Depression

Types of depression

There are many different types of depression

You can’t control the headlines but here’s some stuff you can control

It’s been a pretty overwhelming time, with one wave of bad news after the next. There’s uncertainty over where things are heading in Ukraine, the rising cost of living, climate change worries and how we adapt to living with covid – things feel shit right now, so we’ve put together some stuff that might help. However bad things are, we’re here, united. 

How to cope with bad news

War in Ukraine, the spiralling cost of living and the climate crisis are putting a strain on people’s mental heath. We spoke to experts about how to cope with bad news, this is what they said.

By Robin Eveleigh

‘Overlooked and underfunded’: experts call for global action to deal with depression

According to The Lancet and World Psychiatric Association Commission, the world is currently failing to tackle the persistent and increasingly severe global crisis of depression. Experts at the organisations have outlined an ambitious set of recommendations to tackle global inequities in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, including prioritising an innovative staged approach to care and early intervention.

By Ed Brown

Postnatal depression

Postnatal depression is a type of depression many people experience after having a baby. It’s not the same as the ‘baby blues’: it needs treatment so you can recover.

Mark Cavendish keen to use his battle with depression to help others

The 36-year-old Manxman had a memorable 2021 when he won four stages at the Tour de France.

By Ian Parker

In research studies and in real life, placebos have a powerful healing effect on the body and mind

An article from The Conversation.

By Elissa H. Patterson, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology, University of Michigan & Hans Schroder, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Michigan

Depression and anxiety rose sharply over Christmas in the UK

Levels of depression and anxiety rose sharply over December in the UK, especially among young adults, reaching similar levels to lockdown at the start of 2021, according to new findings from the Covid-19 Social Study led by UCL researchers.

Ketamine therapy swiftly reduces depression and suicidal thoughts

Analysis of 83 research papers by academics at the University of Exeter showed that patients’ symptoms were reduced in just one to four hours.

By Rod Minchin

Does depression exist?

Nobody understands why therapy works.

By Stuart Ritchie

NHS to give therapy for depression before medication under new guidelines

Draft guidance says ‘menu of treatment options’ including CBT and mindfulness should be offered in less severe cases.

By Andrew Gregory

A world without antidepressants: the new alternatives to prescription pills

Could the future of treating depression be ketamine infusions – or even a ‘pacemaker for the brain’?

By David Cox

Coronavirus and depression in adults, Great Britain: July to August 2021

Analysis of the proportion of the adult population of Great Britain experiencing some form of depression in summer 2021, based on the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey. Includes analysis by age, sex and other characteristics and comparisons with early 2021, 2020 and pre-pandemic estimates.

Depression

Key facts

• Depression is a common mental disorder. Globally, it is estimated that 5.0% of adults suffer from depression.
• Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease.
• More women are affected by depression than men.
• Depression can lead to suicide.
• There is effective treatment for mild, moderate, and severe depression.

Talking therapies

Talking therapies can help you deal with negative thoughts and feelings and make positive changes.

Night owls more likely to be depressed because they have to work against their natural body clock

Night owls more likely to be depressed because they have to work against their natural body clock, says study

By Ellen Scott

Best evidence suggests antidepressants aren’t very effective in kids and teens. What can be done ins

An article from The Conversation.

By Sarah Hetric, Associate Professor of Youth Mental Health, University of Auckland, Joanne McKenzie, Associate Professor, Biostatistics Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Nick Meader,Research Fellow, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York & Sally Merry, Professor and Cure Kids Duke Family Chair in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University of Auckland

The difference between burnout and depression

Burnout’ is a term that people are becoming increasingly aware of. Many of the symptoms of burnout can be similar to those of depression and vice versa. Some people experience one but not the other, some find that one leads to the other and others experience both at the same time. It can be difficult to differentiate between the two.

People with depression can sometimes experience memory problems – here’s why

An article from The Conversation.

By Cynthia Fu, Professor of Affective Neuroscience, University of East London

A changing brain: how depression can alter our brain structure

We’ve always known that mental illness and physical illness are intrinsically interlinked and inseparable. As more research is done into depression, researchers are discovering that it can alter our brain structure. It’s hoped that research in this area could lead to better treatment and less stigma.