Wintertime is a time of gift-giving and festive holidays, when joy is supposed to ring through the air like the jingles of Salvation Army bell ringers. So why do you feel so sad?

Depression is sometimes thought of as an adult disorder, perhaps something that strikes as the challenging realities of adult life come into play. However, this way of thinking about depression is inaccurate and outdated.

The small amount of evidence available about medications and pregnancy makes it tough for women to make informed decisions. Fortunately, researchers are learning more all the time.

Depression is a common problem, and based on recent research, shows no signs for becoming less common. Because of this, many people have either suffered from depression themselves, or know someone close to them who have dealt with the disorder.

Most people occasionally get a little obsessive about double-checking - how many times do you check for your ticket on the way to the airport? However, when this behavior goes from occasional and preventative to extreme and disruptive, it could be obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

It's Friday the 13th ! Do you avoid ladders and black cats with a smirk and a wink? Or do you cower at home, truly worried about what might transpire on this superstitiously unlucky day?

To outsiders depression can be difficult to understand. It's more than just sadness or a bad day, it's a medical illness that can affect personal relationships, work and even interests.