A dangerous link: Toxic chemicals and depression

Depression is a serious mental illness associated with decreased work productivity, greater risk of suicide and physical health conditions such as heart disease and low thyroid functioning. An estimated 1 in 10 U.S. adults suffers from depression, and no one knows what exactly causes it, with theories ranging from biochemical imbalance, to stress, to genetic predisposition.

Are your meds creating your depression? Be proactive!

When your doctor recommends that you take a new medication, you probably check out a few of the side effects online or on the information sheet you get at the pharmacy. You may even focus on the side effects that might make you look bad (such as weight gain or rash) or feel bad right away (like nausea or diarrhea). However, did you know that a depressed mood is a common side effect of medications? It is important to watch out for it, especially because it might not be obvious right away.

Simple tips to catch your Zzz’s

It's a cruel joke. You're exhausted, you pulled a 14-hour day, you know you should be passing out – and yet, you can't sleep. Again. Chronic insomnia plagues millions of Americans. Addictions to tablets, phones, caffeinated coffee and teas, late-night Game of Thrones binges, work martyrdom, bad news on television, and chronically worrying about your children/love life/paycheck/waist size allcontribute to the problem. In short, everyone seems to be sabotaging their sleep like nobody’s business.

Be proactive: Depression can have a crippling effect on your health

Depression can cast a shadow over every facet of your life – from your social life to sleep routine, eating habits to memory. Each day can be a struggle. And it’s more common than you may realize.

Perk up your mood and energy with light therapy

Light has always had a powerful effect over human life. You are probably well aware of the important role sunlight plays in bone and heart health, autoimmune diseases and cancer. But did you know that –besides sunlight, artificial light can also be used as a form of wellness therapy? It appears that artificial light affects brain chemicals linked to mood and dementia.