Natural Remedies for Depression

Natural Remedies for Depression

There are lots of natural remedies promoted for depression – but that does not mean they actually work. For example, regarding herbal remedies, the National Institutes of Health cites a large 2018 study (Yeung, Hernandez, et al) which concludes available evidence suggests there is some “utility of some herbal medicines in mitigating anxiety and depression,…

New Research on the Gut-Brain Axis (GBA)

New Research on the Gut-Brain Axis (GBA)

For many years mental health professionals like myself have been aware of the “gut-brain axis” or GBA, which refers to the belief that prolonged psychological stress can create intestinal conditions that are experienced as similar to Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). As the National Institutes of health puts it: “The gut-brain axis (GBA) consists of bidirectional communication between…

Moms and Stress

Moms and Stress

New data shows that moms are experiencing high levels of anxiety and stress as well as depression. In fact, one in ten first-time mothers reported symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety, while almost one in seven reported moderate to severe depression in the first year after giving birth. Recent research from Ireland’s well-respected Trinity College’s…

Double Checking Online Mental Health Information

Double Checking Online Mental Health Information

More and more people are getting their mental health information online. Lots of information on Tik Tok, for example, is valid, but there is also a lot of false and misleading information out there as well, especially in the age of COVID. And lots of what you read is just “sales talk” masquerading as valid medical advice. So, when…

Opioids and Pain Treatment

Opioids and Pain Treatment

I subscribe to the guidelines of The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which state that the objective of any opioid-based pain care strategy is to safely reduce pain and increase a patient’s ability to undertake everyday activities. Working with their doctor, patients can usually find safe and effective care options to help them reach their…