Author: Charu Parmar

Here are six common reasons depression can cause weight changes, paired with practical tips to help you care for yourself through each challenge. Depression often affects eating, activity, sleep, and self-image, which can contribute to gradual weight gain. This experience is normal and not a sign of failure or shame. Weight changes reflect how our minds and bodies respond to depression. Below, you’ll find explanations for weight gain during depression and gentle strategies to support your well-being. Eating for comfort and emotional relief When emotions feel overwhelming, food often provides comfort, especially sugary or fatty snacks that offer a temporary…

Depression affects everyone differently, and managing its symptoms varies from person to person. Some find relief through exercise and creative outlets, while others benefit from talking or journaling. For some, medication is necessary to address chemical imbalances. Regardless of the approach, depression can be managed with the right tools and guidance. This guide covers effective solutions for depression, including therapy, medication, support groups, lifestyle changes, and valuable resources. Therapy for depression If you have mild to moderate depression, working with a qualified therapist can offer effective relief. Many mental health professionals recommend starting with therapy before considering medication. For severe…

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are a common type of antidepressant used to treat depression and other mental health conditions. These medications work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, helping to improve mood and emotional balance. While SSRIs offer many benefits, they also come with potential side effects that users should understand. Mental health challenges affect millions—nearly 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 6 youth in the U.S. face these issues annually, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). SSRIs remain a key treatment option for managing these conditions effectively. Read More: Types of Therapy for…

Effective depression treatments help relieve symptoms, enhance coping skills, and support overall mental well-being. While medication traditionally targeted biological causes and psychotherapy addressed psychosocial factors, this distinction is becoming outdated. Neuroscience research shows both approaches produce similar changes in brain function, classifying each as a biological treatment. As a result, modern guidelines increasingly recommend psychotherapy—alone or combined with medication—as a primary option for managing depression. What types of therapy are commonly used to treat depression? Several therapy types are commonly used to treat depression. Here are some of the most recognized approaches: Read More: Top 5 Myths About Antidepressants Debunked…

Understanding how antidepressants affect the brain is essential for making informed mental health decisions. Despite being among the most prescribed medications worldwide, antidepressants remain surrounded by myths and misinformation. These misconceptions often fuel fear and hesitation, discouraging people from seeking much-needed treatment. By debunking common myths and explaining how antidepressants truly work, we can promote informed choices and support better mental health care. Myth #1: Antidepressants simply increase serotonin levels A common misconception is that antidepressants simply “boost serotonin” in the brain. While selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) do impact serotonin levels, they also affect multiple neurotransmitter systems. Research shows…

Alternative treatments for anxiety often complement therapy and medication. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any plan. Anxiety disorders affect nearly 40 million adults in the U.S., making them one of the most common mental health conditions. For mild anxiety, alternative therapies can offer relief without traditional medication. With your doctor’s approval, these approaches may also enhance conventional treatments. The main aim of alternative therapy is to boost overall health and ease anxiety symptoms with minimal side effects. Limit your caffeine intake Your morning coffee may boost energy, but too much caffeine can trigger jitters and worsen anxiety. A…

Journaling, grounding exercises, increased physical activity, and meditation are effective techniques to reduce and manage anxiety symptoms. Stress triggers the body’s natural reaction to real or perceived threats, with anxiety as a common symptom. While occasional anxiety is normal, persistent stress activation can lead to chronic anxiety. Anxiety disorder encompasses various mental health conditions sharing anxiety as the main symptom, each with unique triggers. Although severe anxiety may require professional help, building coping skills remains crucial for effective management. 5 techniques for coping with anxiety in the moment Simple techniques can help reduce anxiety symptoms early, preventing them from escalating.…

If anxiety stems from negative thought patterns or false beliefs, psychotherapy can provide significant relief. Here are some effective options. Anxiety often appears suddenly, but it’s frequently triggered or intensified by negative thoughts, lack of coping skills, or deeply ingrained unconscious beliefs. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can be a game-changer in these cases. By addressing the root causes—whether they involve false beliefs, past trauma, or social challenges—you can begin to heal and manage anxiety more effectively. Psychotherapy options for anxiety Several types of psychotherapy are effective in treating anxiety. Below are some of the most common approaches: Read More: Why…

The US and China, the world’s largest economies, recently stepped back from the edge of an escalating trade war, opting for a deal that eased tariffs and calmed global markets. Mounting economic pressures, including job losses, supply chain disruptions, and recession fears, forced both nations to reconsider a costly confrontation. Despite tough rhetoric, both sides acknowledged that a full economic decoupling would harm businesses, consumers, and global trade stability. This strategic retreat signals a temporary pause, not a final resolution, as critical issues remain unresolved. Understanding why the US and China pulled back reveals much about global economic interdependence. US-China…

Former President Donald Trump’s decisions, both political and business-related, have often sparked controversy. One of the most shocking moments came when a last-minute contract decision led to dire, fatal consequences. This article delves into the details of this controversial decision, its aftermath, and its impact on both Trump’s legacy and those involved. The Decision that Sparked Outrage In the final moments of his presidency, Donald Trump made a contract decision that would forever change the lives of many. The details of the contract itself remain somewhat vague, but its effects were undeniable. People who were already in precarious positions found…