Common Signs of Anxiety and Depression
If painful emotions are affecting your daily life, it might be time to seek support.
How to Lower Stress Levels
Take the edge off of stress with relaxation exercies, mood-lifting foods and more.
Tips for Beating the Blues
Feeling sad or low? Lift your spirits by taking care of all aspects of your well-being.
Help for Clinical Depression
Depression is a complex disease, but there is hope. Learn how to treat depression with talk therapy, antidepressants and more.
What You Can Do to Prevent Suicide
Learn the warning signs, how to lower suicide risk and what you can do to help.
How to Help an Addicted Family Member
When someone you love is addicted to alcohol or drugs, the whole family is affected. Here’s how to help.
Featured Articles
How Stress Affects Your Body
Learn the details of how stress takes a toll on your physical health.
Is it Sadness or Depression?
When does feeling bad signal clinical depression? Learn the signs and symptoms.
Depression Symptoms by Age Group
Learn how the signs of depression and triggers differ in children, teens, adults and seniors.
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Ask an Expert
Junaid H. Khan, M.D., FACC, FACS
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus
I've been through some bad loses this year (relationship, foreclosure) and have had chest pain and shortness of breath. My doctor said I had stress cardiomyopathy (broken heart syndrome). What are the other symptoms, is it dangerous, will I get it again?
I am sorry for your losses.Cardiomyopathy can be a serious condition. In addition to chest pain and shortness of breath, patients can have dyspnea on exertion, fatigue, edema, and in some cases hepatic or kidne... continue reading about I've been through some bad loses this year (relationship, foreclosure) and have had chest pain and shortness of breath. My doctor said I had stress cardiomyopathy (broken heart syndrome). What are the other symptoms, is it dangerous, will I get it again?
Toni J. Brayer, M.D.
Sutter West Bay Medical Group
What is the more appropriate way to treat menopausal depression, hormone replacement or SSRIs?
There is no one answer to treating "menopausal depression". Restoring hormones (HRT) and SSRI antidepressants have both been shown to help with depression in mid-life women. There are other things that have bee... continue reading about What is the more appropriate way to treat menopausal depression, hormone replacement or SSRIs?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What are your thoughts on the long-term use of SSRIs like Prozac? I have OCD and think I'll probably need it for the rest of my life.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that typically begins early in life - and which, for most afflicted individuals, has a chronic fluctuating course. Exacerbations of this disorder are o... continue reading about What are your thoughts on the long-term use of SSRIs like Prozac? I have OCD and think I'll probably need it for the rest of my life.
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
Can you become addicted to over-the-counter sleep aids like Tylenol PM?
Sleep loss is a problem for millions of Americans. But sleeplessness doesn't have to be a way of life. Regarding over-the-counter products, the active ingredient of over-the-counter sleep aids like Tylenol PM, ... continue reading about Can you become addicted to over-the-counter sleep aids like Tylenol PM?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I'm 33, with two wonderful kids, but my life is falling apart when it comes to my relationship with my husband. I don't want to be around him because he's so controlling. I cry a lot, my head pounds, I'm dizzy and I have body pain. Is this depression?
You appear to be under a great deal of stress, both in your interpersonal life and with respect to physical symptoms. Some of the symptoms that you mentioned - such as dizziness and pain - can be associated wit... continue reading about I'm 33, with two wonderful kids, but my life is falling apart when it comes to my relationship with my husband. I don't want to be around him because he's so controlling. I cry a lot, my head pounds, I'm dizzy and I have body pain. Is this depression?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
My mom died a few months ago and dad isn't taking it well. He's lost interest in food, socializing, is not sleeping well, and has guilt about "unfinished business" in their relationship. How can I tell the difference between natural grief and depression?
I am sorry to hear of your recent loss. The relationship between grief and depression is a complex one. The response to any significant loss (including bereavement) may involve intense sadness, changes in sleep... continue reading about My mom died a few months ago and dad isn't taking it well. He's lost interest in food, socializing, is not sleeping well, and has guilt about "unfinished business" in their relationship. How can I tell the difference between natural grief and depression?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
How much does alcohol contribute to high cholesterol, and can I drink while taking Lipitor?
Moderation is the key, as in many areas of health. In general, moderate alcohol consumption, medically defined as up to two drinks per day for men and one per day for women (different metabolism), has been show... continue reading about How much does alcohol contribute to high cholesterol, and can I drink while taking Lipitor?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
My mother suffered from depression. Should I be worried that I, too, will develop depression as I age?
Depression, like many chronic illnesses (such as diabetes or heart disease), tends to run in families. For most diseases with a heritable component, having a close family member with the illness does not necess... continue reading about My mother suffered from depression. Should I be worried that I, too, will develop depression as I age?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I only drink a glass or two of wine a day, but I have a very hard time giving this up. Does that mean I'm an alcoholic?
Alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence are not the same thing, but both are commonly thought of as “alcoholism”. Alcohol dependence is defined by physiologic dependence on alcohol from consistent, hea... continue reading about I only drink a glass or two of wine a day, but I have a very hard time giving this up. Does that mean I'm an alcoholic?
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