Depression—a mental health disorder characterized by a depressed mood, which causes significant impairment in one’s everyday life—is the leading cause of disability worldwide, according to a recent study by the World Health Organization. This illness comes with crippling symptoms, from feelings of hopelessness to fatigue, irritability, and suicidal thoughts. Some…
An estimated 350 million people around the world suffer from depression, making this illness a leading cause of disability. Some of these individuals experience depressive thoughts or feelings after a loved one has passed; some after going through a bad breakup; and others for no apparent reason at all. The…
Depression is a crippling mental illness, which leaves many of its sufferers feeling lonely, unmotivated, empty, and generally unhappy. Fortunately, these individuals can combat this disorder and its harrowing effects by undergoing therapy and/or taking medication… but what about their loved ones? Depression doesn’t just hurt those who are diagnosed…
Two of the most important people in my life are diagnosed with depression. Some days they’re happy and a joy to be around—others, they’re miserable and can’t be bothered. While I understand it’s the depression talking, I’m still human, and sometimes can’t help but wonder: Why are they being so…
In a recent study, the Psychedelic Research Group at Imperial College London explored the potential of using psychedelics to treat certain mental illnesses such as depression. The research team argued that this may be a more effective treatment, as it relieves symptoms by activating serotonin 2A, as opposed to 1A—the…
Depression affects our best friends—our mothers and our daughters and our brothers. It’s a woman smiling because she just got the promotion she’s been wanting. It’s a little boy wondering why he doesn’t have the energy to play today. It’s a teenage girl who just got into the college of…
Wellbutrin XL, like Wellbutrin, is commonly used to treat depression. However, it is also used to prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a specific kind of depression, which sets in around the same time every year (e.g., during fall or winter). This medication works to improve one’s mood and overall feelings…
Zoloft, or sertraline, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat a multitude of mental illnesses, such as depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety disorder. This medication works by restoring a chemical imbalance in the brain and offers many benefits, as it may improve…
We hear the terms “manic depression” and “bipolar disorder,” and we picture two different things: one, a depressed individual (hence, the word depression) who has trouble enjoying life, and two, an unpredictable person who experiences drastic mood swings and changes in behavior. We compartmentalize them as two different medical conditions….
Lexapro (escitalopram) is an antidepressant, or more specifically a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression and anxiety. This works by restoring serotonin balances in the brain. Furthermore, this medication may improve your energy level and feelings of well-being, as well as decrease nervousness. Use and Dosage You…
Cymbalta (or duloxetine) is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which fixes imbalances of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. It is primarily used to treat depression and anxiety, but may also successfully relieve nerve pain in those with diabetes or ongoing pain due to conditions like arthritis, chronic back pain,…
