Depression - Prevention

How bottled up stress can damage your physical and mental health, with five strategies to cope.

The busy “good” bacteria that help keep your body healthy may do the same for your brain.

Those who take their own lives are not the only victims.

Next time you re having a bad day, try one of these mood-boosting foods. Emotional eating has never been so healthy.

For some, even positive life changes can bring on bouts of severe anxiety or depression. But there is good news.

Not only is access to mental health care declining, a new study finds the majority of psychiatrists don t accept health insurance.

Many of us start our day with a cup, but when we start relying on coffee to feel awake and energized, we're addicted to the caffeine it contains.

Sticking to a regular routine can help balance the ups and downs of bipolar disorder, but for some, establishing a routine can be a major challenge.

Think you may have ADD, depression, or another psychiatric disorder? Learn how this type of assessment differs from other psychological tests—and why it may give you the insight you need.

What are you afraid of? We ask a few pros for their top tips on working through what scares them.

One study has found that moderate consumption of wine may improve your mental health. But don't uncork that bottle of Chardonnay just yet!

It's not only life-threatening incidents that can lead to persistent feelings of helplessness, depression, grief, or extreme anxiety. Learn more about how to move through trauma.

Depressed? Adding meditation to your treatment plan may help. Here's why.

Though efforts are underway to raise awareness, you can do your part by acting compassionately toward those living with this condition.

While some people are at higher risk, nervous breakdowns can happen to anyone. Here's what to look for.

Has your idea of happiness changed over time? Find out more about this phenomenon of life.

Learn how changing your diet to eliminate sweet treats can help improve your mental health.

Grapefruit juice can increase the potency of certain drugs, converting them to life-threatening doses. Here's what you need to know.

Hot flashes are a well-known, frequently-complained-about source of discomfort brought on by menopause. Here's how to get relief from these and other "more-than-just annoyances."

Improve your mood (and your health while you're at it!) with these helpful hints.

These simple tips will help you clear away the clouds to let the sunshine in again.

With this therapy, brain waves are "trained" to keep mood more stable.

Don't let your blood sugar swings result in mood swings. Use these preventative tips to keep an even keel.

With so many stigmas surrounding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), it's especially important to separate fiction from fact.

In small doses, worrying can keep you in check. But in excess, it can be downright debilitating.

Dysthymia is a depressive condition that isn t quite as severe as full-blown depression, but lasts longer and can affect your life in many of the same ways.

Paying attention to your breath could put you on the fast track to stress relief.

While some symptoms of neurotic behavior are natural, displaying too many could have a negative effect on your relationships.

There are five main categories of intense, unrealistic fears about certain things and situations.

While bipolar disorder symptoms are similar to signs of regular depression, they are more likely to involve irritability, guilt, unpredictable mood swings.

Depression affects both men and women. But there are key difference in their symptoms.

Making small, inexpensive changes to your personal environment can go a long way toward improving your quality of life.

New research reveals that how you handle such emotions can make a big difference in your well-being.

Combining education, medication, and psychotherapy shows promise.

You look well. What are the challenges when you feel anything but on the inside?

Depression is not a normal part of aging, but it is common. Be aware of these triggers.

Prevent feeling overcome by the season of stress with these tips.

Some anxiety is healthy. But these signs mean it's time to get support.

Approach this sensitive situation with these steps.

Distinguish the signs of mental illness from other behaviors that may seem odd.

You probably already know that stress can have a big impact on your health. Here's how to release and let go for the sake of your health.

It's more than just a party trick. Hypnosis has been shown to deliver real mental health benefits for some.

If someone you care about is struggling with depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition, helping them find the support they need can be frustrating, complicated, and necessary.

By looking at patterns of mental illness in families with twins and those who have experienced trauma, researchers have uncovered new answers.

Statistics paint a worrisome picture when it comes to aging Americans and mental illnesses like depression.

Your condition is real. Here's what to say and do when people say your depression is "all in your head."

Do you recognize these telltale signs of the fear of being out of cell phone contact? Here's how to manage your obsession.

One startling example of the mind-body connection is the link between back pain and depression.

Commonly used to prevent coronary heart disease, statins may also lower the risk of major depression.

When it comes to mental health disorders such as anxiety, there are big differences between the genders.

Psychosocial factors like stress and depression can have an adverse effect on cardiac health. Here's what you can do.

It's a real and hidden danger among the older generation. Here are ways to combat isolation.

Typically diagnosed based on questions and answers, it's possible that the blood holds the truth about who is depressed.

This sleep disorder can do more than interrupt your rest.

Typically a treatment for patients suffering from depression, transcranial direct current stimulation shows benefits for those coping with chronic pain.

It's now a proven fact. Being in and around nature makes people feel good.

How do doctors measure and diagnose conditions from anxiety to personality disorders, especially when there is more than one condition involved?

There's no debating the stress of some jobs. But even enjoyable work can encourage mood disorders.

For millions of Americans, depression is more than just a bout with "the blues"; it's a serious psychiatric disorder. Here's a look at the disease by the numbers.

