Mental Health Archive

While COVID-19 brings normal life to a temporary halt as we practice social distancing, it helps to double-down on deepening social bonds and practicing kindness and gratitude, not emotional distancing.

Anxiety about the new coronavirus is understandable. But there are actions you can take –– or avoid –– to help you cope with anxious feelings and choices you can make to help yourself and others.

An increasing body of research shows that dog ownership may boost heart health.

Looking to improve your heart health? You might want to think about getting a dog.

A growing body of scientific research suggests that having a canine companion is associated with number of health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health. "Numerous studies from Scandinavia, England and the United States suggest that dog owners have better health than individuals who don't own dogs. But what we really want to know is whether owning dogs produces better health or if it just means that healthier individuals are more likely to own dogs," says Dr. Dhruv Satish Kazi, a cardiologist and associate director of the Smith Center of Outcomes Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and a member of the faculty of medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Shifts in the levels of female hormones can cause temporary mood changes, including symptoms of depression.

The years leading up to menopause and the transition itself can bring changes to your body. But they can also have an effect on your mind, specifically your mental health.

The incidence of depression doubles during this time. Women who have struggled in the past with depression or anxiety might also see a resurgence in symptoms.

One approach to treating bipolar disorders is manipulation of the body’s circadian rhythms. A recent review of research found that such therapies may help, often in combination with medications and psychotherapy.

Here's what to do when your mind tends to wander.

Everyone's attention can drift at times, like when you lose your concentration for a moment while doing routine tasks.

Many people shrug off these lapses in focus as "senior moments," but they might be related to a vulnerable brain process called executive function.

Chronic stress is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. These strategies can help you manage it.

People often complain about stress, but it's actually a natural reaction with an essential purpose.

When the body senses danger, it starts its fight-or-flight response. Your nervous system releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which jolt the body into a protective mode. Your heart pounds faster, muscles tighten, blood pressure rises, breathing quickens, and your senses sharpen.

Ask the doctors

Q. Every winter I experience mood changes. How do I know if it's seasonal affective disorder?

A. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that typically affects individuals during the winter months. Some experts believe it's triggered by a reduction in natural light, which starts in the fall and continues until the spring. Tracking your mood changes can help your doctor determine if you have the condition. People formally diagnosed with SAD experience episodes of major depression that occur in the fall and winter for at least two years. During these episodes, people may feel hopeless or worthless, have sleep problems, or experience changes in appetite or weight. They may also be irritable or anxious and lose interest in favorite activities.

Ask the doctors

Q. I have a very stressful job, and recently my blood pressure readings started going up. Could my job stress be the reason why?

A. Yes, chronic stress can affect blood pressure. Several hormones affect your heart's rhythm, including epinephrine and norepinephrine. When these hormone levels rise, your heart starts to work harder. Stress hormones can also constrict your blood vessels, causing temporary blood pressure spikes.