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Depression

Failure to Launch and Depression

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failure to launch

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. What is “Failure to Launch”? Yes, Failure to Launch is a 2006 Romantic Comedy starring Matthew McConaughey. It is also a growing phenomenon of young adults struggling to make the transition to adulthood. In many Western countries, young adults are expected to “leave the nest” and become independent from their family of origin. In Japan, hikikomori describes how some people withdraw from society and isolate, often starting in their 20s. This growing phenomenon spans across many cultures and many people wonder what contributes to this occurrence.  According to Scientific American, “the defining feature of failure to launch is foot dragging, delaying, stalling, or flat-out refusal to participate in life…in 2014, over seven million American men ages 25-54 were neither working nor looking for work, up 25% from 10 years prior” (2019).  How to recognize “Failure to Launch.” The following are some signs that someone may be …

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Depression in Older Adults: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
Senior man sitting with his daughter, who is helping him with the depression in older adults that often occurs

Depression in older adults is a prevalent mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and other emotional and physical symptoms. It affects their quality of life, daily functioning, and physical health. Depression in older adults often goes unnoticed, yet it significantly impacts their health and well-being. This condition is not a normal part of aging and can profoundly affect life quality without depression treatment.  Some estimates of major depression in older people range from less than 1% to 5% but rise to 13.5% in those who require home healthcare. In this article, you discover the common signs, symptoms, and treatment for depression in older adults. Signs of Depression in Older Adults Depression in older adults often manifests through various signs that are observable by others, making it crucial for caregivers, family members, and healthcare professionals to recognize these indicators.  These signs, which can be behavioral …

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Menopause and Mental Health

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failure to launch

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. Menopause Menopause describes the point in time where changes in a woman’s hormones lead to the end of menstrual cycles. It usually is diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 months without a menstrual period. The menopausal transition most often begins between ages 45 and 55. It usually lasts about seven years but can be as long as 14 years. The duration can depend on lifestyle factors such as smoking, age it begins, and race and ethnicity. During perimenopause, the body’s production of estrogen and progesterone, two hormones made by the ovaries, varies greatly (2021). Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that “many healthcare providers actually use the term menopause to refer to the period of time when a woman’s hormone levels start to change. Menopause is said to be complete when menstrual periods have ceased for one continuous year. The transition phase before menopause is often referred …

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Overcoming Stigma During Depression Awareness Month

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Overcoming Stigma During Depression Awareness Month

Mental health awareness is the best way to educate people on the symptoms, treatments, and prevention methods of various mental illnesses, like Depression, which affects over 30% of all Americans, according to the latest federal data. This October is Depression Awareness Month. There are millions of reasons to get involved. For example, a 2022 Medicaid survey of behavioral health services shows nearly 14 million enrollees with a mental health disorder. Yet, only a fraction of people seek treatment for depression or other disorders. Why? Stigma is one reason. What is Stigma? A simple definition of stigma is when you or someone else views something in a negative light. When talking about mental health, you4According to the American Psychiatric Association, there are different types of stigma when discussing mental illness, like the following: Public stigma Public stigma refers to other people’s attitudes about mental illness or a mental health condition. Public …

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How to Avoid Seasonal Depression

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woman waking early after learning how to avoid seasonal depression

If you want to know how to avoid seasonal depression, understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is crucial. SAD is a type of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, usually in winter. It’s linked to reduced sunlight, affecting mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin. Symptoms include fatigue, mood swings, and weight gain. Treatment often involves light therapy, medication, and behavioral therapy. Lifestyle changes like exercise and a balanced diet can also help. You may hear someone refer to getting the “wintertime blues” or the “summertime blahs.” They are likely struggling with seasonal affective disorder, which is a type of depression related to changes in seasons. They experience symptoms of depression in a seasonal pattern. Some people notice a dramatic increase in symptoms during winter, while others feel worse in the summer. Symptoms can occur during any season and vary in intensity for each person.  The American Psychiatric Association reports at …

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