I’m usually pretty good at hiding my tears from my kids, but lately I’ve been busted a few times because they come so frequently and don’t go away. How do I respond when my grade-schoolers ask me why I’ve been crying? How do I explain this insidious illness to them? Two years ago I wrote...

Graeme Cowan suffered through a five-year episode of depression that his psychiatrist described as the worst he has ever treated. Part of his recovery involves helping people build their resilience and mental fitness as the Director of R U OK? In his book, “Back From the Brink: True Stories and Practical Help for Overcoming Depression...

Last summer I met a friend for coffee. I cried through most of our hour together, as I was in the midst of a severe depression episode. At one point, she folded her hands on the table, looked intently into my eyes, and said, “It’s a hard time of year.” I started laughing … because...

The more medications and supplements I try in an effort to minimize my symptoms of depression and anxiety, the more I realize that every editable item you place in your mouth has a risk associated with it. Even the natural ones that are supposedly made from cats’ claws, wild yams, or some organic plant. Moreover,...

If a person went to his primary care physician and complained of symptoms of fatigue, guilt, worthlessness, irritability, insomnia, decreased appetite, loss of interest in regular activities, persistent sadness, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide, I am pretty sure he would leave that office with a diagnosis of Major Depression Disorder (MDD) and a prescription for...