibly sad to deal with a situation like this,...

IUD Side Effects: From Depression to Uterine Cramping

Birth control has long been lauded as one of the most important discoveries for women, as it afforded women freedom that is more sexual and a more significant say in their reproductive...

Using Depression Memes as a Coping Strategy

Dealing with depression isn't easy because it includes a range of emotions. You may feel sad one minute and irritable the next. It makes going through daily living challenging...

How to Identify and Treat Mild Depression

Mild depression… is that even a thing? Does depression come with different levels, or is it that you’re either just depressed or not depressed? The stigma surrounding mental...

Coping with Holiday Blues: Tips for Depression

The holidays are a time of the year that millions of people look forward to, but not everybody has an easy time. There are quite a few people who experience what is known as...

How Thoughts Shape Your Mental Health: Rumination, Depression, and Anxiety

Have you ever been looking for a solution to a problem, and you think about it over and over again? After a while, you can’t seem to get it out of your mind. It’s almost like...

Decoding the DSM-5 Depression Criteria

If you have depression or think that you might, it's likely that you have a couple questions about depression, whether those are related to depression treatments available,...

Combating Depression with Anti-Inflammation Techniques

There has been a lot of research conducted on the link between inflammation and depression, and as it turns out, there is a link. However, the connection between these two...

Mental and Physical Effects of Depression

Depression is one of the most prevalent mental ailments. According to the CDC, depression is a mood disorder that affects approximately 26 percent of adults in the United...

Exploring INFJ-Related Depression

Before getting into the INFJ depression, it is important to know what INFJ stands for. The letters stand for a personality type that is introverted, intuitive, feeling,...

Coping Strategies for Relocation Depression

Many people wind up feeling depressed after they move to a new location. This is more common than many realize, and the impact of relocation depression might be more severe...

Online Depression Groups: Seek Support from Home

Depression is a very common mental health condition that impacts over 264 million worldwide. There are different kinds of depression or depressive disorders, including...

Measuring Depression: Impact Charts Explained

Depression is a common mental health condition. According to the World Health Organization or WHO, 264 million people throughout the world live with depression. Depression...

Navigating Divorce-Related Depression

Not every relationship is going to be able to stand the test of time. Some people wind up getting married early on in life, and then they might discover that they’re completely...

Unpacking Executive Dysfunction in Depression

Depression is a serious mental health issue that impacts the lives of millions of people around the world. There are many different types of depression, and it’s pretty...

The Impact of Alcohol on Depression

It can become a vicious cycle; depression leads to drinking, and drinking leads to depression. Over and over again. Because alcohol is a depressant, you are more likely to...

Coping with Depression-Induced Isolation

Many who feel depressed want to be alone. Some feel the isolation is a form of, while others get comfort because no one can judge them or make them feel worse...

Managing Anger in Depression

Depression is a very common condition that millions of people deal with each day. It is currently estimated that more than 264 million people are suffering from depression...

Unpacking Depression-Induced Weight Gain

One of the most frequently reported symptoms of depression is appetite changes, and people can either lose weight or gain weight because of this. When people are depressed...

Video Games & Depression: The Connection

Video games have become so popular in the last several decades that they have practically taken over pop culture. What once used to be considered a niche activity that appealed...

Inside the Brain: Depression Neurotransmitters

Humans have studied the brain for thousands of years, and while we’ve learned so much about how it works, there’s still so much left to understand. Since the brain controls...

The Brain-Depression Connection: What Research Shows

Tens of millions of adults in the United States alone will suffer from at least one major depressive episode annually. Just as your mental health is connected to your physical...

Depression Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) Demystified

Depressive disorders are common mental health conditions. According to the World Health Organization or WHO, 264 million people throughout the world live with depression...

Can Meditation Help with Depression?

Some may not think about meditation when dealing with depression symptoms, but studies have shown that meditation elements may help limit or reduce effects from symptoms...

7 Unexpected Benefits of Depression Jokes

Being "blue" is characterized by feelings of sadness and possibly makes you lose interest in activities you had enjoyed before. Depression is generally known to have negative...

Depressed or Anxious? Know When to Seek Help

It is common to feel depressed when sad or disappointed about something. It is also common to feel anxious when under pressure to meet demands. These emotions are part of...

Male Depression: Signs and Coping Mechanisms

It's not uncommon to hear on different occasions that depression is experienced differently from person to person. Of course, from different studies, it has been proved that....

How to Get Out of Bed if you are Depressed

Many people see difficulty getting out of bed as laziness. However, it may sometimes be more than what they think. Different medical conditions can be responsible when you...

Understanding Depression: Common Comorbidities and Indicators

Are you wondering what it means to have comorbid depression? It could be that you noticed the word “comorbid” when researching health conditions and are wondering what it...

The Connection Between Masturbation and Depression

In the past, people have talked about masturbation as a negative activity. Decades ago, people frowned upon masturbation much more than they do now. This led to some people...

8 Coping Strategies for Diabetes-Related Depression

Living with diabetes and depression may pose challenges when they affect your lifestyle and relationships with others. People with diabetes may be at risk of developing...

Signs and Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are mental health conditions that affect many people and often occur together.  There are several theories as to why this is the case.  We will talk about...

Is Depression a Disease? Key Questions Answered

There's quite a bit of confusion that hangs out around depression. And it's not just the confusion that you might feel if you're feeling depressed. There's confusion around what...

Inside Depression: A Dual Perspective

Depression can be expressed in many different ways, making the mental illness difficult to identify and overcome. This has proven even more troublesome due to the global...

Understanding the Relationship Between Depression and Memory

Depression is generally seen as a mental health disorder characterized by changes in mood and feelings of sadness. It is observed via different research that it can affect...

Mindfulness Techniques for Depression

There’s a lot to take into consideration when looking for strategies to treat depression. While we tend to think of it as a mental health challenge, because it is, depression...

Choosing the Right Doctor for Depression Treatment

If you have concerns about depression, you may wonder who you should see about your symptoms. Depression is a significant mental health concern that needs proper attention...

The Hidden Impact of Concussions: Depression and Immunity

Concussions are often portrayed in movies or films as intense bumps on the head, followed by an immediate rush to the hospital. Although this certainly makes for a compelling...

Art's Role in Depression Treatment

Switch on the television or flip open a laptop. Within a short period of time, some mention of depression is likely to float up, whether in the form of a plot point in a...

How to Overcome Post-College Blues

Graduating from college is generally perceived as a time when you feel very happy and excited because of a distinctive accomplishment and because you are going out to face...