
"Feeling depressed? There's a Dog for That" news article
Source: click here Sometimes when you’re down, all it takes is a lick to the face or a furry cuddle to lift your spirits. But what if your stress runs deep, if you’re anxious and nervous to leave the house, and find yourself depressed or even suicidal—can a dog still help bring you back? Studies now overwhelmingly show service and companion animals alike are effective at treating depression and anxiety, as well as improving your overall health. We’re exploring the reasons why

"Mental illness isn't a character flaw - let's stop treating it like one: Thomas P. Mur
Source: click here "As the chairman of the House Human Service Committee's Mental Health Subcommittee, I recently chaired a hearing that explored issues relating to mental illness. Former Congressman Patrick Kennedy testified and provided some excellent information to our committee. Mental illness across the United States and our Commonwealth is quite common amongst our families, loved ones, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Some people who suffer from a mental illness may

"Mental Health Matters to School Students" news article
Source: click here Odds are that if you had asked Loren Davis what was troubling her, she wouldn’t have been able to tell you. If pressed, the then-student at Park Forest Middle School might have described it as a bad case of nerves, the closest concept within reach to describe what she would eventually come to identify as a recurring case of severe anxiety. That term would first find its way into her lexicon thanks to a video she stumbled across in the eighth grade — a momen
"Walgreens Aims to Promote Greater Mental Health Awareness" news article
Source: click here Drugstore giant Walgreens Boots Alliance has taken another step in its effort to be viewed as a healthcare provider alternative.
The nation's largest retail pharmacy chain on Tuesday announced it will collaborate with national behavioral health advocacy organization Mental Health America to provide mental health screening to as many as 3 million people through 2017.
Walgreens will launch an “Answer Center” on the company's website where visitors can fi

"Music Therapy helping Veterans overcome Depression" article
Source: Click here TAMPA (FOX 13) - A chime choir at Bay Pines Veterans Hospital relies on advanced skills of matching numbers, colors and timing. The musicians' precision, focus and coordination makes the musical group's magnificent sound a form of therapy for patients. "It really just helps! That's really the only word. I know it's a simple word, but it really helps and it's needed," group member Luther Harrison said. "With depression, often times comes isolation, low energ
"Why Depression Screenings Should Be Part of Routine Check-Ups" article
Source: click here Since 1984, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an independent panel of health-care experts, has regularly issued recommendations for doctors and patients about the best strategies for preventive care, including screenings, counseling services, and medications that help ward off disease. These recommendations don’t take cost-effectiveness into account, instead focusing entirely on maximum benefit for the patient. And a few weeks ago, the USPSTF took a

"Depressed? Antidepressants Might Not Be Your Best Option" Men's Journal article
Source: click here Major depression struck nearly 16 million adults in the U.S. in 2014, making it one of the most common mental health disorders according to the National Institute of Mental Health. It's a serious problem, and doctors aren't shy about prescribing antidepressants for it. But that might soon change. According to new clinical guidelines issued by the American College of Physicians, non-drug alternatives appear to work just as well. In the paper published in the

"Veterans Reach Out For PTSD Treatment" article
Source: Click here Shell shock, combat neurosis, post traumatic stress disorder – whatever you call it, the psychological effects of war are real, yet often misunderstood and stigmatized. Although awareness for veterans’ mental health has increased significantly in recent years, there is still room for improvement. Only 8 percent of veterans are being treated for the disorder, despite a VA study that says many more have it. Psychological problems were first noticed amidst the

"An Open Letter to Young People Struggling, From a Suicide Survivor" Huffington Post artic
Source: click here Our community is struggling with a rash of inconceivable suicides of teens and pre-teens. Every new death is a blow to the already raw hearts of this community. There is blame thrown here and there, everyone looking for a steady target to throw off the pain that we all seem to be drowning under. No one has an answer for saving our children from this pain, which seems to be pervasive, not only in our community but all across the nation and around the world.
"Confronting sad realities when a loved one commits suicide" Philly.com news article
Source: click here "In the last month, five people in my world have taken their own lives. I knew them to varying degrees; some very closely, others through people I am connected with via work or friendship or service. Three were male, two female. One had a child. Three were in their mid-40s, two were in their late teens or early 20s. Two were very successful in business. Through their suicides, all of them have greatly affected others and have left dozens of loved ones shatt