I was recently interviewed by a major media outlet regarding a serious custody issue that a woman was struggling over with with her ex-husband. As the mother of five minor children I am sure that she has her hands more than full already and that this conflict only makes taking care of her family –…
I am often asked what is known about the links between bullying and teen mental health outcomes, including depression and suicide. Medical research tells us – and many of us can observe in our personal lives – that bullying can drive feelings of sadness and even hopelessness, and that this dynamic can even result in…
Medication with serotonin such as Zoloft should not be mixed with alcohol. However, some people who suffer from depression might mix a medication such as Zoloft and alcohol in the mistaken belief that it will help their mood. They might also do it since they are not aware that these substances should not be mixed….
We all must cope at times with feeling tired – it’s just part of life. Luckily, it is usually short-lived and dealt with by taking simple steps such as getting a good night’s sleep or working out at the gym. But if left unaddressed, long-term stress can prompt simple tiredness to worsen and turn into…
Mood swings are often described as sudden, significant changes in someone’s mood or general state of mind. For example, when experiencing a mood swing, a person may quickly switch from feeling joyful and content to mournful and irritated – or visa versa. People often ask me what the common causes of mood swings are. I…
Whether we like it or not, we now live in an age dominated by the Internet. And that is a double edged sword. If you’re looking for a movie to watch, then you’re in luck. But if you have anxiety and/or depression, then you can actually worsen your mental health by endless Internet searches and…
The Covid pandemic really scrambled a lot of our traditional social cohesion. There are a number of potential reasons for why people might be socializing less. They include fears of getting sick, for one. In addition, many people are no longer working at the office. Instead they are working from home, which cuts down on…
According to the authors of the new Dartmouth COSAN Lab study, gossip is largely a means of exchanging information with others and forming relationships. It therefore can build trust between people and initiate societal links that becomes stronger the more communication takes place. People therefore can feel increasingly connected and “social” when they gossip, which…
Most people have at least heard of postpartum depression, but far fewer are aware of postpartum euphoria, also referred to as postpartum hypomania or “the baby pinks.” However, it is a serious mental health issue that can eventually result in postpartum psychosis. Often initially perceived as “super moms” who are energized and can function for…