The new study by Jennifer A Rieker et al. published in International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health (May 2023) shows us very clearly that, as one would image, an active social life outside of work is crucial to a person’s ability to undertake professional responsibilities in a productive, positive and competent manner. And interestingly…
The news media have been covering ways to reduce stress – and whether “holding you hand over your heart” like actor Pablo Pascal can work in this regard. It’s important to understand that stress or anxiety causes your body to release hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can in turn make you even more…
Isolation and loneliness can have a terrible effect on a person’s health. They contribute to more hospital visits, dementia, anxiety and depression. Fully one-third of adults state they are feeling increased isolation and loneliness, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. In fact, just today US surgeon general, Vivek Murthy, issued a report on loneliness and…
It’s been said many times that “we are what we eat.” And as a psychiatrist, I believe it’s clear that the food we put in our bodies has a large effect on our mood, including whether we experience anxiety and/or depression. There’s lots of research out there on this topic, which is sometimes referred to…
It can be a very trying time when starting a regimen of anti-depressants. For that reason, amongst others, it’s not the right time to also plan an exit strategy to get off anti-depressants. People just getting started on antidepressant should stay focused on feeling better and laying the groundwork for a healthier future. If somebody has…
A new study in Current Biology indicates that cannabinoids hold potential for helping treat a variety of conditions, including depression and anxiety. For that reason, it is important to study their effect on various living beings which will help us better understand their potential benefit for humans in the future. The scientists at the University…
Do these answers look ok to send? Many women struggle with mental health challenges when they’re pregnancy, occasionally for the first time. They are frequently dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression and even panic disorders and OCD during what should be such a special time of their life. Some even develop a severe fear…
Most inpatient treatment for post traumatic stress requires a patient to remain in the treatment center at all times for the program’s full length. They are provided treatment, including medications and any other care deemed appropriate during their stay. The nature of the treatment provided is left to the discretion of the healthcare professionals, including…
Depression and menopause and both challenging, and often painful, experiences in life. So it can be very trying when they are experienced at the same time, which happens for approximately one in five women. But we should not be surprised that these two conditions often overlap, since we know there is a relationship between hormonal…
Acute social withdrawal, sometimes referred to as hikikomori, refers to an extreme version of avoiding interaction with, and spending time with, others. This includes avoiding people and activities that one might usually enjoy. Research suggests such withdrawal is caused by mental health and emotional struggles that a person might be experiencing, and it can also…