Do You Live in One of the Most—or Least—Happy Places in America?

By April M. Short, AlterNet Sep 17, 2015 A new poll measures contentment around the country and the world. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Jeremy Corbyn Creates a Minister for Mental Health Role in His Opposition Party’s Cabinet

Roisin Davis / Truthdig Sep 14, 2015 Britain's new Labour leader, a staunch advocate of mental health programs, has appointed Luciana Berger to the new post in his administration. “We have delivered a unifying, dynamic, inclusive new Shadow Cabinet which for the first time ever has a majority of women,” Corbyn said. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

The Habits of Depression

Alexander Reed Kelly / Truthdig Jul 19, 2015 A tendency to get stuck in a pattern of negative thinking is common to the depressed person, writes Guardian opinion editor David Shariatmadari in a long consideration of the affliction. “Any set of thoughts that is repeated builds synaptic pathways,” one neuroscientist explains in the article. “Thoughts that are repeated over and over build structure into the brain and therefore increase their own likelihood.” Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

442 Mental Health Experts Call for an End to Austerity

Alexander Reed Kelly / Truthdig Apr 19, 2015 Austerity cuts and “neoliberal thinking” among policymakers are having a “profoundly disturbing” effect on Britons' psychological and emotional well-being, say hundreds of counselors, psychotherapists and academics in a letter to The Guardian. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Coloring Books for Adults Top Amazon’s Best-Seller List

Alexander Reed Kelly / Truthdig Apr 6, 2015 The best-selling book on Amazon.com in the U.S. right now is not Harper Lee’s new novel or a title from George R.R. Martin’s "Game of Thrones" but a Scottish illustrator's coloring book for adults. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Student Debt Is Seriously Hurting Grads’ Mental and Physical Health

Natasha Hakimi Zapata / Truthdig Feb 17, 2015 A new study reveals what those of us carrying large loads of student debt probably already knew: Those college loan payments aren't hurting just your bank account. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Jobless U.S. Males Are Deprived and Discouraged — Not Lazy

Alexander Reed Kelly / Truthdig Dec 12, 2014 The share of unemployed American men age 25 to 54 has more than tripled since the 1960s. Many want to work, but the wages paid by what few jobs are available don't support a desirable quality of life. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Depression

Nick Anderson / Truthdig Aug 14, 2014 Dig deeper

Russell Brand: Is a World That Robin Williams Can’t Live In Broken?

Natasha Hakimi Zapata / Truthdig Aug 13, 2014 The comedian reflects on the death of one of the funniest men ever, tying it to "the overarching misery of our times," in his latest episode of "The Trews." Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Don’t Try to Cheer Me Up, Man

Alexander Reed Kelly / Truthdig Jun 27, 2014 "Those with low self-esteem actually reject the so-called 'positive reframing,' or expressions of optimism and encouragement, most of us offer to them," Dr. Denise Marigold, the lead author of a study into the issue, told Today.com. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Depression Researchers Find ‘Exciting’ Potential Breakthrough in … Ketamine

Staff / Truthdig Apr 4, 2014 Ketamine is known to horse enthusiasts as an equine tranquilizer and to recreational pharmacology enthusiasts as the party drug "Special K." It might also have other unexpected applications, including as part of a treatment regimen for depression. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

New Test Could Make Antidepressants Safer

Peter Z. Scheer / Truthdig Jan 14, 2014 Antidepressants are wildly popular in the United States, where one in 10 people take them. The problem is that they sometimes cause what's called suicidal ideation -- thoughts of suicide. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )