For years, there’s been concern that taking beta-blockers—like metoprolol, propranolol, or atenolol—could increase the risk of depression. These medications are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, migraines, and anxiety. Because some beta-blockers affect the brain as well as the heart, people have worried that they might also affect mood. But is that […]
Author: Nancy Schimelpfening, M.S.
Nancy Schimelpfening is the founder of Depression Sanctuary. Unless otherwise stated, all of the content on Depression Sanctuary is written by and maintained by Nancy. Nancy has a master’s degree in community health education from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. She was the About.com (now Verywell.com) expert on depression from 1998-2016. She has also written for other online publications, including Healthline, Healthgrades Professional, Health Digest, and MindBodyGreen.
Tristin Murphy Act passes in Florida, reforming mental illness treatment in prisons
On June 25, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Tristin Murphy Act into law, marking a significant shift in Florida’s approach to handling individuals with mental illnesses within the criminal justice system. The legislation, named after Tristin Murphy—a 37-year-old man with schizophrenia who tragically took his own life in a Florida prison in 2021—aims to […]
Chronic inflammation and depression linked in groundbreaking research
A recent large-scale study conducted by researchers at the University of Edinburgh sheds light on the link between chronic inflammation and depression, as well as other affective disorders such as bipolar disorder and anxiety. Analyzing data from more than 1.5 million adults in the UK, the study, which was published on June 24, 2025, in […]
Am I depressed or just tired? The clues
Are you feeling down and exhausted lately? It’s not uncommon to feel low or fatigued, but it can be difficult to determine whether you’re simply tired or if there’s something more serious going on like being depressed. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between depression and fatigue, and provide some tips on how to […]
Best Exercise for Depression? Try This!
Before diving into an exercise program, you will probably want to know what is the best exercise for depression. After all, you don’t want to waste your time with something that isn’t likely to help you feel better. Surprisingly, it’s not as complicated as you may think to know where to begin. First, let’s take […]
Britney Spears Details Her Struggles With Depression
When Britney Spears went before a judge via a phone call on June 24, 2021 to plead for the removal of her thirteen-year-long conservatorship, the public saw for the first time just how much she has endured during that time. In a 24-minute statement, she spoke to a Los Angeles probate judge about how she […]
People With Multiple Diagnoses More Likely to Stop ADHD Treatment
People with additional diagnoses were more likely to stop their ADHD medications than those with only an ADHD diagnosis. Researchers say this may be because of the side effects associated with stimulant medications. Genetic risk for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder were also linked to an increased risk of quitting medication. Learning why people quit may […]
Depression Risk Triples When Worker Mental Health Is Not Supported
Australian researchers have found that when organizations don’t take care of worker mental health, those employees are three times as likely to become depressed. Long working hours may also increase their risk for major depression. In addition, high worker engagement may lead to longer working hours and the subsequent development of depression. How work climate […]
Which Antidepressants Contain Gluten?
If you have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity you probably already know how tricky it is to determine whether medications like antidepressants contain gluten. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does regulate food and drink labelling, there is currently no similar regulation for over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Legislation has been proposed that […]
Sugar and Depression: Dietary Changes May Help Mood
Did you know that there is a link between sugar and depression? And that dropping your habit of drinking sugary, caffeinated beverages like Coke and Pepsi could help improve your mood? Researchers have also found that people with depression tend to consume more sugar the general population. One possible reason for the sugar and depression […]
