depression

Elmo stands in front of a grey staircase, flanked by brown walls, leading up to a set of blue doors. He is hugging an orange dolls close to his chest as he gives the audience a smile; the special kind, which is warm, and reassuring and promises you that everything will turn out all right in the end.

Elmo and Steve: “How Are You Doing?” Causes A Movement

Sarah Erin, Brooklyn College

From Sesame Street to Blue’s House, shedding light on the realities of mental health has taken center stage.…

February 23, 2024

Against a static black background, a girl sits on her bed in the dark with the only light being the shining screen of her iphone.

A Growing Depression: Gen Z, u ok?

Natalie VanHecke, University of Texas at Dallas

Examining the Double-Edged Sword of Social Media in Relation to the Rise in Mental Illness Among Generation Z.…

December 18, 2023

Against a dark blue sky background, an outline of a woman in blue and red colors sits with her knees to her chest as pills are see in her body.

Sleeping Through Days: Moshfegh’s Idea

Emma Troise, Manhattan College

A Book Review on “My Year Of Rest and Relaxation” and the Novel’s Lasting Effect.…

November 16, 2023

In an article about the film Aftersun, an image of the two main characters, a father and daughter, embracing.

‘Aftersun’ Is a Father-Daughter Film for the Contemporary Age

Elizabeth Fulton, Emory University

This tragically beautiful film provides a fresh perspective on parent-child relationships.…

March 18, 2023

Illustration of someone doomscrolling on their phone.

Doomscrolling Is Destroying Your Mental Health

Kane Howard, York College

As it turns out, mindlessly scrolling through bad news over and over again can cause some serious health issues.…

February 22, 2023

A drawing meant to represent loneliness shows a person painted in blue with smaller people standing around by themselves.

Loneliness Is the New Epidemic

Azeezah Ibraheem, Near East University

We're feeling more alone than ever. Social media and COVID-19 may be to blame.…

November 8, 2022

in an article about weed-out classes, an overhead shot of a backpack, a laptop, and an open notebook detailing the amount of work a college student has to worry about

Weed-Out Classes Are Cruel and Self-Defeating

Evan Tsuei, Westmont College

The firing of an NYU professor highlights key problems stifling the success and well-being of students across the country.…

October 26, 2022

A drawing of blonde shows Marilyn Monroe staring sadly into the camera

Netflix’s ‘Blonde’ Cynically Dehumanizes Its Iconic Subject

Jacob Puestow, University of Wisconsin, Green Bay

The popular streaming platform's new film caused a lot of outrage over its depictions of Marilyn Monroe.…

October 14, 2022

in article about the british royal family, a photo of buckingham palace

The Royal Family’s Mental Health Is as Important as It Is Invisible

Caroline Ocampo, The University of Texas at Arlington

While the news and social media highlight the glitz and glamour of the English monarchy, most cameras fail to capture their personal struggles.…

October 8, 2022

In an article about high-functioning depression, a person in bed

High-Functioning Depression: A Dismissed Mental Illness

Nora Weiss, George Washington University

Despite its name, the disorder is associated with significant functional impairments. Yet, these challenges are often overlooked or misattributed, leaving the illness undetected.…

August 23, 2022

Hormonal Birth Control Includes Some Lesser-Known Effects

Nora Weiss, George Washington University

Though the contraceptive is one of the most common prescription medications, relatively little is known about its effects on women’s behavior, emotional regulation and cognitive abilities.…

August 9, 2022

Em Beihold in 'Numb Little Bug' music video

‘Numb Little Bug’ Describes the Day-to-Day Effects of Depression

Tori Rose, Spartanburg Methodist College

Em Beihold's debut single is more than just a fun song — underlying the catchy beat is a serious message concerning mental health and seeking help…

June 30, 2022

healthline image of a person of color immigrant being consolidated

Living With Depression as an Immigrant

Amandine Shadia, The University of Arizona Global Campus

When it comes to mental health, parents from other countries can often be dismissive of their child's needs due to cultural taboos.…

March 14, 2022

Screenshot of characters on Yellowjackets

Season 1 of ‘Yellowjackets’ Thrives Because of Its Fascinating and Twisted Characters

Tori Walz, Eastern Michigan University

This psychological drama will leave you begging for answers to further understand the show's haunted protagonists.…

February 9, 2022

A purple float tank for an article about sensory deprivation.

