Depression

Mental health awareness is the best way to educate people on the symptoms, treatments, and prevention methods of various mental illnesses, like Depression, which affects over 30% of all Americans, according to the latest federal data. This October is Depression Awareness Month. There are millions of reasons to get involved. For example, a 2022 Medicaid survey of behavioral health services shows nearly 14 million enrollees with a mental health disorder. Yet, only a fraction of people seek treatment for depression or other disorders. Why? Stigma is one reason. What is Stigma? A simple definition of stigma is when you or someone else views something in a negative light. When talking about mental health, you4According to the American Psychiatric Association, there are different types of stigma when discussing mental illness, like the following: Public stigma Public stigma refers to other people’s attitudes about mental illness or a mental health condition. Public …

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If you want to know how to avoid seasonal depression, understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is crucial. SAD is a type of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, usually in winter. It’s linked to reduced sunlight, affecting mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin. Symptoms include fatigue, mood swings, and weight gain. Treatment often involves light therapy, medication, and behavioral therapy. Lifestyle changes like exercise and a balanced diet can also help. You may hear someone refer to getting the “wintertime blues” or the “summertime blahs.” They are likely struggling with seasonal affective disorder, which is a type of depression related to changes in seasons. They experience symptoms of depression in a seasonal pattern. Some people notice a dramatic increase in symptoms during winter, while others feel worse in the summer. Symptoms can occur during any season and vary in intensity for each person.  The American Psychiatric Association reports at …

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Medically reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, MD Yes, alcohol can exacerbate depression. While it may initially provide temporary relief or euphoria, over time it can aggravate depressive symptoms, increase anxiety, and disrupt sleep. Furthermore, it can also interact negatively with medications used to treat depression, reducing their effectiveness. Major depressive disorders are the most common co-occurring conditions with alcohol use disorders (AUD). Research shows that people who struggle with alcohol use disorder are three times more likely to have depression. Also, women are more likely to develop co-occurring AUD and depression.  Although there is a link between the two, it is not always clear whether alcohol makes depression worse. To determine the answer, it’s important to understand depression and alcohol separately and examine how one affects the other. What is Depression? To be diagnosed with depression, a person must experience symptoms, like the ones below, for at least two weeks and …

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