Men can prevent health risks by paying attention to changes in their body and seeing their doctor when something isn't right.

Thanks to TV ads erectile dysfunction is no longer under the covers. Still, misconceptions remain. Learn what causes impotence and ways to reduce your risk.

Stress can stir up an emotional appetite that can lead to overeating. The best solution is to find something other than food to take the edge off.

As many as 25 percent of teens suffer from a form of anxiety. Use these tips to help your child cope.

Not only is it emotionally painful, grief takes a toll on your physical health as well.

People who live with depression often also suffer from headaches. What's the link?

Strip away the stigma and misconceptions. Here are four common myths debunked.

What are common concerns about these highly-prescribed drugs?

Here's how certain natural scents may help improve your health and overall state of mind.

Broken Heart Syndrome can be harmful to your mind and body, and it can be treated.

When it comes to bipolar disorder, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. Here, we debunk the biggest myths surrounding the disease.

Follow these tips to help reduce the likelihood of a manic episode.

Learn how to spot the warning signs and break the vicious cycle.

Learn how to find the middle ground between being accommodating and being stepped on.

Although depression is treatable, some patients, especially those with more severe cases, can suffer a relapse.

Studies demonstrate that proper napping techniques can relax your mind and focus your thoughts. What's the right way to catch some z's?

Strange, wild, passionate, frightening. Your dreams may provide insight into who you really are.

Persevering through trying times may have long-term benefits, new research suggests. What can you reap from life's difficulties?

Mind over matter: You've heard it so many times, it may seem meaningless. But new research shows how emotional therapy helps to make pain symptoms easier to bear.

Bringing a pet into your home is a big commitment, but it can come with serious rewards including a potential reduction of your pain.

Balancing office and home life can create conflicts between demands and stress from both sides. But there may also be healthy benefits to working outside the home.

Depression related lethargy is frustrating and can interfere in your daily activities. Here are simple steps you can take to lessen the impact.

Neuroeconomics, a relatively new branch of science, is slowly unraveling how specific gene variations influence how we make decisions. Read on to find out how your may be affected.

For many adults, there's nothing like a good, hot cup of coffee to get you going in the morning. Few people, however, know the profound effect caffeine has on their mood.

Despite the prevalence of mental health disorders and society's increasing awareness of them, stigmas about mental illness persist. Follow these tips to get past the misnomers.

Depression is particularly prevalent and overlooked in older adults. Despite the high incidence among seniors, it's definitely not a normal part of aging.

The changing of the seasons brings cooler temperatures and shorter days. For many people, fall and winter also triggers depression. It may help to know you're not alone and the blues are not all in your head.

Depression is one of the most common complications in people with chronic illness, occurring in up to one-third of chronically ill patients. Learn how to manage your symptoms with these tips.

You know physical activity is good for you, and that lack of exercise is associated with negative physical and mental outcomes. However, did you know exercise is also an effective way to stop a panic attack in its tracks?

Vitamins play a critical role in mental health. And insufficient intake of certain vitamins have been linked to mood disorders. So, which deficiency is resulting in your symptoms? Find out here.

Using music as a tool to heal dates back to Aristotle and Plato. But can the right tunes address modern day emotional woes? Read on to find out.

Although yoga advocates have long championed the physical and mental health benefits of yoga, the scientific community is slowly coming to the same conclusion.

Has your unconscious come to surface and forced you into a sticky, embarrassing situation? If so, worry not. There are ways to bounce back.

Joint pain may seem to naturally result from purely physical ailments such as arthritis, but there's significant evidence that joint pain can be caused or exacerbated by mental distress.

You may be able to change your frame of mind by eating foods that are rich in vitamin C.

These simple strategies can knock a whole decade off of your outlook so you'll feel 10 years younger.

Does your mood take a sharp turn for the worse when your allergies kick in? It might not be "all in your head."

Bipolar disorder, a debilitating mood disorder, is often misdiagnosed, delaying appropriate treatment and even increasing the severity of a patient s illness.

If you need another reason to convince you it s important to manage stress, here s one you might not expect: stress takes a toll on your teeth and gums and can cause long-term damage and subsequent oral health problems.

While using, marijuana smokers can become irrational and behave erratically. Some users experience feelings of panic, anxiety or paranoia.

Anger is a normal emotion and a natural response to real or perceived threats. Angry feelings can range from mild irritation to intense rage. When anger is felt too intensely, too frequently, or expressed inappropriately, it becomes a problem.

A study of the effect of work environment on employee mental health found that a negative environment, defined in the study as poor team climate, was significantly associated with depressive disorders and antidepressant use.

For several decades, researchers have associated pot (marijuana or cannabis) to an increased risk for developing schizophrenia, a severe and disabling brain disorder.

Research has demonstrated that substance abuse (illicit drugs, alcohol and tobacco) is one of the most serious health problems in the nation. Here, the role the media plays in our understanding of substance abuse.

