The word melancholy conjures up a sad state of being that is bleak and cheerless. That state of being is also a common feature of major depressive disorder (MDD), so it may seem redundant to attach the word melancholia with depression, as in melancholic depression. While at first glance the term may appear to be […]
One of the most elusive and frustrating mental health disorders is dysthymia, also referred to as persistent depressive disorder. Basically, individuals who suffer from dysthymia are held hostage by key depression symptoms for more than two years. Many of these people experience impairment across various aspects of daily life, even potentially becoming debilitated by the […]
You have already spent the past four months trialing three different antidepressants, none of which offered any relief for you stubborn case of depression. It is taxing, to say the least, to continue to hope for success each time a new drug is trialed, only to have hope dashed yet again. To make matters worse, […]
As a society, we expect to see results as soon as possible, if not sooner. We search for myriad ways to expedite the mundane tasks in life, hoping to improve efficiency and time management. But is faster always better? This is a question that is debatable with regard to many aspects of life because sometimes […]
Fans of the old 1970s sitcom, The Odd Couple, may remember Felix Unger, the character whose obsession for neatness and order typified obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), if only as a very minor depiction of the common mental health condition. Felix would scurry around the apartment he shared with his very messy roommate, Oscar, fussing over every […]
Living with someone who is battling depression can be disheartening. Your loved one is suffering, and in the process has become more isolated and distant. You might feel stymied at every attempt to help them, with feelings of inadequacy and even frustration bubbling up. You just want your loved one to be him or herself […]
If you watch television you are well aware of the onslaught of commercials promoting pharmaceuticals, the ones that can barely squeeze the long list of side effects into the 60-second spots. Of course, truth in advertising and FDA requirements ensure that potential side effects of a drug are cited. Even so, when someone is suffering […]
In our current times, most people will not pull the trigger on making a purchase, ordering a service, or having a medical procedure until they have fully vetted the goods or services via Google, Yelp, or Facebook reviews. This treasure trove of inside information about the reliability of quality outcomes has become ubiquitous in the […]
An unsuccessful suicide is a gift to all who know and love the individual who failed in their attempt. After stabilizing they will have an opportunity to get the help and support needed to manage the depression that brought them to the point of wanting to take their own life. Major depressive disorder is present […]
Everyone loves a good return on investment, usually referred to as ROI, when making financial decisions. This process of due diligence prior to making an important investment usually involves some research to help evaluate whether it is a worthy expenditure that will in some way improve one’s quality of life. When it comes to making […]
