Latest news with #depressive
Daily Maverick
30-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Maverick
Trouble getting out of bed? Signs the ‘winter blues' may be something more serious
Many of us feel sluggish or less social when it's colder. But seasonal affective disorder is more than just a slump. Winter is here. As the days grow shorter and the skies turn darker, you might start to feel a bit 'off'. You may notice a dip in your mood or energy levels. Maybe you're less motivated to do things you previously enjoyed in the warmer months. The 'winter blues' can feel like an inevitable part of life. You might feel sluggish or less social, but you can still get on with your day. However, if your winter blues are making everyday life difficult and interfering with your work and relationships, it could be the sign of something more serious. Seasonal affective disorder is more than a seasonal slump – it's a recognised psychiatric condition. Here's what to look for and how to get help. What is seasonal affective disorder? The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders officially recognises seasonal affective disorder as a recurrent major depressive disorder 'with seasonal pattern'. In other words, the condition shares many symptoms with major depressive disorder, but it also follows a seasonal rhythm. While this might be most common in winter, the disorder can also occur in summer. Symptoms include: persistent low mood or feelings of sadness loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed low energy and fatigue, even after lots of sleep changes in appetite weight gain or weight loss difficulty concentrating sleeping more or less than usual feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness in some cases, thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Research suggests seasonal affective disorder affects up to 10% of the global population. Although it can affect anyone, it is more common in women, people aged between 18 and 30 years, and those living far from the equator, where winter daylight hours are especially limited. What causes it? Unfortunately, the exact cause of seasonal affective disorder is still poorly understood. Some theories propose it is primarily caused by a lack of light in the environment, although we are not exactly sure how this leads to depression. As sunlight is responsible for the production of vitamin D, some have suggested a lack of vitamin D is what causes depression. However, the evidence for such a link is inconclusive. Others suggest a lack of light in winter delays the circadian rhythms which regulate our sleep/wake cycle. Poor sleep is related to many mental health difficulties, including depression. Seasonal affective disorder can be treated Fortunately, there are several evidence-based treatments for seasonal affective disorder. Relief may be found through a combination of approaches. Bright light therapy is usually the first treatment recommended for seasonal affective disorder. It involves sitting near a specially designed lightbox (with a strength of 10,000 lux) for about 20 to 30 minutes a day to mimic natural sunlight and help regulate the body's internal clock. Cognitive behavioural therapy aims to help people develop some flexibility around the negative thoughts that might maintain seasonal affective disorder symptoms (for example, 'I am worthless because I never get up to anything meaningful in winter'). Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, time spent outdoors (even on gloomy days), a balanced diet, and good sleep hygiene can all support recovery. Antidepressants – especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) – may be prescribed when symptoms are moderate to severe, or when other treatments have not worked. What else helps? Even those without seasonal affective disorder might need to fight the winter blues. So, what works? Prioritise social connection Schedule regular, achievable and pleasant activities with friends, such as trivia at the pub or a brisk walk. Reframe winter Rather than dreading the cold, see if you can embrace what is special about this time of year. The mindset of ' hygge ' (a Danish and Norwegian term for cosiness and contentment) may help. Let winter be your excuse for snuggling on your couch with a thick blanket and hot chocolate while catching up on books and TV shows. Or see if there are any winter-specific activities (such as night markets) where you live. Maximise daylight Taking a walk during lunchtime when the sun is out, even briefly, can make a difference. The bottom line If your 'winter blues' last more than two weeks, start interfering with your daily life or feel overwhelming, then it might be time to seek professional help. Speaking to your GP or mental health professional can help you get support early and prevent symptoms getting worse. DM This story first appeared on The Conversation. Kelvin (Shiu Fung) Wong is a senior lecturer in Clinical Psychology at the Swinburne University of Technology.