Of the 35 million Americans 65 and older, roughly seven million suffer from either major depression or a less severe form of depression.

There is good news for these patients: a new study shows that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) by phone seems to provide the same therapeutic benefits.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) may interfere with making the appropriate mental health diagnosis, thus complicating treatment.

The stigma of alcohol and substance addiction is lifting as scientists learn more about the biology behind addiction. Understanding what drives people to become addicted can help you develop strategies for staying sober.

If you suffer from depression and plan to become pregnant, you may be understandably concerned about the effect of depression and treatment on your unborn child.

You've seen him or her at work: aggressive, racing against the clock, competitive, always multitasking. The typical type A personality type. Recently, experts have examined whether personality type plays a role in workplace stress. They found personality type did, and didn't, correlate to stress.

Temperature, sunshine, humidity, and barometric pressure influence how we feel physically and how well we perform mentally. Despite skeptics, many scientists believe weather is an important factor in mood and mental functioning.

Several new therapeutic methods exist that are designed to help teens learn healthier ways to cope with emotional stress.

Current surveys indicate that approximately seven percent of teens throughout the United States admit to being gang members. Further, approximately 20 percent of teens personally know someone who has been killed or injured by gang members.

In yet another example of the inseparable link between mental and physical health, medical experts are noting the increase in depression among people who are obese, especially as they age.

Forensic psychologist Debra Warner answers a reader's question about how to help a loved one that suffers from severe depression.

After more than a half century, publishers are re-releasing the landmark book, The Power of Positive Thinking, by Norman Vincent Peale. Is the idea of positive thinking just a great topic for selling books, or does it really improve your mental well being, especially when it comes to depression?

While it's normal to feel anxious from time to time, if you have ongoing anxiety that's interfering with your work, relationships, and daily activities, it's time to do something about it. Try out 10 tips to get relief.

The risk of suicide increases directly with the number of times a child or adolescent moves, says a recent study.

Almost five percent of all American children are diagnosed with this disruptive disorder.

Have you or a loved one survived a life-threatening disease? Are you currently struggling with depression, chronic pain, heart disease, or other health-related condition? Have you gone to extraordinary lengths to help someone in a health crisis? If so, we want to hear from you!

Do the holidays take a toll on your mood year after year? Put into practice some proven tools to combat holiday depression and you could make this holiday season one of the best ones yet.

Men who feel stressed at work are at a greater risk of having a stroke.

A recent study shows a link between a Mediterranean diet and a decrease in depression.

Many believe that panic attacks and mitral valve prolapse are linked. But is this the truth? Read on to get what the studies are really saying.

If you are depressed, antidepressants aren t the only solution.

Shopping to cope with depression may provide temporary relief, while causing long-lasting damage to your health and finances.

New study marks Wednesday as the most likely day for people to attempt suicide.

A family history may make a person more likely to commit suicide. Find out what increases and decreases the risks.

New research has made critical correlations between asthmatics and suicide risk.

Persistent nightmares and sleep problems when you have depression may make you more prone to thoughts of suicide.

New research shows that a weight loss program improves mood in obese patients with depression.

You have the power to change your attitude for the better.

Read on to learn more about the role that genes play in depression and what you can do to keep the disease at bay.

While we often assume that an emotional crisis precipitates a bout of depression, that's not always the case.

Depression--it s not all in your head and it does matter.

How can depression lead to suicide? Find out here.

Despite magazine covers shouting at us that 40 is the new 30, and that life gets better as we get older, recent research bears out the theory that middle age can be a time of discontent.

Learn more about caffeine's effect on your state of mind.

Find out if you're at risk of heart disease and what you can do to protect yourself.

More than 200 million days of work are missed each year due to employee depression. Get the whole story here.

The disease can wear a very different face on men than it does on women.

Learn how fitness can have a positive effect on your mind.

Some simple lifestyle changes can significantly improve your mood.

From war to human trafficking, these 10 spots are the most dangerous on the planet.

We all feel a little bummed from time to time, but could your diet be the cause? Find out here.

Find out how to control your excessive spending.

When you've been wronged, can you forgive and forget, or do you need to exact revenge?

Feelings of depression are significantly more common in people with chronic back pain. Find out more about how to manage your pain and your emotions.

Skepticism and pessimism can wreak havoc on your health. Here, how to make some important attitude adjustments.

Everyone worries from time to time, but too much worrying can affect your health. Here, 10 ways to stop stressing.

Do you see the glass as half-empty or half-full? Your answer could have major effects on your health.

Nearly 7 percent of Americans suffer from depression, but the disease is often misunderstood. Here, we separate fact from fiction.

Follow these basic strategies to manage your time more efficiently in the coming year.

A national survey recently examined 21 major occupational categories and found that people who change diapers, tend to the elderly, and wait tables have the highest rates of depression, while the lowest rates occur among engineers, architects, and surveyors.

An estimated 10 million Americans, or about 6 percent of the U.S. population, experience these feelings in their most extreme form--a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

According to some researchers, a four-legged friend can add years to your life.