Depression: A Guide for the Perplexed

Therapy

The Benefits of Humor in Therapy

Samuel L. Pauker, M.D., and Miriam Arond on March 28, 2024

Humor is an underappreciated element in psychotherapy—one that can reduce anxiety, increase perspective, and strengthen the psychotherapeutic relationship.

Humor is an underappreciated element in psychotherapy—one that can reduce anxiety, increase perspective, and strengthen the psychotherapeutic relationship.

Depression

How Do I Know if I'm Depressed?

Samuel L. Pauker, M.D., and Miriam Arond on January 30, 2024

Everyone sings the blues sometimes, so how do you know if you're really depressed and need help? Here's how to read your signs and symptoms.

Everyone sings the blues sometimes, so how do you know if you're really depressed and need help? Here's how to read your signs and symptoms.

Depression

Treating Depression: Why Are There So Many Drugs?

Samuel L. Pauker, M.D., and Miriam Arond on January 19, 2024

Here's an overview of the seven classes of drugs used to treat depression that can help clear up confusion about the many medication options.

Here's an overview of the seven classes of drugs used to treat depression that can help clear up confusion about the many medication options.

Sleep

The Connection Between Sleep Problems and Depression

Samuel L. Pauker, M.D., and Miriam Arond on December 4, 2023

Are your sleep problems causing your depression? Or are you suffering from depression and that is leading to sleep problems? The good news: you can remedy both.

Are your sleep problems causing your depression? Or are you suffering from depression and that is leading to sleep problems? The good news: you can remedy both.

Anxiety

Being Thankful in an Age of Anxiety

Samuel L. Pauker, M.D., and Miriam Arond on November 23, 2023

Staying calm, being grateful, and enjoying the holidays are more challenging when world news is frightening. Here are 7 steps to ease anxiety and access appreciation in life.

Staying calm, being grateful, and enjoying the holidays are more challenging when world news is frightening. Here are 7 steps to ease anxiety and access appreciation in life.

Depression

How to Treat Seasonal Depression

Samuel L. Pauker, M.D., and Miriam Arond on September 22, 2023

The signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are often confused with the winter "blahs." There's no need to settle for a depressed mindset in fall and winter.

The signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are often confused with the winter "blahs." There's no need to settle for a depressed mindset in fall and winter.

Depression

How to Tell When Antidepressants Are Starting to Work

Samuel L. Pauker, M.D., and Miriam Arond on August 13, 2023

Look for small early signs that show antidepressants are beginning to work. They generally bode well for a successful treatment of depression.

Look for small early signs that show antidepressants are beginning to work. They generally bode well for a successful treatment of depression.

Depression

Drugs for Depression: Answers to 6 FAQs

Samuel L. Pauker, M.D., and Miriam Arond on June 27, 2023

It’s common for depressed individuals to express concern about taking antidepressants or other psychiatric drugs. Here are my responses to common questions patients ask.

It’s common for depressed individuals to express concern about taking antidepressants or other psychiatric drugs. Here are my responses to common questions patients ask.

Depression

From Depression to Self-Actualization and Happiness

Samuel L. Pauker, M.D., and Miriam Arond on April 21, 2023

Seeing people emerge out of the hell of despair and become new, emboldened versions of themselves is exhilarating.

Seeing people emerge out of the hell of despair and become new, emboldened versions of themselves is exhilarating.

Depression

Helping a Friend in Despair

Samuel L. Pauker, M.D., and Miriam Arond on February 24, 2023

A recent article conveys the dangerous misperception that depression is difficult, if not impossible, to treat. Here's why that is misleading.

A recent article conveys the dangerous misperception that depression is difficult, if not impossible, to treat. Here's why that is misleading.

Depression

10 Things Everyone Should Understand About Depression

Samuel L. Pauker, M.D., and Miriam Arond on February 10, 2023

Knowing what the course of treatment will look like, what roadblocks and detours may crop up, and how they can be prevented and addressed eases the road to recovery.

Knowing what the course of treatment will look like, what roadblocks and detours may crop up, and how they can be prevented and addressed eases the road to recovery.

Career

Is Your Mental Health Hurting Your Career?

Samuel L. Pauker, M.D., and Miriam Arond on January 29, 2023

Is your emotional baggage preventing you from getting ahead in your career? Recognizing, addressing, and overcoming what is hindering your chances of success make all the difference.

Is your emotional baggage preventing you from getting ahead in your career? Recognizing, addressing, and overcoming what is hindering your chances of success make all the difference.

Meditation

A 5-Minute Mindfulness Meditation That Works

Samuel L. Pauker, M.D., and Miriam Arond on December 30, 2022

Reduce anxiety with a simple 5-minute mindfulness meditation practice. Just follow these 4 easy steps.

Reduce anxiety with a simple 5-minute mindfulness meditation practice. Just follow these 4 easy steps.

Gratitude

Why Is Being Thankful So Difficult For Some People?

Samuel L. Pauker, M.D., and Miriam Arond on November 23, 2022

While an “attitude of gratitude" sounds like a Pollyana-ish phrase, it—or the lack of it—is actually a significant sign regarding mental health.

While an “attitude of gratitude" sounds like a Pollyana-ish phrase, it—or the lack of it—is actually a significant sign regarding mental health.

Depression

Do You Have Depression, ADD, or Both?

Samuel L. Pauker, M.D., and Miriam Arond on October 23, 2022

How to determine if a lack of interest and focus is due to depression or ADD.

How to determine if a lack of interest and focus is due to depression or ADD.

Depression

Hope, Faith, and Depression

Samuel L. Pauker, M.D., and Miriam Arond on September 28, 2022

Early in my career I realized that when patients come into my office with severe depression they have lost the capacity for faith, belief, and hope.

Early in my career I realized that when patients come into my office with severe depression they have lost the capacity for faith, belief, and hope.

Depression

The Devastating Impact of Depression on Marriage

Samuel L. Pauker, M.D., and Miriam Arond on September 15, 2022

Depression can be so toxic to a relationship that when couples come in for therapy I always screen for depression.

Depression can be so toxic to a relationship that when couples come in for therapy I always screen for depression.

SSRIs

The Danger of Dissing Antidepressants

Samuel L. Pauker, M.D., and Miriam Arond on September 8, 2022

A new study about serotonin and depression focused on only one aspect of a complex condition. Not understanding how antidepressants work is not a reason to denounce them.

A new study about serotonin and depression focused on only one aspect of a complex condition. Not understanding how antidepressants work is not a reason to denounce them.

Depression

The Important Difference Between Grief and Depression

Samuel L. Pauker, M.D., and Miriam Arond on September 5, 2022

Mourning a loss is bound to elicit deep feelings of sadness and regret.

Mourning a loss is bound to elicit deep feelings of sadness and regret.

Depression

The Ripple Effects of Depression

Samuel L. Pauker, M.D., and Miriam Arond on August 11, 2022

Sometimes I can practically diagnose a patient with depression by just hearing the frustration and aggravation of their loved ones.

Sometimes I can practically diagnose a patient with depression by just hearing the frustration and aggravation of their loved ones.