Mental Health and Addiction - Management

Mental Health by the Numbers

Mental health conditions are very common and affect millions of Americans. Here's a look at some of the most common disorders and how they are treated.

5 Tips for Controlling Your Anger

Three mental health experts offer tips on keeping your cool when life gets frustrating.

The Dangers of Holding in Your Emotions

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

The Benefits of Pet Therapy

Relationships between animals and humans offer countless benefits to both species. But some animals can also provide unique forms of therapy to children and adults suffering from mental health conditions.

Getting the Most Out of Your Mental Health Treatment Plan

6 expert tips for managing mental illness.

Anatomy of a Panic Attack

Panic attacks can be terrifying. But if you know what s happening, it may be easier to cope.

How Good and Bad Events Can Trigger Depression

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

America s Mental Health Crisis

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

Is There a Connection Between Creativity and Mental Health?

There's a common belief that writers and artists are more likely to have mental health issues than the general population. We explore if there is any truth to this relationship.

Independent Psychological Assessments: What You Need to Know

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.

5 Ways to Fight Fear

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

Can Drinking Wine Make You Happier?

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

What Are Your Depression Treatment Options?

Both talk therapy and medication can help with persistent sadness. Here's how to get started.

Nervous Breakdowns: What You Need to Know

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

Could Motherhood Cause OCD?

Find out why new moms are at increased risk and how to get help.

The Surprising Link Between Sugar and Depression

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

Why You Need a Support Network to Face Depression

What benefits come from a strong support network, and where can you find one of your own?

How Drinking Causes Premature Aging

It's not just your internal organs that can be harmed by excess drinking; your skin, hair, and nails can suffer as well.

Is Bipolar Disorder Avoidable?

Living with bipolar disorder presents an array of challenges. What if there was a way to prevent its onset?

Nomophobia: Could You Have It?

It's the fear of being out of cell phone contact, and two out of three adults have this phobia. Are you one of them?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Myths and Truths

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

Could Ketamine Treat Depression?

Discovering new treatments for mental health diseases is a complicated endeavor with plenty of dead ends. Sometimes, however, an impractical finding opens the door to new possibilities.

Dysthymia: The Other Depression

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.

Phobias: Who Has Them and Why?

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

Dealing With Regret and Remorse

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

Adult ADHD: 3 Treatment Options

Combining education, medication, and psychotherapy shows promise.

Key Depression Risks as You Age

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

When to Seek Help for Anxiety

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

Eccentric or Mental Health Issue?

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

Would You Try Hypnosis for Anxiety?

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

9 Telltale Signs of Alcoholism

It isn't an easy condition to diagnose. Here's how to discern if your drinking habits, or those of someone you love, are becoming problematic.

How to Find Mental Health Resources for a Loved One

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.

Recognize the Signs of a Sociopath

Review these red flags to determine if you're dealing with sociopathic behavior.

Is Depression Hereditary?

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

Pain Medication Addiction: Have You Crossed the Line?

This medication can be a blessing and a curse. Here's how to tell if you, or a loved one, have crossed the line into addiction.

Health by the Numbers: Bipolar Disorder

The symptoms of bipolar disorder can be severe, but with the right treatments, patients can manage the disease. Here's a look at bipolar disorder by the numbers.

Your Adult Child With Disabilities: A Caregiving Guide

Here's how to find helpful resources and know the right questions to ask.

Depression Doubters: How to Deal With Non-Believers

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

Back Pain Could Be a Sign of Depression

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

Could Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs Also Prevent Depression?

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

How Does Anxiety Differ for Women and Men?

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

Can Loneliness Be Deadly for the Elderly?

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

Could a Blood Test Reveal Depression?

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

Why Sleep Apnea Can Be a Road to Depression

This sleep disorder can do more than interrupt your rest.

Why Only Some Smokers Get Cancer

Smoking is a significant risk factor for lung (and other) cancers and is responsible for almost 90 percent of all lung cancer deaths. However, we all know individuals who smoke for a long time and never develop cancer.

Why Does Time Outside Boost Your Mood?

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

How Is Mental Illness Tested and Diagnosed?

