As our loved ones grow older, we tend to worry about physical ailments, such as an increased risk for heart attacks and memory problems like dementia. However, we often fail to recognize threats to their mental health—for example, the elderly often suffers from depression and anxiety. These are common illnesses…
Research supports that spirituality can help improve symptoms of depression and other mental health conditions. Engaging in spiritual practices changes the prefrontal region of the brain; additionally, it serves as a shield against stress. When we turn to our spiritual nature, or focus on a higher power, we become more…
Spirituality varies from person to person; however, it is essentially the practice of finding peace and purpose in life. It also involves evaluating and creating one’s identity—their purpose, experiences, and connections. Many benefits come with tapping into your spiritual self; first, it can help you to cope during stressful times,…
A machine learning algorithm was used to analyze children’s speech and identify depression and/or anxiety with 80% accuracy. Three features proved to indicate these illnesses: low pitch, repeated speech inflections and subject, and a higher pitch when surprised. Kids came up with a three-minute story on the spot, of which…
We all cope differently with our struggles, but an effective, lesser-known method is humor. Humor can help us be more resilient when life doesn’t go our way; it enables us to make light of our situation and in the process even moderate the severity of a mental health condition. For…
As the Game of Thrones series nears its conclusion, fans are at risk of suffering from showhole depression. When you suffer from showhole depression, you experience harmful symptoms like general unhappiness and feelings of hopelessness when a favorite show ends. While this might sound ridiculous to some, the reality is…
I work predominantly with “millennials” in New York City; those 20-30 somethings who are openly and honestly seeking therapy, very often for the first time, to address certain issues that are more common among this age group. Many consider this age group to be experiencing a “quarter-life crisis.” These individuals…
New research found that middle aged US adults are experiencing rising feelings of despair, indicated by increases in depression, suicidal ideation, drug and alcohol abuse. A drop in US life expectancy was seen in 2016 and explained by an increase in deaths among middle-aged white individuals in rural areas due…
A fast-acting psychedelic drug could help treat depression and anxiety. This, from a Johns Hopkins University study that surveyed 362 adults. Researchers found that the use of a synthetic psychedelic, 5-MeO-DMT, is associated with improvements in depression and anxiety when taken in a controlled setting. Approximately 80% of those surveyed…
Autism is defined as a neurological and developmental disorder that hinders one’s communicative and social abilities. Depression, however, is a mood disorder, characterized by severe sadness and a lack of interest in everyday activities; and anxiety comes with fearful feelings as well as racing or unwanted thoughts. While there are…
New research says that a fast-acting psychedelic drug could help treat depression and anxiety. Researchers investigated whether administration of this psychedelic in a controlled group setting might affect self-reported feelings of depression and anxiety. The team controlled the dose and ensured that participants had support during and after use of…
A new study from McMaster University shows physical activity may help seniors fight depression. A group of men 65 years and older followed a 12-week exercise plan, which combined stationary bike workouts and strength training exercises. After the 12 weeks, researchers analyzed participants’ blood samples and muscular strength. The findings…
