Mental Health Archive

Depression may be more common as people age, but new data suggest that the biggest threat to older adults’ mental health is their failure to recognize its symptoms and seriousness. Many chalk up depression as a normal part of aging, but addressing it as a real and treatable disease can help older adults seek the help they need and not needlessly suffer.

Caregivers may benefit from substitute caregivers who can give them a break. This “respite care” might come from a family member or friend who volunteers to help out. Or it can come from outside services such as adult or child day care centers, short-term stays (seven to 30 days) in a skilled nursing or memory care facility, professional child care or nanny services, or private duty care (which can send someone to be with a loved one up to 24 hours per day).

Most people know that as they age, they need to put effort into staying healthy by eating carefully, exercising, and getting enough sleep. But there is another element to healthy aging: keeping your mind engaged helps protect brain health, and one way to do that is by maintaining an active social life.

Denial is a natural response at times when you’re unable or unwilling to face the facts. As a defense mechanism, it can be helpful or harmful. Here's how to spot it in yourself and others, and how to move from denial toward meaningful change.

Orthorexia is an obsession with “pure” or “clean” eating that goes beyond healthy habits—marked by rigid food rules, anxiety around imperfect eating, and feelings of superiority. Though not a formal diagnosis, it’s treatable with help from a multidisciplinary team that includes various specialists in diet and mental health.

New panic attacks while taking an SSRI may prompt questions about dosage, switching medications, or adding another type of treatment.

Stress can disrupt the menstrual cycle, but it isn’t the only possible cause of a late period. Find out what to consider before assuming why.

When pleasure fades from everyday activities, anhedonia can affect mood, relationships and motivation. Discover why it happens and where support may help.

5-HTP is often promoted for mood support, but its effects, side effects, and place among depression treatments deserve careful consideration.