Business Upturn
14-05-2025
- Health
- Business Upturn
Neuronetics Launches First Inaugural National TMS Therapy Awareness Day During Mental Health Awareness Month
New national awareness day will foster greater understanding of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment The company will celebrate on social media, sharing patient and provider stories that highlight the impact NeuroStar has as a safe, effective, and non-drug treatment for depression MALVERN, Pa., May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Neuronetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: STIM), a vertically integrated, commercial stage, medical technology and healthcare company with a strategic vision of transforming the lives of patients whenever and wherever they need help, with the leading neurohealth therapies in the world, is proud to launch the first National TMS Therapy Awareness Day. The event will take place each year on May 14 during May's Mental Health Awareness Month. This day is dedicated to raising awareness of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as a proven, non-drug treatment option for individuals living with major depressive disorder (MDD), depression with anxiety, and OCD, especially those who have not found relief through antidepressants. 'National TMS Awareness Day is about giving hope to people who haven't found relief and being a driving force in the National Mental Health Awareness conversation,' said Keith Sullivan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Neuronetics. 'Far too many individuals feel stuck or discouraged after trying multiple antidepressants without receiving adequate relief from their symptoms. By launching this National Day, we want to raise awareness that non-medication approaches like NeuroStar TMS therapy exist—and they're helping real people reclaim their lives. Our goal is to make sure every patient, caregiver, and provider knows that effective, non-drug treatments are available and within reach.' Transcranial magnetic stimulation was first cleared by the FDA in 2008 for treatment-resistant depression in adults. Since then, it has become a widely adopted, evidence-backed modality for those who haven't responded to medication intervention. NeuroStar is the leading TMS therapy in the United States—and in 2024, NeuroStar also received FDA clearance for use in adolescents, expanding access to younger patients in need of non-drug treatment options. Over 300 million people have insurance plans that cover NeuroStar TMS therapy, including Medicare and Tricare. 'One of the reasons NeuroStar is the leading TMS therapy is the precision of our technology,' said Geoffrey Grammer, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Neuronetics. 'Our unique coil design is built to deliver focused magnetic pulses exactly where they're needed. Combined with our Contact Sensing feature, this ensures every session is both consistent and effective, helping patients get the most out of their treatment. We take pride in our scientific and engineering rigor, which continues to advance the field of TMS therapy and enhance the lives of our patients. On National TMS Therapy Awareness Day, we celebrate the real-world impact of NeuroStar TMS Therapy and the difference it makes.' Kristen Gingrich, a licensed clinical social worker, mother, and patient advocate, has documented her experience with NeuroStar TMS after struggling with depression since her teens—worsened by postpartum challenges. After trying talk therapy and multiple antidepressants without lasting relief, she turned to NeuroStar TMS and is now sharing her treatment journey during Mental Health Awareness Month. Kristen's story, which can be seen on both her account (@notyouraveragethrpst) and NeuroStar social media channels, helps shine a light about non-drug options and inspire others facing similar struggles to seek help. In addition to founding this awareness day, NeuroStar TMS continues its legacy as the leading TMS device company by presenting data at the 2025 American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting (May 17-21). The poster 'The Profile of Symptom Change with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Major Depressive Disorder' builds on prior research and evaluates TMS protocols and their treatment efficacy. To learn more about TMS Awareness Day and NeuroStar TMS therapy, visit About Neuronetics Neuronetics, Inc. believes that mental health is as important as physical health. As a global leader in neuroscience, Neuronetics is delivering more treatment options to patients and physicians by offering exceptional in-office treatments that produce extraordinary results. NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is a non-drug, noninvasive treatment that can improve the quality of life for people suffering from neurohealth conditions when traditional medication has not helped. In addition to selling the NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System and associated treatment sessions to customers, Neuronetics operates Greenbrook TMS Inc. (Greenbrook) treatment centers across the United States, offering NeuroStar Advanced Therapy for the treatment of MDD and other mental health disorders. NeuroStar Advanced Therapy is the leading TMS treatment for MDD in adults, with more than 7.4 million treatments delivered, and is backed by the largest clinical data set of any TMS treatment system for depression, including the world's largest depression outcomes registry. Greenbrook treatment centers also offer SPRAVATO® (esketamine) CIII Nasal Spray, a prescription medicine indicated for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in adults as monotherapy or in conjunction with an oral antidepressant. It is also indicated for depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) with acute suicidal ideation or behavior in conjunction with an oral antidepressant.1 Greenbrook has provided more than 1.8 million treatments to over 55,000 patients struggling with depression. The NeuroStar Advanced Therapy System is cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for adults with MDD, as an adjunct for adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder, to decrease anxiety symptoms in adult patients with MDD that may exhibit comorbid anxiety symptoms (anxious depression), and as a first line adjunct for the treatment of MDD in adolescent patients aged 15-21. For safety information and indications for use, visit Neuronetics Contact:Investors:Mike Vallie or Mark KlausnerICR Healthcare443-213-0499 [email protected]
Newsweek
12-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Nearly 19 Million U.S. Children Live With a Parent With Substance Use Disorder
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A staggering 19 million U.S. children were estimated to be living in a household with at least one parent battling a substance use disorder (SUD) in 2023, according to a new study based on data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. This figure accounts for nearly one-quarter of all children in the United States, highlighting the prevalence of parental substance abuse among young individuals. The findings also revealed that more than 6.1 million children lived with a parent facing both SUD and a mental illness, such as major depressive disorder or serious psychological distress. The study, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, analyzed data from over 62 million parents—and defined SUD according to the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These criteria include disorders related to alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, prescription drugs and other substances. Mother alcoholic drinks alcohol from a bottle with child is foreground covering ears. Mother alcoholic drinks alcohol from a bottle with child is foreground covering ears. Alexander_Safonov Researchers highlighted the serious risks faced by children exposed to parental SUD. Compared to their peers, these children are more likely to develop a range of adverse outcomes, including early substance use initiation, substance-related problems and mental health disorders. The study provided a detailed breakdown, revealing that 7.6 million children lived with a parent experiencing moderate or severe SUD, while 3.4 million lived with a parent struggling with multiple SUDs. Among parental substance use disorders, alcohol was the most common, followed by cannabis, prescription-related issues and other non-cannabis drug use disorders. Experts emphasized that these findings are a call to action for federal, state and local governments to invest in family-centered interventions. These children are particularly vulnerable to adverse childhood experience, the researchers noted—and without support, they may continue the cycle of substance use and mental health struggles. The study also acknowledged its limitations, including the reliance on self-reported data, suggesting that the actual number of children affected may be even higher. "Additionally, the number of offspring in the household was truncated at three, suggesting that estimates represented the lower bound of youths exposed to parental SUD," the researchers noted. "Direct comparison of the impact of DSM-IV-defined vs DSM-5-defined parental SUD severity is an important step for future research," they wrote. With nearly one in four American children impacted by a parent's substance use disorder, the study's authors are urging greater awareness and support for these families. Evidence-based treatments for both SUD and mental illness, particularly those that include family support, could help mitigate the long-term consequences for these vulnerable children. Do you have a tip on a health story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about substance use disorder? Let us know via science@ Reference McCabe, S. E., McCabe, V. V., & Schepis, T. S. (2025). US children living with a parent with substance use disorder. JAMA Pediatrics.
NZ Herald
22-04-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Olivia Podmore coronial inquiry: Forensic psychiatrist grilled on Rio Olympian's final message and accusations of ‘weighting' Cycling NZ issues
Podmore died in a suspected suicide the day after the Tokyo Olympics ended, August 9, 2021, after the track cyclist failed to qualify for that event following a Covid-19-interrupted selection process complicated by several controversies. The lawyer representing HPSNZ, Stephanie Grieve KC, narrowed in on comments by Monasterio in the witness stand last November, and in his witness brief, in which she said he placed 'causality' on distressing incidents within Cycling NZ. Grieve said Monasterio did not put equivalent causality on personal factors outside cycling when 'it was not possible to determine precisely' what led to her depressive episodes. One of the 'traumatic' cycling events was in 2016, when Podmore unwittingly exposed an intimate relationship between a CNZ teammate and a coach, after she reported the athlete had not returned home to their hotel after a night out during a training camp in Bordeaux, six weeks out from the Rio Olympics. Podmore was seen as a 'whistleblower' within Cycling NZ following this incident and allegedly subject to intense bullying and marginalisation within the organisation. The other defining disappointment and source of mental distress was Podmore's exclusion from the Tokyo Olympic team. Grieve began by scrutinising Monasterio's interpretation of Podmore's last social media post before her death in which she references the teen abortion 'so that I could follow my Olympic dream'. Podmore referenced a 'cover up' from Cycling NZ and HPSNZ. Grieve argues that Monasterio 'weighted' these cycling incidents over the then 24-year-old's past personal and family issues. 