Health Topics

Health topics

Browse topics to help you live your best life.

Depression

Depression is a medical illness that causes a persistent feeling of sadness, loss of interest and, sometimes, physical symptoms. It's also called major depression, major depressive disorder and clinical depression.

Hometown Health Blog

Seasonal affective disorder: More than feeling sad

When days become shorter and colder with less sunlight, you may experience mild winter blues. However, seasonal affective disorder is more than feeling sad during certain months of the year.

Janice Schreier MSW By Janice Schreier October 16, 2024

College students and depression: A guide for parents

Many college students struggle with depression or anxiety. As school resumes, talk about these conditions with your student, and brush up on symptoms and warning signs so you can step in with help.

Kristen Bowe CNP By Kristen Bowe August 22, 2023

Use mindfulness to improve well-being

If you've heard of or read about mindfulness — a form of meditation — you might be curious about how to practice it. Find out how to do mindfulness exercises and how they might benefit you.

Nicole Houge, M.S., L.P.C., CSAC By Nicole Sobkowiak January 13, 2023

Seasonal affective disorder explained

Do cold, dark days leave you longing for warm sunshine? Mood changes can occur with the changing seasons. Learn about seasonal affective disorder and how you can manage the symptoms.

Kyja Stygar, M.D. By Kyja Stygar January 10, 2023

Seasonal affective disorder: Not just the winter blues

Shorter days and cold weather may leave you feeling depressed. If symptoms persist, it may be more than just the winter blues. Learn how to recognize SAD and get easy coping strategies.

Patrick Bigaouette MD By Patrick Bigaouette January 5, 2023

Supporting a loved one experiencing depression

When a friend or family member experiences depression, it's difficult to know what to do or say. Here's how to offer support and understanding, and help your loved one get the resources they need.

Jessie Wolf LICSW By Jessie Wolf December 16, 2022

Offering support to the grieving

Feelings of traumatic grief are complex and challenging, with emotional and physical reactions. This Q&A will help you support someone who is grieving, by understanding the nuances of grief.

Jessie Wolf LICSW By Jessie Wolf October 31, 2022

Can massage relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress?

It's impossible to avoid stress. Find out why massage therapy isn't just for pampering and can help your body and mind find relief.

Amy Marsolek By Amy Marsolek July 20, 2022

Could you be depressed?

Do you always feel tired or not like "you" anymore? Have you lost interest in hobbies that you used to love? Learn about depression, and get tips to help you feel more like yourself.

Daniel Lynch, L.P.C. By Daniel Lynch October 7, 2021

When grief goes unacknowledged

The holidays can be a difficult time for many, especially if you are dealing with unacknowledged grief.

December 22, 2016