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

Dealing With Mental Health Issues During a Financial Downturn

Learn how to keep your head up during these frightening economic times.

Health by the Numbers: Depression

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.

Don't Let Work Stress Cause You to Overeat

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.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Stress and bipolar disorder go hand in hand; each can trigger and exacerbate the other. What are the basics behind this mental health condition?

How Grief Affects the Body

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

Psychotherapy: The Myths and the Facts

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

Antidepressant Fears and Facts

What are common concerns about these highly-prescribed drugs?

Understanding Depression

Get the real story on America's most prevalent mental illness from symptoms and diagnosis to treatment.

8 Ways to Prevent Manic Episodes

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

Are You in a Toxic Relationship?

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

Are You a Perfectionist?

Get the top eight signs, and learn how to break the cycle.

Depression in Older Adults

It's common for seniors to experience sadness and grief, but when these feelings are persistent, they may be a sign of depression.

What Does Your Body Language Mean?

Find out if you're sending the right signals.

7 Tips to Prevent Depression Relapse

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

Adult ADHD Survival Tips

Living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be a challenge, but these tips can make it easier.

8 Easy Stressbusters

Feeling stressed out? Regain your calm with these tips.

Bipolar Disorder: One Man's Story

An estimated 5.7 million Americans suffer from bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression. Here's one man's story of despair, diagnosis, treatment, and hope.

Full Spectrum: Bipolar Disorder

Not so black and white: study concludes bipolar disease is more of a spectrum disorder.

Painkiller Addiction: 6 Myths and the Real Facts

Painkillers are powerful medicines, but with them come the real risk of abuse. Understand the myths and determine how to use painkillers safely.

Nap the Right Way for Emotional Healing

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

What Do Your Dreams Say About Your Personality?

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

Finding the Emotional Benefits in Adversity

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

How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Can Treat Pain

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.

5 Tips to Combat Depression-Related Lethargy

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

How Genetics Affects Your Decision Making

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.

Depression and Physical Insecurities: How to Cope and Overcome

In a society obsessed with beauty, most of us don't want to stand out because of our appearance. Whether you have a physical deformity, or are just unhappy with some aspect of how you look, follow these tips to work toward better quality of life.

Caffeine and Depression: Does It Help or Does It Hurt?

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.

Overcoming the Depression Stigma

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.

Is Depression Inevitable During Old Age?

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 Link Between Your Relationship and Your Health

Research shows that people in stable, supportive marriages are generally mentally and physically healthier than couples in relationships fraught with conflict.

Learning to Cope After the Death of a Child

Everyone copes with loss in his or her own way. If you've lost a child, you can find a multitude of organizations, books, blogs, and support groups to help you. Behind them all, you'll find parents who have also suffered the same loss.

The Link Between the State of the Economy and Suicide Rates

During the Great Depression, suicide rates hit their highest level ever, increasing almost 23 percent over the four years of the depression. Since then, suicide rates have consistently risen during times of economic downturns.

Hugging, Touching, Kissing: The Key to Happiness?

Sure, there may be a laundry list of activities that make you happy, but when it comes to reconnecting with your partner, these are key (and the reason is chemical).

The Emotional Toll of Social Networking

Some mental health experts believe social networking can increase stress and anxiety, and they've have even coined names to describe this phenomenon, such as Social Media Anxiety, Social Networking Anxiety, and Facebook Depression.

Can Sunshine Make You Depressed?

Does summertime make you sad? While most people welcome the warm weather, long days, and opportunities for outdoor activities, a small percent of the population feels depressed instead.

Is It OCD or Something Else?

One of the challenges in diagnosing mental health disorders is that symptoms of different diseases tend to overlap. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) are two related conditions that are easy to confuse.

The Truth About Cyber Support Groups

While talking to a trained mental health professional can be invaluable for many patients, nothing compares to talking to others who are going through the same experience. But can the Internet substitute quality interpersonal dialogue?

How to Adjust to Life Without Antidepressants

Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed medication in the country, so mental health experts are trying to understand if, when, and how patients should cease taking them. Here, a guide to the transition to life without depression medication.

How Your Work Schedule Affects Your Mood

Work in the United States has become a 24-hour phenomenon. Working irregular hours may also lead to a condition characterized by insomnia, excessive sleepiness during work, difficulties concentrating, headaches, and lack of energy.

