Category: mental illness

Review of EMPowerplus and Truehope Evidence in Treating Depression

Years ago, out of extreme desperation, I tried EMPowerplus by Truehope. While I don’t necessarily consider this a mistake, it certainly wasn’t worth my while — it had no benefit whatsoever. Regardless, Truehope itself disgusted me as a company. Recently, again, someone asked me about it, so I decided to take another look at their website and see how one of my least favorite companies is doing. As it turns out, nothing has changed. Here, I review the research provided by Truehope that their product(s) (mostly a micronutrient formula called EMPowerplus) work on depression.

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Severe Depression and Pain — What Is Allodynia?

I know when my depression is severe because of the pain, because of the pain that is allodynia. Allodynia involves physical pain where the pain wouldn’t normally be present. And while I don’t need any additional reminders that my depression is severe, allodynia provides one all the same. Read on for information on physical pain and allodynia in depression, including how to treat this type of pain.

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Redefining Success: Thriving with Bipolar Disorder

People with bipolar disorder can be successful. In fact, people with bipolar disorder can be very successful. You can, indeed, thrive with bipolar disorder. That being said, thriving and success may look different for a person with bipolar disorder than they look for others. Redefining success is something you have to do if you want to thrive with bipolar disorder. Constantly reaching for goals that your bipolar will prevent you from achieving just isn’t a way to thrive with bipolar disorder.

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Because of Depression, I Get Nothing Done

I get nothing done because of depression. Or, I suppose, to put it more accurately, I get almost nothing done because of the symptoms of depression. I use to-do lists. I prioritize what needs to be done. I chunk things into small pieces. I use all the techniques you can think of to try to overcome this inability to actually get things done, and yet it doesn’t seem to work. At the end of the day, there is always more to do than when I started. I don’t even know how that is possible.

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Spending on Genetic-Drug Interaction Tests for Antidepressant Choice? Think Twice

Have you heard of a medical test for the selection of antidepressants? It’s billed as a simple blood test or cheek swab that can indicate what antidepressant you should or should not take. This is advertised as “personalized medicine” or “precision medicine.” And to anyone who has been on the (un)merry-go-round of antidepressant trials, it sure sounds like a great idea. Here’s the latest research on what you need to know about spending money on medical tests for antidepressant selection.

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Am I Making Up My Mental Illness? Is Mental Illness All in My Head?

People sometimes tell those with mental illness that it’s “all in their head.” Would it surprise you to learn, then, that sometimes people with mental illness think the same thing? Sometimes people with mental illness wonder if they’re making it all up. I’ve had these thoughts. I’ve wondered if I was making up my mental illness. I’ve wondered if my bipolar was all in my head. Weird, for an advocate, I know, but let’s look a little deeper at it.

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Tips to Beat Anxiety During the Holidays

Anxiety is such a common thing during this time of year, but you can beat anxiety during the holidays. I know things like parties, family, entertaining, and all the other things associated with the holidays can be anxiety-inducing for people — me too. Just thinking about my family sitting in my apartment while I stress about making Christmas dinner is freaking me out. And while we’re not all the same, I do believe there are some techniques we can all try to beat anxiety over the holidays.

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Start Suicide Prevention Conversations and Forget the ‘Rules’

I firmly believe that suicide prevention starts with a conversation. A conversation that can stop suicide can be initiated by the person feeling suicidal or someone around them; regardless, a conversation is the starting point. But it can be very intimidating to talk about suicide. There are all kinds of “rules” when you talk about suicide and political correctness affects the language you are “allowed” to use. I say forget all that. Suicide prevention starts with a conversation that makes sense to you, not the PC police.

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I write a three-time Web Health Award winning column for HealthyPlace called Breaking Bipolar.

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