Mental health research

We study mental health in the hope that one day we won’t need May to be Mental Health Awareness month.

Mental health is a vital part of overall health. But traditional mental health care reaches only a fraction of the millions who could benefit. Researchers at Group Health Research Institute (GHRI) are finding practical, patient-centered ways to reach people affected by conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety.

Here are four articles that highlight how we’re working to improve the reach and effectiveness of mental health care through patient-centered health research.

What causes it, who gets it, and what works? Read what our research has found.

How to talk to your doctor about depression

If you’ve been feeling down for at least two weeks, research shows telling your doctor about your symptoms is a smart choice. Depression can affect you in many ways: mentally, emotionally, and physically. To help you feel better, your doctor will work with you to check your current state, finding out if you do, in fact, have depression. Here is how to start that conversation with your doctor, backed by scientific research.

In a funk? Break out with these experiments.

Self-motivation can be a very personal endeavor. If you’re in a funk, try something that worked before — or try something completely new. These research-backed experiments may be just what you need to help you snap out of negative thoughts and habits.

How do you know when you’re depressed?

What’s the difference between feeling down and being depressed? People experience depression in different ways, so how do you know what is really happening? Our research reveals the signs that indicate a state of depression.

Group Health Research Institute is Group Health Cooperative’s research arm. We do practical research that helps you stay healthy.

Also from Group Health Research Institute: