For the past 60 years, May has been deemed as Mental Health Awareness Month by Mental Health America. During this month, more focus is placed on mental health issues to raise public awareness and understanding. In 2013, Mental Health America’s focus is on Mental Health Wellness – getting and keeping well mentally. As such, I … Read more
Many people become discouraged, or feel “down in the dumps” sometimes when life takes an unexpected, problematic turn. This is normal “situational” depression and usually rights itself when the problem is solved. Yet, sometimes, you may have depression that lingers longer due to certain life events like deaths of loved ones, divorce, and even the … Read more
In severe cases, anxiety disorders can cause you to feel afraid to do normal activities like going to work or out shopping. You might feel achy, dizzy, jittery, or tired all the time. Your pulse might be elevated. You may even have difficulty breathing. If this sounds familiar, trust me, you are not alone.
If I were to ask you what the most-often prescribed drug is in America, what would you say? Would you guess statins to lower cholesterol? Or maybe drugs that control blood pressure?. You’d be wrong. Antidepressant drugs actually top the list.
If you’re like many people, the winter months are rough. Less light and cold weather makes you feel tired, sad, even depressed. You might find that it’s more difficult to get up in the morning, that you have a harder time enjoying the things that you usually do, and that you don’t feel as productive at work.
This is known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and it affects millions of Americans every winter. In mild cases, it is merely unpleasant. In the most serious cases it can lead to serious health problems including insomnia, weight loss, fatigue, and even suicidal thoughts.
The prescribing of antidepressant drugs doubled between 1996 and 2005 and rose from 13 million to 27 million users during that time frame. I have to admit that many patients come to me complaining of symptoms that could be diagnosed as depression. Some tell me they have crying spells, or are void of ambition, or … Read more