'You refer to the cycling issues, as impacting her, and of course those are clearly present in that post, no dispute about that, but she also refers to not meeting society's expectations, doesn't she, in terms of house, marriage, kids, because she'd given everything to her sport and termination of pregnancy,' Grieve said. 'Friends Thea Lyle and Eric Murray, talked about many things playing on her upbringing, the abortion and separation, the religious school, thinking she was supposed to be married and have children by the time she was 24.' Monasterio said it was evident from that post she felt 'she had sacrificed so much for her sport and that weighed heavy on her'. 'Her words would suggest to me 'I've sacrificed everything to do well in the sport',' he said today. 'And this is a matter for the coroner and the inquiry to determine. I feel that I've been unfairly dealt with. So what I had a sense from that post is that she feels angry and disempowered and feels that she sacrificed so much from her perspective, she's been excluded unfairly.' Monasterio said the extent to which 'not meeting society's expectations' and past relationships are 'interconnected' in Podmore's mental state 'could be subject to some debate'. 'The impression I get is of a young woman who had given so much of her energy and time to succeed at sport. And felt that to some extent she'd been treated unfairly. So she put all her eggs in one basket. And that basket didn't get her to the Olympics. It didn't get her to where she wanted to go. And it seems that that led to despair.' Continuing on the same line of argument, Grieve highlighted that police in summarising witness interviews referred to a number of surrounding circumstances contributing to Podmore's mental deterioration, including the teenage pregnancy, abortion, parental separation, and the cycling high performance issues. 'I'm putting to you that you've... [singled] out the cycling issues but haven't weighted as much the personal issues,' Grieve said. But Monasterio refused to concede to Grieve that it's very hard to rank the stresses and events that influenced Podmore's trials and mental distress. 'Not sure I agree with that… you can weigh to varying degrees the varying factors', Monasterio said. 'Look, all these factors are important. But the timing of events to my mind strongly support the proposition that the Bordeaux incident and the Heron inquiry [in 2018 into the Cycling NZ athlete coach relationship] is very significant,' Monasterio said. 'Then in evidence, I heard that the extent to which Olivia was allegedly bullied and excluded, and in my opinion for a young woman around the ages of 18 and 20 to meet that adversity, that's a very dominant feature. That's why I've weighted it heavily.' Monasterio went on to highlight the contrast with Podmore's mental health in her initial years at the Cambridge High Performance base prior to 2016 were 'actually pretty good'. 'She did really well. She performed well. She went to the junior champs. She got on the podium and that is after her parents' separation and after the abortion. She was described as being gregarious and the kind of person that could light up a room.' 'Remarkably high' depression, anxiety scores Just as he was in November 2024, Monasterio was also asked to give his perspective on the identification of severe to very severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in Podmore via structured psychological screening tools, called the DASS-21, in February 2020 - a time period in which she was attempting to qualify for the Tokyo Games. Monasterio had been critical of the lack of action from health professionals treating Podmore in the 18 months before her death. Advertisement Advertise with NZME. 'Do you think it's sufficient that she's screened this remarkably high result to simply ask 'are you OK?'... [given] this evaluative process you talk about?' Coroner Louella Dunn asked. Monasterio said the 'severe nature of elevated scores' did strike him in his review. 'So there's a real disconnect between what Olivia is identifying, on the screening tool as severe distress, and the information that's being accessed in what seems to be a relatively informal setting,' Monasterio said. 'How you conduct an interview or an assessment is often key to what you find. Now where does this assessment occur? How does it occur? Is it fitted in between training sessions? Is it occurring before or after a sports performance? The scores are very high.' Monasterio said he was not being critical of other clinicians, but that in his opinion, the severity of Podmore's scores would suggest that a formal assessment should have occurred in an environment that would facilitate a reasonable assessment to occur. 'Well, I can't say if I was a clinician because I'm a mental health expert, but if I was faced with this information, I would approach [the athlete]... It's tricky because you're in the middle of a competition... you're about to compete or you've just competed or you're trying to qualify for the Olympics and you've got these extreme scores for depression, anxiety and distress.' But Monasterio said questions should have been asked in a more formalised setting after competition. 'In my opinion, that would be required. These are not mildly elevated scores. These are really, really high scores.' 'There is no dispute' At the outset of the coronial inquest in November 2024 Coroner Dunn said 'there is no dispute' Podmore died by suicide. 'The focus of this inquest will be the mental health challenges Olivia faced and the care she received.' Dunn said the issues the inquest was attempting to answer were:
