Hope for Depression Blog

Guest Bloggers

  • Louisa Benton

    Executive Director

  • Steven P. Roose, M.D

    Professor of Clinical Psychiatry

  • Huda Akil, Ph.D

    DTF Chair

Cognitive Restructuring,
April 28, 2020

“Adapting to something new is always a challenge. But it’s also a great opportunity for resilience.”

-Dr. Eric Nestler, Neuroscientist Chair, HDRF Depression Task Force

Self-Perception and Self-Talk

In situations like the one we find ourselves in today, it is natural to be more anxious, stressed, or even depressed. One of the side effects of this can be a shift in how you think of yourself or talk to yourself from forgiving and context-driven, to harsh and declarative**. For example, instead of thinking “I didn’t do as much as I wanted today, but that’s okay, I can do more tomorrow” you may think “I failed today. I am angry at myself.”

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The Power of a Face,
April 13, 2020

 

Socializing in Socially Distant Times:

Human beings, like many of our close evolutionary relatives, are at our core social creatures, which is why our mental health is a serious issue at this time of sheltering inside.

Our brains are hard-wired to be social because our survival depends on it.  That’s ironic as we distance physically to keep our bodies safe.

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The Science Behind Sleep,
April 7, 2020

 

 

During the week, with the demands of everyday life around you, it can be hard to make sure your body is getting the sleep it deserves. This can make you feel sore, become irritable, or even begin to experience symptoms of depression. You may have noticed these effects but not been aware of the science behind them, so we wanted to share some important facts.

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Time Together Has Taken On New Meaning,
March 30, 2020

Time Together Has Taken On New Meaning

There’s been lots of good advice in the media about how to stay sane during this scary time, so I’m going to just focus on one area that I think may help us come out stronger on the other side which we will eventually get to. When the sun breaks through, the bands strike up again and crowds gather to hear them, we’re all going to have a different appreciation for what it means to be together with the people we love.

Some of us are actually alone right now, some of us are tucked in with a spouse or extended family. Some are in their suburban or country house, some in their apartment warrens. What I think we’re all experiencing, from daily or more frequent check ins with children, siblings, parents, friends, the Amazon delivery people, the neighbors we sing to from balconies or across the street, is the importance of these relationships in anchoring our lives.

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Managing Stress During COVID-19,
March 18, 2020

Managing Stress During COVID-19

With the new coronavirus spreading, experts say it’s important to look after your mental health along with your physical well-being. (Getty Images)

During this time of global upheaval and social distancing, many who are susceptible to anxiety and depression are particularly vulnerable.

Isolated days at home, fearful headlines, routines upended — these ongoing stressors can strain the mental health of even the most resilient among us.

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