Monthly Archives July 2017

The Smartphone: A Thermometer for Mental Health?

Ardesheer Talati

Ardesheer Talati, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurobiology in Psychiatry at Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute

For all the high-tech medical gadgetry, the thermometer remains among the most remarkable medical devices: safe, easy to use, reliable. Pop it in, and out comes a number (body temperature) that can be used to make a number of important decisions related to our physical health.

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UN Report Calls for “Revolution” in How Mental Health Care Is Provided.

Eric Scharf

Eric Scharf, Advocacy Advisor, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

Calling for a “revolution in mental health care to end decades of neglect, abuse and violence,” Dainus Pūras, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to health, has issued a report that calls for major changes in mental health care around the world.

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Breaking the Cycle for My Family

by Chris, Families for Depression Awareness volunteer

A rough start in life
Growing up, Chris saw substance abuse and mood disorders on both sides of his family. “I remember my mother and father fighting a lot when we were kids,” Chris says. Both he and his little brother were smart, but the instability of their parents’ relationship and their mother’s subsequent remarriage took a toll on them.

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Patients Need to Be Involved in Policy-Making

Photo of Tony Coelho

Editors’ Note: With Congress in recess for the 4th of July holiday, we get a brief reprieve from the Senate’s consideration of the “Better Care Reconciliation Act.” From where we sit, this legislation severely undermines gains that we have made in access to and quality of mental health care.

In the spirit of citizen engagement, we offer an encore post from former Member of Congress Tony Coelho on the need for patients – and we would add families, too – to be involved in policy-making. We hope it will inspire you to share your concerns about the proposed changes to the healthcare system and to tell your elected officials how this bill would impact you and your family’s health and wellbeing.

Have a safe and happy Independence Day!

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