Mental Health

Mental illness: 5 ways it also affects your loved ones

One in every four people will suffer from mental illness at some point in their lives. Mental illness doesn’t just involve those affected but also those close to them: their family and friends. Let’s take a look at how mental…

What is a personality disorder? The 10 types

You may have heard of the term “personality disorder” before, as it’s been prevalent in pop culture, whether it’s our favourite fictional characters or influential people in the media. According to a survey by the National Institute of Mental Health,…

How to get off antidepressants without losing your mind

BY: NADIA ZAIDI Getting off antidepressants is one of the most difficult things to do. Believe me, I’ve been there. It’s one of the reasons I have an affliction toward them in the first place. I think the risks and…

Why is everyone depressed?

BY: DAYTON UTTINGER  There’s been a lot done to help those with mental illnesses. We’ve raised awareness, promoted help lines and worked (and continue to work) to remove the stigma. While we still have a long way to go, we’ve…

How travelling can help improve your mental health

One of society’s greatest ironies is how disconnected we can feel despite the level of connectivity with our technologies. The constant smartphone and Internet use can be taxing and unplugging once in a while has numerous mental health benefits. Going…

Mental illness: 5 famous portrayals

Some of the greatest Hollywood films deal with subject matter that hits close to our hearts, such as protagonists with mental illness. Much like Vivien Leigh’s portrayal of the histrionic Scarlett O’Hara from the classic Gone with the Wind, several other…

Signs of depression and potential causes

Every normal healthy human being has bouts of loneliness and sadness but these are entirely separate from depression, a mentally debilitating sickness that is said to affect one in every four people at least once in their lifetime. Whilst the…

How art can heal mental illness

Merriam-webster defines art as “the use of skill and creative imagination in creating aesthetic objects such as paintings, music, and sculptures.” But that is a superficial definition. Art goes beyond definitions but is what enriches life and touches each of…

This is what happens to your brain during a panic attack

BY: NADIA ZAIDI I used to be one of those people who thought panic attacks were over-dramatized for the sake of attention seeking. I know how horrible that sounds, but admittedly it was a reflection of my ignorance on anxiety…

9 foods that improve your mental health

What you put in your body doesn’t just affect your physical health but also your mental health. Certain nutrients and minerals like omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and tryptophan have significant effects on the neurotransmitters that affect our mood and…

5 ways disconnecting improves your mental health

A millennial needs their smartphone the same way a hat needs a head. A whopping 86% of Americans aged 18-29 own a smartphone while over 68% of the general populace also do according to the PEW Research Center. Head down, ear phones on…

What is Major Depression?

Depression. One of the most widespread mental illnesses today. But unbeknownst to most, there are various types of depression. Major depression, also known as unipolar depression or major depressive disorder (MDD), is a “persistent feeling of sadness or lack of interest…

Five of the best silent retreats around the world to help you find your inner zen

“The quieter you become, the more you can hear.” – Baba Ram Dass How long do you think you could go without talking? One day, maybe two? How about a week or even a month? How long you could be silent…

How food affects your mental health

It’s been said our digestive system is our “second brain”. It is the largest part of our neurological system so naturally, what goes in it has an effect on our brains. After all, our diet changes depending on our mood…

Mental illness and video games: how it helps

Healing mental illness is a continuous process that involves plenty of fun activities with gaming on the forefront. The gaming industry in America alone is worth close to $20 billion and researchers at SuperData recently revealed that the video game-streaming service,…

9 activities to help improve your mental health

Like our bodies, our minds also need to be exercised to keep it active and healthy. Real life dictates we engage in plenty of activities that may not be the best for us mentally or we neglect the ones that will…

5 signs that you might be depressed

Depression affects at least 350 million people worldwide according to various reports including the World Health Organization (WHO). There could be much more due to many unreported cases and a lack of awareness is partly to blame for this. There’s a fine line…