USA Today
12-04-2025
- Health
- USA Today
What to know about depression symptoms and treatments
What to know about depression symptoms and treatments Show Caption Hide Caption How are SSRIs used to treat depression and anxiety? Antidepressants like SSRIs can be life-saving for people struggling with depression, OCD, anxiety and other mental health conditions. Here's how the work. Everyone feels depressed from time to time. But not everyone has depression. Depression, also referred to as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a condition that can cause severe symptoms related to the way you feel, think and go about doing daily activities, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Common symptoms of depression include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, social withdrawal and physical symptoms including unexplained headaches, digestive problems or other aches and pains, psychiatrist Dr. Judith Joseph tells USA TODAY. If you believe you or a loved one is experiencing depression, here's what mental health experts want you to know. In case you missed: Postpartum depression is more common than many people realize. Here's who it impacts. What causes depression? Depression is an illness that can impact anyone, regardless of age, race, cultural background, education or income, per the NIH. Research has shown evidence that it can be passed on through genetics, but environmental factors also play a role. "People who have trauma or people who are in social settings that are stressful may be at risk for depression or anxiety so it is both nature and nurture," Joseph says. "Not everyone with a family history of depression or anxiety will have these conditions and not all people who have depression or anxiety have a family history of the conditions." Depression affects 1 in 5 people. Here's what it feels like. Does depression go away? For those diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, that disorder won't go away permanently, experts say. But there are many tools that can be used to keep symptoms at bay. "It's important to realize that these are conditions to manage," Joseph says. "Doing daily preventative practices to prevent worsening of depression ... is important." Medical professionals may suggest the following tactics to work to curb depression: Therapy. Different types of counseling or psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy and motivational therapy, may work for different people. The key, Joseph says, is using the appointments to address underlying issues, including unprocessed trauma and poor coping skills. Different types of counseling or psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy and motivational therapy, may work for different people. The key, Joseph says, is using the appointments to address underlying issues, including unprocessed trauma and poor coping skills. Medication . Antidepressants usually prescribed for depression, according to NYU Langone Health, include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline or citalopram, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors such as venlafaxine and duloxetine and atypical antidepressants including bupropion and mirtazapine. . Antidepressants usually prescribed for depression, according to NYU Langone Health, include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline or citalopram, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors such as venlafaxine and duloxetine and atypical antidepressants including bupropion and mirtazapine. Lifestyle modifications. Getting enough sleep, working on stress management techniques, eating a balanced diet and exercising have all been shown to lessen depression symptoms. "Sleep hygiene is important because many of these individuals work late and are on devices late," Joseph says. "They have a hard time calming their minds down and doom scroll." Getting enough sleep, working on stress management techniques, eating a balanced diet and exercising have all been shown to lessen depression symptoms. "Sleep hygiene is important because many of these individuals work late and are on devices late," Joseph says. "They have a hard time calming their minds down and doom scroll." Asking for help. "Strengthening social connections and seeking support from friends, family or support groups is important," Joseph says. Venting to a loved one, therapist, journal or faith leader can help, too. "Strengthening social connections and seeking support from friends, family or support groups is important," Joseph says. Venting to a loved one, therapist, journal or faith leader can help, too. Being honest with yourself. "Acknowledge how you feel and accept your emotions," Joseph says. "Many people push through the day without acknowledging how they feel. They work through lunch when they are hungry, they smile when they are sad and they mask how they are really feeling. If you can't acknowledge and name how you feel, then how can you do anything about it?" If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at