The Facts about the FDA's Painkiller Abuse Strategy

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a new risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) to combat widespread prescription painkiller abuse. How will it impact patients who take prescription medications for chronic pain? Get the facts here.

Could You Be a Hoarder and Not Know It?

The topic of hoarding might make good fodder for TV program ratings and mindless entertainment for viewers. But it's a real problem that affects real people. Is it possible that you're among the 15 million who suffer from it?

Could You Be Too Sensitive?

Being sensitive can be an admirable trait. However, if you're highly affected by other people's moods and actions, you could be too sensitive.

Let It Out: Healthy Ways to Express Anger

Sure, expressing your emotions in positive ways can be a challenge, but keeping them bottled up is likely to lead to an explosion down the road.

Could You Have Borderline Personality Disorder?

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe and chronic mental health condition that disrupts a person's ability to regulate their emotions. Read on to get the comprehensive information you need to navigate the condition.

4 Avoidable Depression Complications

Mental health disorders such as depression permeate every aspect of your life, and may cause a multitude of other complications, some of which are even life threatening. Most, however, are easily avoided.

Health Concerns: How to Keep Family Updated

The Web offers many options for staying connected and keeping loved ones updated on your or your family member's health issues. These methods are fast, easy, and efficient, and you'll know your support network is right there with you as a part of your journey.

Could You Have Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Do you tend to worry too much about everyday things, even when there's no real reason for worry? Do you have trouble relaxing, concentrating, or sleeping? Are you plagued with unexplained aches and pains? If you answered yes, you may be suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

What's to Blame for Your Bad Habits?

If you've struggled with giving up a bad habit, or trying to create a new one, don't be too hard on yourself; it's not a personal weakness or lack of self-control. Turns out, there's a whole science behind habit formation.

The Expert's Take: "Cluster A" Personality Disorders

Does a loved one suffer from a Cluster A Personality Disorder? If so, coping with his actions may not always be easy. Here, a guide to help you understand and cope with the condition.

7 Ways to Ensure You're Getting the Help You Need

Appropriate treatment not only makes you feel better and improves the quality of your life, it helps prevent a relapse in the future. Read on for 7 tips to guarantee you're receiving the treatment you need.

How to Prevent Lapses in Judgment

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

An Expert Overview on Personality Disorders

Personality is a combination of thoughts and behaviors that are unique to each individual. It is the way everyone views the world and yourself. In general, individuals with personality disorders have different perceptions of life and thought processes.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Are You at Risk?

You may not realize that something as mundane as a car accident could put you at major risk for this disorder.

Could Light Therapy Cure Seasonal Affective Disorder?

If you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), there may be a way to ease your symptoms.

Got Stress? Read This

Chronic stress is a villain that causes a host of problems ranging from sleep and digestive disorders to depression. Stress can affect your concentration, lead to weight gain (or loss), weaken the immune system and even contribute to heart disease.

Which Therapy is Best for Substance Abuse Treatment?

Psychotherapy is noted to be very beneficial for individuals struggling with substance abuse. The delivery model can be individual or group.

Cocaine's Effect on the Mind

Forensic Psychologist Debra Warner, Psy. D. explores cocaine's effect on the psyche.

Do Supplements Really Promote Mental Health?

For every news report touting the mental or physical health benefits of a supplement, there is another discrediting it, or, worse, warning that it is dangerous. With so many conflicting reports and persuasive marketing promotions, how do you know if what you read is true or just hype?

Does a Loved One Have a Painkiller Addiction?

Over time, it takes more and more medication to ease the pain and not all the pain is necessarily physical. What do you do when a loved one has a painkiller addiction?

The Link between the Media and Substance Abuse

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.

Can Drinking Make You Healthier?

Moderate drinkers have better overall health than non-drinkers, a recent study shows.

6 Strategies for Coping with Sobriety

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.

Men and Depression: Overcoming the Stigma

About six million men in the United States suffer from depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. While the stigma of mental health disorders is fading, some men are still reluctant to talk about, or seek help for, depression.

