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Charting the Depths

Reflections on the science of depression.

Depression
Depression Army™ Strong

Jonathan Rottenberg Ph.D. on July 3, 2015

I’m telling you that if I was able to talk about my depression, you can talk about yours. It feels good to finally drop the mask

I’m telling you that if I was able to talk about my depression, you can talk about yours. It feels good to finally drop the mask

SSRIs
Is Overprescription of Antidepressants Sexist?

Jonathan Rottenberg Ph.D. on March 1, 2015

A thoughtful editorial in today's New York Times, made me consider a new reason for concern about the overprescription of antidepressants: they are written disproportionately to females and may be suppressing women's natural emotionality.

A thoughtful editorial in today's New York Times, made me consider a new reason for concern about the overprescription of antidepressants: they are written disproportionately to females and may be suppressing women's natural emotionality.

Depression
Why We Can't Stop the Depression Epidemic

Jonathan Rottenberg Ph.D. on September 16, 2014

Comedian Robin Williams’s death in August rocketed depression into the headlines, and his suicide became a defining moment when the nation would finally reckon with depression.

But this reckoning never happened.

Comedian Robin Williams’s death in August rocketed depression into the headlines, and his suicide became a defining moment when the nation would finally reckon with depression.

But this reckoning never happened.

Depression
Do We Have the Will to Stop the Depression Epidemic?

Jonathan Rottenberg Ph.D. on June 25, 2014

Sean Moylan’s death is a straw in the wind in the depression epidemic. His death is our problem. And it’s a very big one.

Sean Moylan’s death is a straw in the wind in the depression epidemic. His death is our problem. And it’s a very big one.

Depression
Depressed People Are Not Expendable

Jonathan Rottenberg Ph.D. on May 20, 2014

An alarming WHO report reveals that the depression epidemic is already at hand, with deadly results for our children. Why didn't it attract any major media coverage?

An alarming WHO report reveals that the depression epidemic is already at hand, with deadly results for our children. Why didn't it attract any major media coverage?

SSRIs
10 Troubling Facts About Antidepressants

Jonathan Rottenberg Ph.D. on April 20, 2014

10 troubling facts about antidepressants. These suggest that antidepressants can't be our primary response to the depression epidemic.

10 troubling facts about antidepressants. These suggest that antidepressants can't be our primary response to the depression epidemic.

Depression
Fighting Depression Stigma: The Ends Justify the Memes

Jonathan Rottenberg Ph.D. on April 6, 2014

Ironically, a profusion of angry, silly memes is likely to do more for our public conversation about depression than many rounds of sober sloganeering.

Ironically, a profusion of angry, silly memes is likely to do more for our public conversation about depression than many rounds of sober sloganeering.

Depression
Why You Need to Light Up Your Life

Jonathan Rottenberg Ph.D. on March 13, 2014

We are not receiving light at the right time. This has unfortunate consequences for mood.

We are not receiving light at the right time. This has unfortunate consequences for mood.

Depression
The Ten Best Books About Depression

Jonathan Rottenberg Ph.D. on February 28, 2014

I'm often asked to recommend books about depression. Here's my top 10 list.

I'm often asked to recommend books about depression. Here's my top 10 list.

Depression
The Come Out of the Dark Campaign: The Next Phase

Jonathan Rottenberg Ph.D. on December 7, 2013

The next phase of the come out of the dark campaign to increase depression awareness and crush stigma.

The next phase of the come out of the dark campaign to increase depression awareness and crush stigma.

Depression
The Come Out of the Dark Campaign: An Introduction

Jonathan Rottenberg Ph.D. on November 24, 2013

Glow-in-the-dark wristbands printed with the phrase COME OUT OF THE DARK—a rallying cry for people affected by depression.

Glow-in-the-dark wristbands printed with the phrase COME OUT OF THE DARK—a rallying cry for people affected by depression.

Depression
Depression: The Caregiver's Predicament

Jonathan Rottenberg Ph.D. on August 19, 2013

When depression is discussed as a social problem, the focus is naturally on people who suffer its symptoms. The caregiver's predicament goes largely unnoticed. And that needs to change.

When depression is discussed as a social problem, the focus is naturally on people who suffer its symptoms. The caregiver's predicament goes largely unnoticed. And that needs to change.

Depression
Let's Take Back Our National Conversation About Depression

Jonathan Rottenberg Ph.D. on August 12, 2013

A new YouTube channel will feature video posts about the stigma of depression and what you can do to change our national conversation.

A new YouTube channel will feature video posts about the stigma of depression and what you can do to change our national conversation.

Depression
Depression's Bumper Sticker Problem

Jonathan Rottenberg Ph.D. on August 5, 2013

A depression awareness campaign could improve life for millions of people... but several obstacles stand in the way.

A depression awareness campaign could improve life for millions of people... but several obstacles stand in the way.

Depression
Depression: Over-diagnosed?

Jonathan Rottenberg Ph.D. on May 14, 2013

Are Americans over-diagnosed and over-treated for depression as suggested by a new Johns Hopkins study? Let's dig a little deeper.

Are Americans over-diagnosed and over-treated for depression as suggested by a new Johns Hopkins study? Let's dig a little deeper.

Depression
What Is It Like to Be Severely Depressed?

Jonathan Rottenberg Ph.D. on May 9, 2013

We have many fine literary accounts of depression. A good example is Styron's Darkness Visible, which I heartily recommend as nicely conveying depression's foreign awfulness. But, in my view, not half as well as this incredible blog called Hyperbole and a Half.

We have many fine literary accounts of depression. A good example is Styron's Darkness Visible, which I heartily recommend as nicely conveying depression's foreign awfulness. But, in my view, not half as well as this incredible blog called Hyperbole and a Half.