Who knew that slacking off on certain activities could make you feel so down?

It turns out, a fascinating series of studies has identified 5 types of activities crucial for mental health.

Stop doing them, and you might find yourself on a fast track to depression.

But don't worry, I've got the scoop on what you need to keep those blues at bay. Let’s jump in!

Mental health problems can create a vicious cycle that severely damages relationships, especially during historically stressful times.

As a couples therapist, it’s essential to understand how depression affects both partners in a marriage and to use this knowledge to help couples navigate their struggles.

Research reveals that women who are depressed lose their ability to read emotions accurately, which negatively impacts their relationships.

This phenomenon, known as the loss of ‘empathic accuracy,’ causes significant strain and can lead to a cycle of increasing depression and relational distress.

Positive thinking is often touted as the key to happiness and well-being.

However, recent research suggests that attempting to "think positive" can actually worsen the emotional state of some people, especially those prone to worry.

As a couples therapist, I've seen how this paradoxical effect can play out in relationships, and understanding the nuances of positive thinking is crucial for effective therapy. Let’s jump in!

Relationship anxiety is an ongoing fear that your relationship has hidden deficits that require immediate attention.

Symptoms of relationship anxiety include picking fights, turning away, and constantly testing boundaries... sound familiar? This one is for you.

Ever wondered why a glass of wine makes you feel like a relaxed philosopher, while a shot of tequila transforms you into a party animal?

A recent survey sheds light on how different types of alcohol can stir up distinct emotions, revealing the quirky relationship between our drink choices and our feelings.

As a family therapist, it's fascinating to explore how the dreams of our ancient ancestors may relate to the anxiety disorders we see today.

In hunter-gatherer societies, which still mirror the lifestyles of our early human ancestors, dreams play a crucial role in coping with threats and anxieties.

Recent cross-cultural research delves into the function of dreams among hunter-gatherer societies, suggesting that dreams help prepare us for anxiety-provoking situations in waking life. These are known as ‘simulation theories.’

As a marriage and family therapist, I often emphasize that time is the very essence of life.

It's fascinating how our true selves emerge under the strain of time pressure, a phenomenon that could be described as "being in a hurry” — the way our authentic traits are exposed when we're in a hurry.

This exposure raises profound questions about our nature and the role of time in shaping our identities.

Believing that you have an unsupportive Spouse has been identified as a primary source of depression.

New research shows that partners who believe that they have unsupportive spouses are at higher risk of depression than those who were alone and unmarried.

But what is unsupportive spouse depression?

It's not often that I dive into research and come away thinking, "Well, that was a major WTF moment..." But here we are.

When it comes to treating addiction long-term, success rates are depressingly modest.

This revelation comes from a massive meta-review of thousands of peer-reviewed addiction studies spanning several decades.

Ever thought about how strange it is to be the same age as old people? Imagine looking around and realizing that while your peers are slowing down, you’re still going strong, both mentally and physically.

Welcome to the intriguing world of superagers!

What Are Superagers?

Greetings, gentle reader. Are you sleeping ok?

Did you know that, for some of you, how you’re sleeping now might be carving grooves into your cognitive destiny?

As you’ve probably noticed, this blog has an ongoing focus on sleep science.

A recent study has suggested that disrupted sleep patterns that are established in your 30s and 40s might impact memory later.

Recent research shows that having a responsive partner is closely linked to better sleep quality.

Responsiveness in a relationship goes beyond mere listening; it involves being attuned to your partner’s needs and showing genuine compassion.

What Does It Mean to Be Responsive?