Depression

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Overcoming loneliness in today's age

Dr. Paul | May 22, 2019 |

Despite the rapid growth of social media, a recent survey of 20,000 American adults found that nearly half reported feeling sometimes or always lonely. It’s a paradox. On the one hand, some adults have acquired hundreds of Facebook and Instagram friends and follow their every move. Some folks are receiving and sending texts to family and friends by the bucketload. But on the other hand, these same adults feel lonely. It doesn't make sense. Or does it?

Humans are pack animals, like our close friends, canines. We want to be part of a pack (family), have connections with others, and... Read More

Are you feeling foggy?

Dr. Paul | October 24, 2018 |

It’s time. Turn on the lights.

The days are getting shorter and as of the end of October, we have about 10 and a quarter hours of daylight. At the winter solstice, we only see the sun for about 8 and a half hours! It gets pretty dark around here. And that doesn't figure in that Seattle is the top city in America with the most number of cloudy days—226 to be exact.

I moved to the Northwest 26 years ago in July. I fell in love with the long, sunny days of summer. The western sky was still glowing at 10 pm! But when autumn arrived, I noticed right away that the sunset a lot... Read More

The Pain of Suicide

Dr. Paul | June 13, 2018 |

With the recent suicides of two celebrities, Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, both of whom were at the peak of their fame, once again we find ourselves trying to understand one of the most mysterious causes of death—suicide. Just last month, the Center for Disease Control issued their report on the dramatic increase in suicide, particularly in middle aged white males and in females.

It’s difficult to make sense of two disparate statistics—the significant increased use of anti-depressants among teens and adults and a rising rate of suicide. According to the American Psychiatric... Read More

New research on psychedelic drugs

Dr. Paul | May 29, 2018 |

I am fascinated by the resurgence of interest and research in psychedelic drugs for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and addiction. Michael Polan, the author of the “Omnivore’s Dilemma” has recently published a book on this research titled “How to change your mind”.

A tsunami of depression and anxiety

Dr. Paul | April 18, 2018 |

In the last year, many of my medical colleagues have asked me— “Do you think that there is an increase in depression and anxiety”? I hadn’t thought much about it, but in the first three months of this year, our Behavioral Health department at The Everett Clinic was hit by a tsunami wave of adults and children coming in with these conditions. In January through March alone, we saw over 1500 new patients asking for help. This is unprecedented in the 25 years I have run our department. What’s going on?

With regard to depression, a 2017 study of over 600,000 individuals found... Read More

Parents of lost teenagers, don't give up hope

Dr. Paul | January 31, 2018 |

Frustrated adolscent boy holding head in hands.

Several years ago, Joe’s 18-year-old son, Bill, left home without a word. His early adolescence was marked by chronic lying to his parents, drug use, school failure, and defiance. Joe and his wife tried to re-engage with their son. But all they heard from him was tall stories and promises that were never kept. After several years of this same story, they were discouraged, hopeless, and heartbroken. They feared that Bill would never find his way back to his family. They worried that he wouldn’t find his way into a responsible, successful adulthood.

As a psychologist, I see these... Read More

Recipe for life: Gratitude, resilience, and community

Dr. Paul | September 27, 2017 |

Lately, it’s hard to pick up a newspaper. Hurricanes, one after another, have pounded the Caribbean, Florida, and Texas. Mexico has been beset with earthquakes—hundreds have died. It seems like the earth has been in a state of crisis, taking out its fury on innocent men, women, and children.

It’s easy to experience compassion fatigue. As soon as the new hurricane hit, we didn’t hear much about Houston anymore. But trust me, there are still thousands of people in Texas up to their eyebrows in water logged furniture, walls, and belongings.

What can we learn from these natural... Read More

Coping with loss during the holiday

Dr. Paul | December 14, 2016 | 3 comments

Like many others, my holidays are tinged with sad memories. When I was 13, my beloved grandmother who lived with us, died suddenly of a heart attack two weeks before my birthday, which happens to fall on December 26th. That year, both my birthday, and the holiday was touched with sadness and loss. When I was 28, my brother was killed by a drunk driver. The last time I saw him was over the Christmas holiday. Just three years ago, my mother had a heart attack during our yearly holiday gathering that brought her to the end of her life two months later.

These personal losses are not so... Read More

Fall & Winter Blues

Dr. Paul | November 09, 2016 | 1 comment

Finally!—it is lighter in the morning, but unfortunately, darker in the afternoon. No one needs a reminder that we have entered into that dark (and wet) time of year.

More than twenty years ago, my family and I moved to the Northwest. We arrived on a cold, gray day in July! Welcome to Washington. Back in Massachusetts, it was 85 degrees and sunny! But I loved the long days here—with the western sky lit until 10 p.m. (when the sun finally did come out!). At first, it was hard for my young kids to get to bed on time because it was still light outside.

But as autumn set in and... Read More

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