New Hope for Lowering the Risk of Dementia
Just this week, I was asked by a colleague to comment on a fairly technical article, and I was struck by the exact wording used in its opening question: Are cardioprotective glucose-lowering agents associated with reduced risk of dementia? I spend a fair bit of time reviewing and replying to questions and requests from our […]
Safer Alternatives to Klonopin for Sleep and Anxiety
Clonazepam, commonly known by its brand name Klonopin, is a benzodiazepine prescribed for conditions such as anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and certain seizure disorders. While clonazepam is effective for these and other conditions, the fact that it is a controlled substance highlights its potential for dependence and withdrawal symptoms. For many people, this makes it […]
Bipolar Disorder: Highs, Lows, And In Between
“Bipolar disorder” is a term that people can often misunderstand. You might hear someone casually say, “I’m so bipolar today,” just because they experienced some highs and lows in their moods. But bipolar disorder is far more complex than feeling happy one moment and sad the next. It’s a lifelong mental health condition that involves […]
Treating nerve pain and relieving depression
Pain relief is one of the most urgent considerations when doctors treat their patients, sometimes coming before addressing the causes of the pain. Local anesthetics can be used to reversibly block the conduction of nerve signals from near their site of administration up into the brain, thereby producing temporary loss of sensation in a limited […]
Introducing Dopamine
Dopamine is a chemical messenger that plays a vital role in transmitting signals between nerve cells in the brain. It is often referred to as a “feel-good” neurotransmitter because it contributes to feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. However, dopamine’s role extends beyond just making people feel good. It is involved in several vital processes, including […]
How to Make Friends with Your Anxiety: Lessons from Inside Out 2
The first time I saw Inside Out, I was blown away by their depiction of mental health and their gentle handling of depression in particular. It is beautiful and brilliant, and it is so easy for both kids and adults to understand. In “Inside Out 2,” Riley is entering puberty and navigating new emotions, such […]
Stress Management: A Blueprint for Better Health and Well-being
Relentless work pressure, an unexpected bill we hadn’t budgeted for, sick kids, and a messy house, and we feel like all we’re doing is just keeping our heads above water. Stress is a normal part of life, and sometimes, it even serves a purpose. Stress can motivate us to finish that project before the deadline or […]
You’re Not Alone: Treatment Options for Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder, or what is commonly known as depression, is a significant mood disorder that affects millions of people globally. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or enjoyment in usual activities. These symptoms can linger for extended periods, significantly disrupting an individual’s everyday life and overall […]
Living with a parent with Alzheimer’s
This year, the prospect of celebrating Father’s Day on June 16th feels like a moment that requires some reflection for me. I recently completed the mourning period following my father’s passing, making this an emotionally challenging time. As our family gathers on the big day, I hope we can embrace the essence of the occasion […]
Teen Depression on the Rise: What You Need to Know
I was searching for news on teenage depression when I stumbled upon something shocking. It made me realize how important it is to talk about this. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half of all high-school students reported having bouts of depression, and more than one in five had seriously […]
