Recovery Update

Current Issue

Doctors: No

It used to be that when a doctor gave a confident recommendation, patients trusted it. A skeptical person might seek a second opinion, or a third. When they all agreed, the best course seemed clear. Today, America's major physician organizations are recommending something, strongly and in unison: The latest health-care bill, known as Graham-Cassidy, would do harm to the country and should be defeated.

Your Mental Health Suffers When Your Dog or Cat Gets Sick, Study Finds

Pet owners often say that the cat or dog living in their home is another member of their family. New research published Monday adds validity to that claim, finding that owners of seriously or terminally ill pets are at increased risk for stress, anxiety and depression. The study, published in Veterinary Record, suggests the well-established "caregivers' burden" endemic to family members who may be taking care of, say, a sick child or parent, also extends to an ailing furry friend.

2 Studies Explore Depression And the Brain

Depression is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors, but depression doesn't feel the same for everyone. However, researchers agree that psychiatric disorders are detrimental to the brain and may cause measurable changes to key areas of the brain. One recent study provided strong insight to understanding the interaction among several brain areas in depression.

Mental Health Is Still Too Often the Forgotten Problem

According to Rick Shults, administrator of Mental Health and Disability Services for the Iowa Department of Human Services, Iowa has "taken significant steps to develop and fund needed mental health services necessary for recovery" [National Recovery Month: Mental illness can be overcome, Sept. 16]. Perhaps for some this is a reality; for others it is not happening.

Yoga and Mental Health: How It Helps Depression and 4 Other Conditions

Yoga can help quiet the mind, alleviating the worries and stress that plague our day-to-day lives. But the benefits can also extend to more serious psychological issues. In the U.S., nearly 1 in 5, or roughly 43 million Americans, suffer from a mental illness, including conditions like depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia. These individuals often experience difficulty getting the health care that they need, and available medications don't always provide satisfactory effects.

When a Mental Health Emergency Lands You in Jail

Early last year, two suicidal patients showed up at a hospital emergency room in Pierre, S.D., seeking help. Although the incidents happened weeks apart, both patients ended up in an unexpected place: jail. Across the country, and especially in rural areas, people in the middle of a mental health crisis are locked in a cell when a hospital bed or transportation to a hospital isn't immediately available.

Not Having Paid Sick Leave Can Have Dire Mental Health Consequences

Studies have shown that a lack of paid sick leave harms workers' physical health, but it may also be linked to psychological distress that can ultimately take a toll on workers' mental health and employers' bottom lines, according to new research published this month. "That distress interferes a lot with their life and activities," Patricia Stoddard-Dare, study author and associate professor of social work at Cleveland State University, told HuffPost.

Brandon Marshall and How He is Tackling the Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness

NFL wide receiver Brandon Marshall hopes to remove the stigma surrounding mental illness by coming forward with his own personal struggles. In 2011, the star found himself at Mclean Hospital near Boston, where he was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.

Insurers Often Deny Coverage For Mental Health, Addiction Treatment, Report Says

Insurers are denying coverage to many Illinois residents for certain mental health services and addiction treatments, according to a new survey of hospitals, psychiatrists and other providers in the state. Those surveyed said Medicaid managed care organizations, in particular, blocked coverage for a number of services. About 59 percent of providers surveyed said Medicaid managed care organizations "always" or "often" denied coverage for inpatient treatment for addiction and mental health issues during the past year.

Lynn Beshear: 'Mental Health Is Not a Character Flaw'

The newly appointed commissioner of the state's department of mental health sent out a message recently: Mental illness is not a character flaw. Lynn Beshear spoke at the Leadership Montgomery Power Lunch at the Montgomery Area Council on Aging on her vision for the state, emphasizing that mental illness is a disease.

Parents Say Schools Don't Help Kids With Mental Health, Chronic Disease

Many parents don't believe schools are prepared to help students with mental health problems and serious physical health issues, a new survey finds. While 77 percent of parents were certain that schools would be able to provide first aid for minor issues such as cuts, they were less confident that schools could respond to more challenging health situations.

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