Depression convinces me—in my own voice nonetheless—that whatever is bad will only get worse.
“Be strong!” “Toughen up!” “Don’t cry!” Never did someone stand over me as a kid and yell, “Let it out! It’s okay to cry! It’s human to hurt!” From my football coaches to my own father, it seems as though the social norm for men is to be some kind of impenetrable m...
Living with mental illness can be lonely and isolating. The voice in your head constantly putting you down with negative thoughts. That is why its important for people with depression to connect with others who experience the same. This is especially true during winter when...
“Write depression personal essay.” This task sits on my to-do list for months on end as a cruel joke. Depression makes it notoriously difficult to motivate and complete tasks. I have the pleasure of loving what I do. I co-lead Chalk Back, a global movement that fights gen...
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the world; in fact, 19.4 million people have at least one depressive episode each year. Accordingly, you likely know someone who lives with depression — maybe even someone who struggles with it daily. When...
What do we make about the connection between cat bites and the risk of depression?
For a long time I’ve battled with social anxiety and depression. Here’s my story in hopes that this can help someone. In hopes that this can help me.
Lately, I have chosen to believe in myself and focused on the triumphs — my ability to speak up when I am not well, to identify and honor both "good" and "bad" days. Knowing I am not alone and finding strength in those who fight the same fight is empowering.
When I had my baby boy six months ago I had no idea I was about to experience the most terrifying time in my life. It was a mental health crisis. When my baby was 4 months old I began to feel scared all the time. I kept my kids inside all the time because I was afraid o...
If someone mentioned that they have depression, most people would likely have some idea of what that means. They might imagine a person feeling tired, gloomy or empty. They might even know some of the accompanying symptoms such as changes in weight or sleep patterns. But w...
Arlington, Va., —In the new issue of the Advocate, the National Alliance on Mental Illness ( NAMI ) presents an exclusive cover story interview with actress Jodie Foster about her upcoming new movie.
During the winter, an increased number of people report feeling depressed. The changes in mood are a result of seasonal affective disorder and can be treated.
I was recently prescribed an antidepressant. The information sheet from the pharmacy said the medication may increase suicidal thoughts. Is this true?
A recent benchmark survey reveals that significant gaps between people's perceptions and attitudes toward mental illness and, in particular, manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder, still exist.
My hope is that as I’m more honest with others about my depression, I’ll be able to be more honest with myself. Depression is not weakness.
While growing up, boys learn what it means to “be a man.” Unfortunately, some of these “manly” teachings can be downright harmful like “big boys don’t cry,” “suck it up,” “tough it out,” and more. Most boys are taught to ignore or dismiss their feelings—internalizing v...
To my family: thank you for encouraging me to seek help and for reassuring me that it’s okay to take medication for depression because it is, after all, caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.
I have come to understand that mental health is just as important as physical health — and untreated mental illness can be as life-threatening as any serious physical condition.
I would like to have children. However, I am worried about stopping my antidepressant. Do you have any advice?