Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw

10 breakthrough treatments for depression most folks have never tried

As a couples therapist, I understand that depression can have a profound impact on relationships, affecting not just the individual but their partner and the dynamics between them.

Clinical depression affects around 350 million people worldwide, yet only a small fraction receive the best care.

Here, I'll outline 10 new, scientifically backed treatments for depression, emphasizing their potential benefits for folks within a relationship context.

Read More
Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw

Are you zoning out while visiting your childhood home?

A few days ago my client Harry, a 30-something show-runner, found himself in a peculiar situation during a recent visit to his emotionally distant elderly parents.

His wife, Marjorie, recounted how Harry seemed to zone out and suddenly seemed to ‘wake up’ in the middle of an argument with her about his missing their agreed-upon curfew to leave.

I've seen this scenario play out many times, often stemming from dissociation linked to traumatic or emotionally constipated childhoods.

Let's consider the concept of dissociation, how our childhood experiences can trigger it, and best practices to improve situational awareness when revisiting your childhood home.

Read More
Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw

Roman Catholic Eroticism and the Theology of the Body

When one thinks of Roman Catholicism, images of grand cathedrals, incense-filled rituals, and Latin hymns might come to mind.

But what about Roman Catholic eroticism? Yes, you read that right.

As a couples therapist, I recently had the privilege of working with a couple set exploring the paradigm of Roman Catholic eroticism. Although I was a bit taken aback, I found fascinating insights into the interplay between faith, love, and intimacy.

Read More
Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw

The long-term impact of antidepressants on quality of life

While antidepressants are known to reduce depression symptoms in the short term, their long-term effects on overall quality of life are less clear.

Recent research suggests that antidepressants may not significantly improve quality of life over time.

A long-term analysis comparing folks with depression who took antidepressants to those who did not reveals that, after two years, there is no notable difference in their quality of life.

Read More
Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw

How antidepressants affect your ability to enjoy activities you once loved

Antidepressants can be a double-edged sword. While they help alleviate the psychological pain of depression, they can also dull the pleasure from activities that once brought joy.

This phenomenon, known as "emotional blunting," affects about half of all patients on these medications. Let's dive into why this happens and how it impacts everyday life.

Read More
Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw

How do antidepressants influence memory bias in depression?

Here’s the nub of the problem: Depressed folks often remember negative events more vividly than positive ones.

This cognitive bias can significantly impact their overall view of themselves and their lives.

However, a recent study suggests that antidepressants may help counteract this tendency by reducing the bias towards negative memories.

Read More
Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw

The power of belief: How presentation affects antidepressant efficacy

Did you know that the effectiveness of antidepressants might hinge more on belief than on the pill itself?

Research reveals that 3X as many people respond positively to antidepressants if they believe the drug will work.

This intriguing finding underscores the significant role of expectations in treating depression and anxiety.

Read More
Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw Marriage and Mental Health Daniel Dashnaw

Vitamin B12 deficiency: A hidden risk to memory and cognitive function

Around one-in-eight people suffer from a vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to difficulties with memory and thinking skills, research finds.

Struggling to recall memories or to concentrate has been linked to a deficiency in this essential vitamin.

The reason may be that vitamin B12 deficiency can accelerate cognitive aging, making it vital to maintain adequate levels as we get older

Read More