Float Tanks and the Benefits of Sensory Deprivation

Tiffany Singh, University of Central Florida

Though it may sound intimidating, eliminating your external stimuli can be relaxing and might even reduce your chronic pain.…

November 19, 2021

A person floats in a pool with cucumber peels over their eyes for an article about self-care.

The 3 Best Self-Care Rituals for Stressed College Students

Daniela Saffran, Rollins College

Approaching midterms means a sudden onslaught of new worries. Here are three activities that you can do to relieve stress and possibly even combat anxiety and depression.…

October 16, 2021

A still from the controversial Dear Evan Hansen

‘Dear Evan Hansen’ and Its Problematic Anti-Hero of a Protagonist

Mai Senser, Virginia Commonwealth University

In a film that chooses to make a manipulative and, at times even creepy, character its hero, Ben Platt’s age is the last thing you need to worry about.…

October 8, 2021

To depict the pervasive dangers of the ideal of the tortured artist, an aestheticized sorrowful, muted blue-toned illustration shows a portrait of Sylvia Plath, who died by suicide, in a frame placed next to flowers and manuscripts.

The Tortured Artist Is a Dangerous and Damaging Stereotype

Kelsi Karpinski, Michigan State University

Society tells us that the most beautiful art is born out of suffering — a potentially life-threatening lie.…

August 28, 2021

‘How It Feels to Float’ Is the Young Adult Novel That Teens Need Right Now

Jayni Nielsen, Pace University

Helena Fox's debut tackles tough topics such as grief and mental health with immense grace and empathy.…

July 20, 2021

4 Films and TV Shows That Represent the Therapy Process Respectfully

Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

A lot of media portrays mental health struggles, but not enough depict the process of getting better. Here are some that get it right. …

January 22, 2021

Navigating Grief During a Pandemic, Even If It’s Not From COVID-19

Summer Brotman, University of California, Los Angeles

The isolation of life in the time of COVID-19 makes grief harder to cope with, but healing is still possible.…

January 4, 2021

A Guide To Understanding Major Depression

Nnekakwo Adibe, Lesley University

If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, don't hesitate to reach out for help. You deserve life.…

December 22, 2020

An illustration of a glove balloon from SpongeBob, for an article about the episode 'Rock Bottom.'

SpongeBob’s ‘Rock Bottom’ Depicts Symptoms of Depression

Brady Fitzgerald, Immaculata University

Even after 20 years, this episode portrays a unique take on mental illness that is hard to see at first glance.…

December 18, 2020

‘Guts’ Gives a Much-Needed Portrayal of Anxiety and Chronic Illness

Anna Barnard, St. Olaf College

The graphic novel by Raina Telgemeier captures the struggle of being diagnosed — and living with — a chronic illness.…

July 8, 2020

How Magic Mushrooms Went From Sacred Item to Stigmatized Substance

Janani Mangai Srinivasan, Wake Forest University

The fungi's had a long journey from being a part of religious ceremonies to something to take while watching trippy movies in your dorm room.…

May 8, 2020

The Harry Potter series (pictured above) helped shape and improve the mental health of the author in her younger years.

How Harry Potter Shaped My Mental Health Growing Up

Rose Younglove, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

You already have all the magic you need inside.…

April 27, 2020

A scene from Spring Awakening, one of several musicals with an important message

Here Are 5 Broadway Musicals With Meaningful Messages

Lauren Buchko, Michigan State University

Musical theater isn't just catchy songs and flashy dance numbers. Many shows have poignant messages about mental health, suicide, LGBTQ+ issues and more.…

April 20, 2020