Raising awareness on Veteran’s Day

Right now, there are almost 22 million American veterans living in the United States, and every one of them has a story to tell. So today, we’re honoring their service by raising awareness for life after the military. Like many others who are living with chronic conditions, the injuries our military men and women sustain… Continue reading Raising awareness on Veteran’s Day

Depression Awareness Month- What does it feel like?

Here at PatientsLikeMe, there are thousands of people sharing their experiences with more than a dozen mental health conditions, including 15,000 patients who report major depressive disorder and 1,700 patients who report postpartum depression. What do they have to say? This word cloud has some of the most commonly used phrases on our mental health forum. It gives you a feel of the many… Continue reading Depression Awareness Month- What does it feel like?

It’s time to recognize mental illness in October

Think about this for a second; according to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) 1 in 4 people, or 25% of American adults, will be diagnosed with a mental illness this year. On top of that, 20 percent of American children (1 in 5) will also be diagnosed. And so for 7 days, October… Continue reading It’s time to recognize mental illness in October

It’s time to recognize National Anxiety and Depression Week

We already posted about raising awareness for mental health, and now we’re recognizing National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week (May 5-10). Since 1994, the week has been organized by Freedom from Fear, a national non-profit focused on raising awareness for depression and anxiety. If you haven’t heard much about these two conditions, here are some… Continue reading It’s time to recognize National Anxiety and Depression Week

“Mind your health” – Recognizing mental health in May

This May marks the 65th anniversary of Mental Health Month, which has been observed by Mental Health America (MHA) since 1949. The MHA’s 2014 monthly theme is “Mind your health,” and it’s all about building public awareness for mental health and wellness while learning about the complex connections between the mind and the body. According… Continue reading “Mind your health” – Recognizing mental health in May

National Depression Screening Day and National Bipolar Awareness Day

As part of Mental Illness Awareness Week, today is both National Depression Screening Day and National Bipolar Awareness Day. It’s all part of a larger effort to raise awareness about the mental conditions that affect the lives of millions of people around the world. So what are the stats on depression?[1] Depression affects as many… Continue reading National Depression Screening Day and National Bipolar Awareness Day

Finding Peace, Confidence and Lifelong Friends: An Interview with Psoriasis Patient Erica

Of all the psoriasis patients we’ve interviewed, Erica was hit by this highly stigmatized autoimmune condition the earliest – she developed visible symptoms at the tender age of 9.  Now 21, she shares her decade-plus journey from being the girl that people avoided in school to an increasingly confident young woman who has finally started… Continue reading Finding Peace, Confidence and Lifelong Friends: An Interview with Psoriasis Patient Erica

Psoriasis and Bullying

Teasing.Physical violence.Staring.Social isolation.Name-calling. Many of our members with psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition that can produce red, scaly patches and other skin symptoms, report experiencing various forms of bullying while growing up.  One relays the story of a teacher who repeatedly sent her to the nurse’s office, assuming that she had a contagious condition.  Another… Continue reading Psoriasis and Bullying

Psoriasis, Adherence and More: An Interview with Dermatologist Dr. Steve Feldman

Dr. Steve Feldman, MD, PhD, is Professor of Dermatology, Pathology & Public Health Sciences at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. The author of more than 500 peer-reviewed medical articles, Dr. Feldman is well-known for his research studies focused on patients’ adherence to topical treatments as well as for founding www.DrScore.com, an online doctor… Continue reading Psoriasis, Adherence and More: An Interview with Dermatologist Dr. Steve Feldman

Honoring Family Caregivers Everywhere

Is there a caregiver in your family?  For example, someone who looks out for an elderly parent or grandparent – or who cares for a child or spouse with a debilitating illness? November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time for recognizing the important role of family caregivers in our society as well as the… Continue reading Honoring Family Caregivers Everywhere