Mind and Body Health: 7 Negative Effects of Staying Indoors for Extended Periods

Have you ever considered the negative effects of staying indoors? Okay, realistically, camping may not be your thing. There’s no way that you could be convinced that spending a weekend in a tent is fun. You’d much prefer to stay in the comfort of your home and watch TV. Still, just because you don’t like…

A Pit of Distress: How the Traumatic Stress of COVID-19 Causes Unprecedented Depression

“Will it ever get any better?” You may have found yourself asking this question, or something similar, over the last few months. And who would blame you? COVID-19 has affected every aspect of our society. What were once typical activities—going out to eat, attending a sporting event, or even getting a hug from a friend—are now met…

When It Seems Like We Got It All Together – 10 Ways to Spot the Signs of High-Functioning Depression

Everyone knows someone who seems like they have “got it all together.” They have an amazing job, go on exotic and exciting vacations, and always seem to be up to date with the latest fashions. At least, that’s the way things seem to be on their social media feeds. However, what if the reality was different. Instead…

Nontraditional Social Strategies to Avert Loneliness and Depression

Traditional thinking says that people need to be with other humans to stay psychologically and emotionally balanced. There is certainly some truth to that. However, in modern times people are finding different, nontraditional social strategies to overcome loneliness and depression. Whether you are, by nature, solitary person or have struggled with feeling connected during the…

Depression and Isolation: Finding Hope When Social Distancing Causes or Worsens Negative Feelings

During social distancing, it can be easy to slip into depression and isolation. Loneliness has always been an issue that’s linked to depression and depressive feelings. Even in the best of times, people with depression can still feel isolated and disconnected from others. And in difficult moments, those feelings can become crippling. But finding hope is still…

Feeling Disconnected? – 4 Things You Should Know About Chronic Loneliness

Most people, at some point in their lives, experience loneliness. However, this usually occurs only for short periods of time. One example is the student who moves away to college for their first semester. They feel lonely at first, but quickly make new friendships and connections at school. Sadly, though, some people struggle with chronic loneliness—feeling disconnected…

Understanding the Link Between Depression and Compulsive Behaviors

Depression and compulsive behaviors often occur at the same time. In fact, it is estimated that as many as two-thirds of those who have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) will experience depression as well. Why does this happen? The answer to this question is more complicated and nuanced than you might realize at first. But there is…

Light Therapy for Depression: The Beneficial Effects of Blue Light

Eleven million Americans struggle with SAD, or seasonal affected disorder. It’s a condition that begins to be apparent when the nights start getting longer and there’s less daylight. For many, it makes getting through the darker winter months more difficult. And it can also be a trigger for depression. Currently, researchers are learning more about…