Depression Archive

Articles

Easing the emotional burden of IBS

People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often struggle with stress, anxiety, and depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy and gut-directed hypnotherapy have the strongest evidence for treating these IBS-related issues. Other interventions like aerobic exercise, yoga, acupuncture, and biofeedback also may be helpful.

A small amount of weekly exercise may reduce depression symptoms in people with chronic illness

A 2025 analysis found that people with chronic illnesses, who are highly susceptible to depression and whose conditions often make activity difficult, may need a relatively small amount of weekly exercise to ease depression.

The emotional aftermath of a heart attack

Up to half of all heart attack survivors experience some type of psychological distress, including sadness, worry, or irritability. This problem is known as post-myocardial infarction psychological distress. Cardiac rehabilitation is the best way to get treatment.

TMS treatment may succeed when depression drugs fail

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) uses magnetic pulses to repeatedly activate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Updated protocols hold the promise of rapid relief from major depression.

Psychological distress common in heart attack survivors

Up to half of heart attack survivors experience some form of psychological distress after the event, including depression, anxiety, or stress, according to a 2025 statement from the American Heart Association.

Advancing age and mental health disorders

People have a 50% chance of developing at least one mental health disorder by age 75, according to some research. Among men, the most common are alcohol use disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders, with social anxiety disorder being the most prevalent of those. Many men miss the early warning signs of these disorders, or when they do, they often try to push through, which can worsen the symptoms. But identifying when they might have a problem is the first step toward seeking help.

Try this: Light therapy

Light therapy uses light boxes that emit a bright, white light. Exposure to this light can control a person’s circadian rhythm—the body’s internal 24-hour sleep-wake clock—and help manage and prevent seasonal affective disorder.

Heart disease and depression: A two way street

A heart disease diagnosis may trigger a bout of depression. But having depression can also leave people more vulnerable to heart disease. Some of the overlap stems from shared lifestyle factors, such as inactivity and an unhealthy diet. In addition to addressing those issues, other safe and effective ways to ease depression include working with a therapist, using a light box, and taking medications.

Depression tied to risky driving in older adults

A 2024 study indicated that adults 65 and older with major depression are more likely to exhibit risky driving behaviors such as speeding, hard braking, and hard cornering.

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