Your brain needs exactly 60 minutes to recover from stress
The stressful meeting is over. Your heart rate is settling, your shoulders have dropped, and you are already scanning the next item on your to-do list. Recovery complete, right? The most important phase of stress recovery does not begin the moment you take a deep breath it begins about an hour later. Scientists are calling […]
Effexor side effects women over 50 need to know before starting treatment
Effexor, known generically as venlafaxine, is a prescription antidepressant classified as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, or SNRI. It works by increasing the availability of two key neurotransmitters in the brain, serotonin and norepinephrine, both of which play significant roles in regulating mood, energy, and the body’s response to stress. At lower doses, the medication primarily […]
How common plastic chemical BPA may trigger depression
It is in the water bottle you bring to the gym, the food containers stacked in your kitchen cabinet, and the packaging wrapped around your groceries. Bisphenol A widely known as BPA has been woven into the fabric of daily life for decades. Now, a new study is raising deeply uncomfortable questions about what that […]
Cannabis fails to help anxiety and PTSD
For years, cannabis has been prescribed and promoted as a natural remedy for some of the most common mental health struggles people face. But a sweeping new analysis is raising serious doubts about that practice and experts say the findings deserve close attention. What the study examined Researchers at the University of Sydney in Australia […]
Toxic positivity is officially harmful in 4 documented ways that new research confirms
Toxic positivity is the cultural habit of insisting on cheerfulness regardless of circumstances, dismissing negative emotions with phrases like everything happens for a reason, staying positive, or good vibes only, and treating emotional distress as something to be overcome through attitude adjustment rather than acknowledged and processed. It is everywhere. It is on motivational posters, […]
World Happiness Report sounds the alarm on social media and youth well-being
Most young people around the world are happier today than they were two decades ago. That is genuinely good news. But it does not apply everywhere, and the exceptions are striking. Youth in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and several Western European countries are bucking the global trend, reporting declining levels of well-being […]
The impact of lifestyle choices on late-life depression
A recent study highlights the significant role that lifestyle choices play in reducing the risk of late-life depression, dementia and stroke. With over 355,000 participants, the research reveals that healthier lifestyles are linked to lower incidences of these conditions, emphasizing the importance of proactive brain care. Key findings from the study Healthier lifestyles are associated […]
Understanding antidepressants: Managing weight gain and other side effects
Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Lexapro, are known to potentially influence weight. While some patients may experience weight gain, the effects vary significantly among individuals. Impact of depression and anxiety on weight The relationship between mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, and weight changes is complex. According to experts, these […]
Understanding generalized anxiety disorder: Symptoms, causes, and management
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a condition characterized by persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of daily life. Affecting an estimated 2% of adults in the United States, GAD can significantly impact one’s quality of life. It is more common in women and typically develops between childhood and middle age. Recognizing the symptoms of […]
Potential at-home ketamine treatment for severe depression
An experimental slow-release ketamine capsule, potentially taken at home, offers new hope for individuals with severe, treatment-resistant depression. This innovative approach could revolutionize treatment by making it more accessible and cost-effective. Understanding ketamine’s role in treating severe depression Ketamine has shown effectiveness in individuals who have not responded to traditional antidepressants. Current treatments involve clinical […]