Do you ever notice that your mood changes with the weather? Many people say that the weather can either bring them down or pick up their mood. While these fluctuations are completely normal, some people become clinically depressed or anxious depending on the weather. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs …Read More
Health Benefits of Fish Oil
Feb 8, 2010
Studies have shown that omega-3 essential fatty acids as found in fish oil have many health benefits. Fish oil has been shown to help improve heart health, alleviate pain and inflammation, suppress autoimmune disorders, and lower the risk of cancer. These omega-3’s also have been shown to improve mental health. Regular fish oil consumption may …Read More
Is Diet Related to Depression?
Jan 18, 2010
Many studies have shown that our diet affects physical health such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. However, up until recently, researchers haven’t explored the effects of diet on our mental health. A recent study that was published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that diet is in fact associated with mental health. This study …Read More
Beyond DNA, Nature and Nurture
Jan 16, 2010
A recent article in Time magazine entitled, “Why Your DNA isn’t Your Destiny,” (http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1951968,00.html ) profiles a new science called epigenetics. As a therapist, I very am very often helping my clients to understand their experience of life within the context of nature and nurture. This is a fascinating article that raises many questions with …Read More
The Health Benefits of Yoga
Nov 8, 2009
“Relax your body and mind and let your Spirit soar high.” – Remez Sasson Yoga is a way to relax both your mind and body which allows your spirit to shine. Originating as an ancient Indian practice, yoga is a type of meditation that involves stretching and other exercises including deep breathing and maintaining an …Read More
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Oct 28, 2009
Bipolar disorder is considered a “mood disorder.” Whereas major depressive disorder is considered as “uni-polar” (meaning just one pole or mood of depression), “bi-polar” (meaning two poles of mania and depression) means that the person’s mood can vacillate between feeling “up” and feeling “down.” Here are some symptoms of mania and depression in bipolar disorder. …Read More
Building Resiliency
Oct 26, 2009
According an article in Monitor on Psychology, a publication for the American Psychological Association, nearly 20 percent of today’s children will experience depression at some point in time. This has led researchers to question if it is possible to utilize curriculum and teaching strategies to decrease the risk for depression symptoms. The researchers found that …Read More
Mental Health Awareness & Bipolar Disorder
Oct 24, 2009
In my last blog, I talked about the stigma of mental health conditions. Sometimes stigma about psychiatric conditions can keep people from seeking help and getting the treatment they need to get their lives back on track. This past week, the actor, Glenn Close, and her sister, Jessie Close, appeared on various television shows including …Read More
Mental Illness Awareness Week
Oct 17, 2009
The first week of October marked the 19th annual mental illness awareness week. Awareness and education is imperative in decreasing the stigma surrounding mental health conditions. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 26% of adults suffer from a diagnosed mental disorder in a given year. Mental disorders are the leading cause …Read More
New Report on Mental Disorders in Young Adults
Dec 2, 2008
A new study that appears in the most recent issue of Archives of General Psychiatry covers the prevalence rates of mental disorders in young adults. It is based on interviews with 5,000 people ages 19-25. One of the alarming findings is that fewer than 25% of college age Americans with mental problems get treatment. On …Read More