March 13, 2018
by Tracey Block
Setting the clock ahead an hour in the spring, or back an hour in the fall, is known to make people feel sleepy and cranky while they adjust to the time change. The body's natural circadian rhythm can be briefly--and negatively--impacted by these time changes. And now, researchers are recognizing that jet lag from long distance travel can cause negative effects not only to one's physical--but to one's long-term psychological health.
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March 13, 2018
by Patricia Tomasi
A new study has found that women and men with major depressive disorder express their genes differently, explaining why women are twice as likely as men to suffer from depression.
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March 5, 2018
by Tracey Block
Over any period of time, one's physical health may range from excellent to poor, depending on illness--chronic or temporary. Recognizing this, Canada's military mental health professionals have created a mental health spectrum--identifying and respecting the ever-changing fluidity of its workers' mental health challenges and wellbeing. Can the same scale now be applied to the civilian workplace?
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February 27, 2018
by Tracey Block
The importance of a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains is well known, but researchers have recently studied the effect of healthy eating on one's mental health--with the possibility that foods that are good for the body may also be good for the mind.
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February 20, 2018
by Patricia Tomasi
A new study shows that how we think may indicate whether we have anxiety or depression. It's called absolutist thinking or all or nothing thinking and it could be a marker in the diagnosis of a mental health issue.
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February 20, 2018
by Tracey Block
Improvements in technology continue to provide more options in treating patients with mental health challenges. But professionals--and patients--are recognizing that some "old-fashioned methods" may actually bring revolutionary results, even in the 21st century.
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February 13, 2018
by Tracey Block
Solitary confinement and mental wellness do not mix. In a groundbreaking move last month, Canada's Supreme Court ruled against the use of solitary confinement. And some states in the U.S. are also examining the negative effects to prisoners' mental health as a result of the practice and are making efforts to reduce inmates' increased levels of anxiety, depression and suicidal behaviors by reducing such isolation.
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February 13, 2018
by Patricia Tomasi
Many maternal mental health advocates are calling for universal perinatal depression screening. This new study looks at whether the evidence supports screening mothers during baby visits with a pediatrician.
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February 7, 2018
by Tracey Block
More people than ever before are living to age 100 and older. Is there a secret to their long life? For decades, scientists and researchers have examined genetics, diet and other lifestyle choices. But recently, studies are investigating the mental health of the very old in the world's population to see if the key to longevity may actually be psychological.
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February 6, 2018
by Tracey Block
The irony cannot be overlooked. When first diagnosed with cancer, patients would do anything to beat the disease and survive. But, as medical advances continue to improve, many survivors are feeling beaten down by the psychological and sometimes physical effects that remain after successfully defeating their diseases. As World Cancer Day is celebrated, survivors are speaking out in the hopes of improving their own lives and the lives of millions of future survivors.
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