Coping Skills: When a Loved One Self-Medicates

It s difficult to watch someone you care about hurting. Here are a few tips to help you cope when a loved one is self-medicating.

Could You Have OCD?

As its name implies, individuals with this mental health disorder alternate between obsessive thoughts and behaviors, and compulsive rituals to try to control the obsessions. This cycle is disruptive and causes stress and anxiety. In many cases, OCD interferes in an individual s ability to engage in work, school or other daily activities. Approximately 2.2 million Americans suffer from OCD.

Holiday Recovery: Keep Post-Holiday Happiness Alive

What happens after the presents are opened, the eggnog is finished, and all the relatives have gone? You don t have to lose yourself to the post-holiday blues this year. Try out some proven strategies to keep post-holiday happiness alive.

Share Your Story. Become a Health Hero.

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!

Can Keeping a Routine Help Control Bipolar Symptoms?

Studies show a daily routine may make a big difference for people with bipolar disorder.

Depression Dulls Brain s Pleasure Center

New treatment for depression may be possible based on study that shows how this mood disorder affects areas of brain involved in pleasure.

8 Ways to Reduce Anxiety

Feeling anxious? Regain a sense of calm with these easy tips.

How to Become a More Positive Thinker

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

6 Relationship-Saving Strategies

Boredom? Conflict? Communication breakdown? Learn how to solve some of the most common relationship killers.

Take a Pill or Talk it Out?

When it comes to treating depression, is there a better option?

The Cities That Will Bring You Down

If you re thinking of moving, these cities might not be the best for your mood.

Seniors and Depression

From causes to treatments, learn more about this common problem.

Natural Remedies for Depression

Some simple lifestyle changes can significantly improve your mood.

Are You a Sugar Addict?

Sweet tooth or addiction? Find out for yourself.

4 Diets That Bring You Down

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

6 Signs You're a Shopaholic

Find out how to control your excessive spending.

7 Drunkest Cities in America

In these metropolitan areas, inebriation abounds, and residents rarely find themselves thirsty.

Are You Obsessed With Revenge?

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

Back Pain and Depression: What's the Link?

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.

Understanding Alcoholism

Learn about the symptoms of alcoholism and what kinds of treatment are available for this disease.

How to Bounce Back From Embarrassment

A sense of humor and perspective can help you maintain your dignity—even in the most humiliating circumstances.

Are You Intuitive?

When it comes to decision-making, relationships, and even health, intuition may be one of the greatest tools to have.

Is There Really Such a Thing as a Broken Heart?

As it turns out, heartbreak may be more than just a metaphor.

Midlife Crisis: Myth or Reality?

For years, researchers had been debunking the age-old notion of a midlife crisis. But a new global study may prove them wrong.

The Different Types of Bipolar Disease

Bipolar disorder represents not a single disease, but a spectrum of disorders. Learn about the most common forms.

Are You a Workaholic?

An addiction to your job could compromise your health. Find out whether you're a workaholic, and get on the road to recovery.

10 Ways to Stop Worrying

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

Dispelling the Top 10 Depression Myths

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

Are You Emotionally Intelligent?

An ever-growing topic among psychologists, emotional intelligence can play a significant role in your job, your relationships, and your own self-worth.

What Do Your Dreams Really Mean?

For centuries, we have attempted to decode our dreams. Here, find out what experts say they could symbolize.

5 Tips for Keeping New Year's Resolutions

Want to lose weight, quit smoking, or start saving this year? These simple tips can help you achieve your goals.

How to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions

Like many things in life, New Year's resolutions are easy to make but hard to keep. Follow these tips to make lasting changes.

The 10 Most Depressing Jobs

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.

Beating the Holiday Blues: Understanding SAD

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).

The Top 5 Schizophrenia Myths

Schizophrenia affects millions of Americans, but the illness and its causes are often misunderstood. Here, we dispel the disease's most common myths.

What Causes Schizophrenia?

Research points to a complex combination of known factors.

Schizophrenia Symptoms 101

Spotting the signs and getting an accurate diagnosis are the first steps toward treatment.

Schizophrenia: A Reason to Hope

There is currently no cure for schizophrenia, but new research is improving the outlook for patients.
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