Dr. Julie Hanks, PhD, LCSW, Social HealthMaker

During the winter months, about 15% of Americans suffer from a mood disorder known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD symptoms are similar to those of depression -- feelings of sadness, low energy, sleep problems, irritability, unexplained weight loss or weight gain, anxiety, social isolation

You may have seen recipes circulating online for homemade baby formula. Don't try them. Making your own baby formula simply isn't safe. I say this out of love and education, but also out of fear. I am a mother of three boys and a pediatrician who has cared for babies for more than 15 years.

Springtime often inspires us to declutter our homes and yards -- and exposes the cobwebs and dust bunnies that have been collecting during the winter months. It’s also a good time to consider cleaning out our mental and emotional spaces: our thoughts and feelings. Just as it feels good to walk

Have you ever said yes when you wanted to say no? Chances are you have – and you’re far from alone. But giving yourself permission to turn down requests you don’t want to do or don’t have time to do can improve your mental health and boost your happiness quotient. Here’

Editor’s note: Sharecare lost a beloved colleague recently in a tragic boating accident just weeks before his wedding. To honor his memory -- and to help our Sharecare family heal -- we spoke with licensed psychotherapist Julie Hanks, PhD, LCSW, for tips on how to cope. Sharecare: Why does the

Have you ever felt like putting off a task until tomorrow? Many of us do – and then we get to the task tomorrow. But for some, “tomorrow” doesn’t come until a few days ... or weeks ... or even months later.   On the other hand, have you ever found yourself not procrastin

Our understanding of mental illness has come a long way in recent years. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 43.7 million Americans age 18 or older (18.6% of the population) currently suffer from a diagnosable form of a mental, emotional or behavioral disorder (excludi

One of the difficulties for individuals and families struggling with depression or other mental illness is that the symptoms are manifest in behaviors, thoughts and emotions: the very information we use to define who we are. Unlike the symptoms of strep throat, which can be diagnosed from a medical.

One of the difficulties for individuals and families struggling with depression or other mental illness is that the symptoms are manifest in behaviors, thoughts and emotions: the very information we use to define who we are. Unlike the symptoms of strep throat, which can be diagnosed from a medical.