Little connections can make big cities a refuge for those with depression
Big cities tend to have the reputation of being exhausting and impersonal as everyone rushes around anonymously amidst busy streets. However, researchers at the University of Chicago found that the fleeting (and often forgotten) connections people make in a city can actually help make urban Read More...
Magic mushrooms may help repair neural links harmed by depression
We have previously written about the potential medical applications of psilocybin — a naturally occurring compound found in some mushrooms. Last year, for instance, we shared the findings of a Yale study that showed promising results regarding the effect of magic mushrooms on migraines. Also Read More...
Try these two simple, science-backed tricks to stop procrastinating
While many may think otherwise, procrastination is not a behavior rooted in laziness. Rather, people engage in procrastination in a bid to avoid the “negative feelings associated” with that task, explains Timothy A. Pychyl, Ph.D., a psychology professor at Canada’s Carleton University and a Read More...
5 research-backed reasons why it’s important to have fun
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Everyone has a slightly different definition for fun, but whether you love hitting the town with friends or going for a long hike, research shows that having fun is good for your health, both mental and physical. Below, you can find five science-based reasons Read More...
Psychedelic-like drugs could treat depression without hallucinations
In recent years, scientists have increasingly been investigating psychedelic drugs for their medical benefits — such as treating depression — in controlled environments. While the results have been incredibly promising, there is a catch — these drugs can trigger hallucinations that can be Read More...
Research shows confiding in others reduces risk of depression
Depression is caused by a myriad of internal and external factors ranging from home life to genetics, but fortunately, a range of external factors can also work to reduce depression. Concerned about rising depression during pandemic lockdowns, a group of researchers looked at data from 100,000 Read More...
Here are 4 scientifically proven ways to boost serotonin levels
You’ve probably heard of serotonin before, but what is it exactly, and how does it affect your body? Serotonin is a chemical found throughout the body that plays an important role in regulating a range of bodily functions, including blood clotting and bowel function. In the brain, serotonin Read More...
Magnetic brain stimulation offers new hope for patients with depression
Treating severe depression is extremely difficult, with remission rates usually being quite shaky, but a new study from the Stanford University School of Medicine promises new light at the end of the tunnel. Named Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy, or simply SAINT, the Read More...
Improving your diet may do wonders for your mental health
If the winter blues are bringing you down, you might want to consider changing your diet. A new study finds that healthier eating habits can relieve symptoms of depression, whether dietary changes focus on weight loss or improved nutrition. While existing research has been unable to Read More...
Doctors are prescribing houseplants as treatment for depression and anxiety
It is no secret that houseplants have all kinds of benefits to offer their owners. Beyond their cheerful demeanor, they provide many helpful assists, like increasing oxygen levels, helping stave off illness, cleaning the air, boosting healing, nudging creativity, and relieving stress – among Read More...