Reading Roundup | September October 22, 2021

Posted October 22, 2021

• “‘Global prevalence and burden of depressive and anxiety disorders in 204 countries and territories in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic’” — Damian F. Santomauro et al, The Lancet (Since 10/8/2021) [article]

  This study was "aimed to quantify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence and burden of major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders globally in 2020." The researchers found that the pandemic increased the incidence of depression and anxiety in the population and affected women in a greater overall number than men. The key takeaways for the researchers were that more mental health supports are needed to help individuals cope through events like the pandemic that have outsized affects on mental health.

• “How to Fend Off Winter Depression” — Christina Caron, NY Times (9/30/2021) [article]

  Shorter and colder days are not far off. This piece from the NY Times provides advice for preparing for the coming winter, especially if you are someone who suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This article notes light therapy and medication as treatment options for SAD, as well as spending time outdoors. To those suggestions we would add seeking out counseling services, as many individuals benefit from seeing a therapist. More information on SAD and depression treatment can be found via our webpage on Depression: https://www.citycenterpsychotherapy.com/depression-therapy

• “‘World Mental Health Day: If you're feeling depressed or anxious, you're not alone” — Katie Kindelan, Good Morning America (10/10/2021) [article]

  World Mental Health Day was Sunday, October 10, 2021. This article from Good Morning America highlights some warning signs for when to seek help for mental health: depressive and hopeless thoughts, weight changes, excessive feelings of worry, irritability, and changes to sleep patterns. "They key is to notice if any of those things begin to affect your ability to function in your daily life."

• “‘How to Recognize and Address Seasonal Depression” — Ashley Abramson, NY Times (2/5/2021) [article]

  Winter can be a tough season for anyone: the cold, the wet weather, the fewer hours of daylight. But if you are one of the many individuals who suffer from Season Affective Disorder (SAD), winter can be especially difficult. Read on for more advice on how to navigate SAD during the upcoming colder months.

• “‘My Mental Health Issues Have a Name: Bruce” — Lily Burana, NY Times (10/14/2021) [article]

  Ms. Burana describes her multiple mental health diagnoses of Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and ADHD, the last of which she was only recently diagnosed with, but has struggled with since childhood. She notes it is a sadly common situation, as girls and women are far more under-diagnosed with ADHD than boys and men. She also discusses how she manages multiple concerns through medication and therapy and that "[o]ne important part of the journey is identifying how mental illness and executive dysfunction manifest in [her] life, so [she] can address them when they reappear or worsen."

• “‘Spain's 'Crying Room' seeks to banish mental health taboo” — Michael Gore, Reuters (10/18/2021) [article]

  In Madrid, a project aimed to reduce the stigma of mental health issues invites guests not feel ashamed if they need to cry or seek out help, which can be looked down upon in the country (as it is in unfortunately so many places).