Hard Truths: Mike Leigh’s bleakly comic take on depression offers no easy answers: If you were to ask a computer programme to come up with a title for a new Mike Leigh film it could do no better than Hard Truths. Echoing the title of his very first film in 1971, Bleak Moments, Hard Truths …
Conscious breathing can reduce anxiety and depression – tips for how to do it: Breathing is a thing we do without thinking; it keeps us alive. But there is far more to this most basic of biological functions. Conscious breathing can reduce stress, anxiety and depression and prevent insomnia. Christiane Brems, author and clinical professor …
Refugees in east Africa suffer from high levels of depression, making it harder to rebuild lives – new study: By the end of 2023, more than 100 million people globally had been forced to flee their homes due to war, violence, fear of persecution, and human rights violations. The majority are hosted in low- and …
Depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder linked with ancient viral DNA in our genome – new research: Hervs represent the remnants of infections from ancient viruses. james benjamin/ Shutterstock Around 8% of human DNA is made up of genetic sequences acquired from ancient viruses. These sequences, known as human endogenous retroviruses (or Hervs), date back hundreds …
Shouting at children linked to depression – but defining what counts as verbal abuse is what will help prevent harmful parenting: fasphotographic/Shutterstock A recent research paper has found that verbal abuse of children, including shouting at them and calling them names, is linked to low mood, drug abuse and delinquency (antisocial behaviour). The authors of …
Depression isn’t just sadness – it’s often a loss of pleasure: No longer enjoying the things you used to can also be a symptom of other mental health conditions. fizkes/ Shutterstock It’s often thought that if someone is depressed, they will feel sad or low most of the time. But what many don’t realise is that …
Magnet therapy for depression is available on the NHS – here’s how it works: Magnets to treat depression? It may sound bizarre, but this treatment is now available on the NHS. It’s called transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS. People who have tried antidepressants but they haven’t worked, may be offered TMS. It involves zapping areas …
Postnatal depression: what new fathers need to know – and how to ask for help: Postnatal depression symptoms are quite similar to depression symptoms. christinarosepix/ Shutterstock Many people think of postnatal depression as a condition that only affects women. But in reality, postnatal depression affects almost as many men as women – with some research …
Depression is more common in the suburbs than in city centres – new research: Copenhagen, where people enjoy each other's company – and the proximity to the water. Fedor Selivanov/Shutterstock The rapid growth of cities comes with many challenges. How can we build greener? And how can we support the health and wellbeing of the people …
Teen mothers and depression: lack of support from partners and violence are big drivers in Malawi and Burkina Faso: Ann Rodchua/Shutterstock Up to one in four African girls have their first child before the age of 18. Becoming a mother at such a young age can lead to mental health problems like depression. Research suggests …
Mental health: almost half of Johannesburg students in new study screened positive for probable depression: Wesley Lazarus/Shutterstock Depression is a mental health disorder characterised by a persistently low mood or loss of interest in activities. It causes significant impairment in daily life. Possible causes include a combination of biological, psychological and social sources of distress. …
Depression, anxiety and childhood trauma: South African study explores links, prevalence and who’s most at risk: South Africans need targeted and accessible interventions and counselling programmes. AJ Watt/Getty Images Mental health problems among adults are an ever-increasing public health concern. These include depression, anxiety, and conditions associated with bad childhood experiences such as abuse. Several …
ADHD more strongly linked to anxiety and depression compared to autism – new research: People with neurodevelopmental conditions are more likely to suffer from mental health problems. Black Salmon/ Shutterstock Autistic people and people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often experience anxiety and depression. When these conditions occur together, though – as they often …
Menopause: HRT linked to depression – here’s what the evidence actually says: Women use HRT to manage a variety of menopause symptoms. Image Point Fr/ Shutterstock A growing number of women are turning to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to alleviate distressing symptoms of the menopause – including hot flushes, bladder weakness, vaginal dryness, joint pain, …
Seasonal depression: small things you can do every day to cope: Daylight is important, so try to get outside for a walk in the morning and afternoon. Dasha Petrenko/ Shutterstock Many of us tend to feel sad or not like our usual self as autumn and winter approach. But for some, these feelings persist until …
Chemical imbalance theory of depression: clearing up some misconceptions: fizkes/Shutterstock The scale of the response to our recent study finding that there was no support for the idea that low serotonin causes depression – the so-called “chemical imbalance” theory of depression – was enormous. Our paper is one of the 400 most shared of the …
Perinatal depression: our study shows how common it is for both parents to experience it: Both parents can struggle with depression after the birth of their child. Antonio Guillem/ Shutterstock Many new parents struggle with mental health issues. Research suggests up to a quarter of new mothers and one in ten fathers experience depression after …
Depression: low serotonin may not be the cause – but antidepressants still work: A recent study found inconsistent evidence linking the neurotransmitter serotonin to depression. In an article for The Conversation, the authors of the study concluded that it is impossible to say that taking SSRI antidepressants is worthwhile. But is it safe to conclude …