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Possible link between a specific bacterial strain and depression
Depression will affect up to 25 per cent of Canadians during there lifetimes. There are different hypotheses that try to explain why depression rate seems to be increasing from sociological factors to improved detection and diagnoses and one’s environment. When we talk about the person’s environment, we tend to think of life stresses, traumatic life…
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Alberta Mental Health Board launches Mental Health First Aid Canada
Many people have knowledge abot what to do in the face of a medical emergency and can provide some form of first aid. However the same cannot be said for psychiatric care. There continues to be a stigma about mental illness when there should not be and a new and innovative program has been established…
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The impact on light exposure on our health
With the advent of 24 hours service and shopping, people have had to accommodate the demands associated with night shifts and trying to sleep during daylight hours. Some office buildings are devoid of natural sunlight and are windowless, factors that disrupt one perception of the hours that pass. Casinos are a great example of how…
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Dealing with depression
Although great strides in public education about depressive illness has led to better treatment and less suffering, I think we must prevent the pendulum from swinging too far whereby people lose their innate ability to distinguish normal grief from clinical depression.
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Bipolar disorder tough to diagnose
Mr. S. was visibly upset about his wife’s behaviour and mood swings. Her “gambling addiction” playing the slots accumulated $40,000 in debt. Mrs. S. admitted gambling was a problem but continued to do so because of the exhilaration of knowing she would win the big prize. There were other notable behaviours.
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Story helps children understand depression
Alex is eight years old. His father, who quit his job from the police department, is depressed. Alex is uncertain what he should do. His father does attend his soccer games and pays little attention to him. Alex wants to quit soccer because he thinks he is no good.
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Future imperfect
Life is about options, the choices we make and the paths we then choose to follow. For some it can be a bittersweet experience. Yet, these decisions can alter the lives of many. Some are aware of these changes and some, regretfully, are not.
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Post partum depression
Originally published in The Ottawa Citizen, June 21, 2001 Post Partum Depression (PPD) is a severe debilitating illness. It occurs in about one in ten childbearing women. It can cause women untold and unnecessary suffering and guilt. It is important to keep in mind the difference between the “baby blues” and PPD.