Personality/Anxiety/Mood Disorders


Feature Writer: Barbara Melville
Babs, Barbara Melville

Disorders of anxiety, mood and personality affect millions of people worldwide. Whether you’re a sufferer, a carer or a health professional, this section aims to furnish you with the information you need, whether it be support for depression, the causes of panic disorder or the latest in the antidepressant debate.

You can post your views by commenting on individual articles.

Personality/Anxiety/Mood Disorders, Orlando Florin Rosu
feature articles
Barbara Melville

Introduction to Emetophobia

In: Phobias/Anxiety

This snapshot of emetophobia looks at the prevalence, causes and behaviors associated with the extreme fear of being sick. more...

Propranolol for PTSD

In: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Could taking propranolol after a frightening or shocking event help prevent PTSD? This article introduces the idea of "therapeutic forgetting". more...

First Aid for Panic Attacks

In: Panic Disorder

This article provides some quick tips for sufferers of panic attacks, including advice that can be put into practice right away. more...

Overcoming Fear of Flying

In: Phobias/Anxiety

Gaining an education in aviation may be an important stepping stone in tackling aerophobia, the irrational fear of air travel. more...

Dark Therapy for Bipolar Disorder

In: Bipolar Disorder

Circadian rhythms may play an important role in sufferers of rapid-cycling bipolar disorder - could darkness be the answer in tackling manic episodes? more...

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Barbara Melville

May 7, 2008

Better Sleep Month

Better Sleep Month offers an opportunity to become more informed about the impact of sleep on our health.


The National Association for Mental Health and the Better Sleep Council recognize May as Better Mental Health month and Better Sleep Month. This got me thinking (and reading) a lot about the relationship between sleep problems and mental health. The link appears to be strong, if not fully understood. It’s my hope that future research will bring some clarity to this area.

Sleeping difficulties may be a symptom of depression, or perhaps even a cause or trigger. I recently read a study on bipolar disorder that showed how sleep disturbances may indicate imminent mood changes. When recognized, such signs may be used to manage or even prevent these episodes. Unfortunately, it’s quite easy to take sleep for granted. It is likely that many of us don’t really think about our sleep until it becomes problematic.

Fortunately, the occasional bad night isn’t out of the ordinary, and unlikely to do any harm. Lasting sleep problems, however, can be pervasive and may pose health risks. It is therefore wise to get sleep problems checked out by a qualified physician.

Making sleep a health priority is a good step in managing or preventing sleep problems. We can look at our lifestyle, our sleep environment and the issues affecting us. These areas may be key in dealing with (and preventing) sleep problems. The Better Sleep Council offer a wealth of information on how to sleep better, including advice on sleep hygiene, tips on what to avoid and how to choose a mattress.
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