Chalk talk on depression- Part 3: Depression and brain damage

Chalk talk on depression- Part 3: Depression and brain damage

Individuals afflicted with depression are likely to feel discouraged, sad, hopeless, unmotivated, or disinterested in life in general. If such feelings persist for more than two weeks and starts to meddle with daily activities, then it is likely the individual has developed depression. Depression is a common yet serious mental health condition. In the United States, it is one of the most common form of treatable mental illnesses aged 18 years or older in the U.S. had experienced at least one major depressive episode in the previous year. This is the third article of the series that talks about depression […] Read more

Smoking cessation can help smokers reduce depression, says study

Smoking cessation can help smokers reduce depression, says study

“When it comes to smoking, quitters are the winners.” This statement holds true because smoking cessation brings in healthy social life, a positive outlook, reduced risk of diseases and a better quality of life. Now, better mental health can also be added to the list of rewards of a smoke-free life.

According to a recent study, funded by the Cancer Research U.K. and published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine in December 2016, patients suffering from depression experience a considerable improvement in the symptoms after bidding adieu to cigarette smoking. Smoking can reduce the life expectancy by 10-20 years, says the […] Read more

Depression may co-exist among people with eating disorders

Depression may co-exist among people with eating disorders

“I am forever engaged in a silent battle in my head over whether or not to lift the fork to my mouth, and when I talk myself into doing so, I taste only shame. I have an eating disorder.”

― Jena Morrow, Hollow: An Unpolished Tale

Eating disorders can emanate from a reason as simple as overindulgence in weight loss measures to achieve a certain body shape and unhealthy eating patterns. Due to the increased risk of the above intentions going askew, they often generate a backlash that results in a range of eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia, etc. […] Read more

Chalk talk on depression – 2: Illusory world of social media and depression, sleep disorder

Chalk talk on depression – 2: Illusory world of social media and depression, sleep disorder

“Constantly exposing yourself to popular culture and the mass media will ultimately shape your reality tunnel in ways that are not necessarily conducive to achieving your Soul Purpose and Life Calling,” feels author and inspirational speaker Anthon St. Maarten.

In this age of information, the entire new world of apps and social media has not only dramatically changed the concept of online experience, but has also introduced newer ways of communication. In fact, the social media platforms have become such an integral part of one’s life that he or she gets defined according to whatever he or she shares on such […] Read more

Chalk talk on depression- Part 1: Faith-based organizations assisting in depression treatment

Chalk talk on depression- Part 1: Faith-based organizations assisting in depression treatment

The stigma surrounding mental health conditions can deter individuals with mental health disorders from seeking medical help. In such conditions, a person is more likely to turn to faith for the strength and inspiration required to recover, heal and get back on their feet.

Although mental health service providers and faith communities are mutually exclusive to one another, a collaboration between psychiatrists and clergy is not unheard of. Establishing a dialogue between these two fields can be an effective way to reduce the stigma associated with mental health disorders while providing a combination of medical and spiritual care measures that many […] Read more