Depression, Anger, and Processing Emotions in TherapyWhen I was last in any sort of sustained individual treatment, I worked with Dr. Lev*, a psychiatrist who specialized in borderline personality disorder. She utilized a treatment called transference-focused...Reactions0reactions
Drinking Your DepressionStep 1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol, and that our lives had become unmanageable. For many of us, depression has a deadly consort: substance abuse. There's no use...Reactions0reactions
I Think We're Alone Now: Isolating With DepressionMy friends and family often ask me why I don't go out more often. They know, after many years of knowing my mental health struggles, that I feel uplifted and...Reactions0reactions
Recognizing Signs of a Downward Spiral (and Tips for Not Falling Into It)When you have had major depressive disorder for as long as I have, it becomes easier to recognize the signs when things are going in the wrong direction. I like...Reactions0reactions
4 Methods for Managing Housework with DepressionIt is raining outside, which means my body physically hurts. So, I am sitting on the couch with my dogs. Unfortunately, I feel completely overwhelmed. The phrase "when it rains...Reactions0reactions
A Depression Diagnosis: It's Not "All In Your Head"Depression chooses its victims. The condition will rob them of their joy and steal every moment of their happiness. As a young teenager, I could not understand why I could...Reactions0reactions
The Challenges of Finding the Right PsychiatristBetween my diagnoses of major depressive disorder with psychotic features, the anorexia, and the borderline personality disorder, I've worked with a lot of psychiatrists. Not to mention the multiple admissions...Reactions0reactions
Beautiful MonsterMy mother is a Tibetan Buddhist and has been studying meditation and mindfulness for about 50 years. Nowadays, she tunes into online workshops with "Dharma teachers" – usually Tibetan monks...Reactions0reactions
Suicidal Attempts: A ReflectionContent Note: This article describes suicide. If you or a loved one are struggling, consider reading our mental health resources page. Much like a UFC fight, I have gone more...Reactions0reactions
Closer to Fine: A Diagnosis That Never DisappearsI knew I had severe mental health issues before I knew that major depressive disorder (MDD) existed. When I was a newly minted teenager in 2014, I started noticing some...Reactions0reactions
5 Ways I Prioritize My Well-being With Major Depressive DisorderI have battled major depressive disorder, known as MDD, for years. It is a daily challenge affecting everything, from relationships to sleep to productivity. With this diagnosis, I have learned...Reactions0reactions
6 Things Not to Say to Someone with DepressionLike with any illness, it is difficult for people to always know the "right" thing to say. So how about we flip things around and focus on the not-so-helpful words...Reactions0reactions
5 Signs Your Depression is Treatment-ResistantLiving with depression is a challenging journey. For some, finding effective treatment can feel like an uphill battle. If you have been feeling persistently depressed – despite trying various treatments...Reactions0reactions
Depressed MomI've had depression and anxiety since I was a teenager, so I knew as I was contemplating motherhood, I would have to make adjustments. I thought I was ready. I...Reactions0reactions
The 2024 Social Health Awards ProgramEditorial Note: Nominations for 2024 are now closed. We are very excited to announce the launch of the 2024 Social Health Awards program! The Social Health Awards is an awards...Reactions0reactions
Living With Treatment-Resistant DepressionWhen I was first diagnosed with depression almost 20 years ago, I thought it was no big deal. Of course, I was 20 years old and in college, so what...Reactions0reactions
Birth Control and DepressionResearch has shown that, for some people, a link may exist between depression and hormonal birth control. It is natural to be concerned about this link. Luckily, most people who...Reactions0reactions
Depression and Identifying as AsexualThe first time I thought about my sexuality was during my first year in high school. I was pitching on the softball team and about half the girls on the...Reactions0reactions
Sleep Problems Associated With DepressionSleep is an important part of our physical health. It also plays a major role in our mental health. However, people with depression often experience sleep problems. About 3 in...Reactions0reactions
Unraveling the Layers of Mental Health StigmaWhile several health conditions face problems related to stigma, the stigma around individuals with mental health conditions is some of the most prominent. Those of us living with depression have...Reactions0reactions