Tag Archives: Dr. Leesha Ellis-Cox

My 3 New Year Wishes for All Moms

0 comments Faith, Healthy Living, Mental Health, Parenting , , , , , ,

A new year often ignites a desire for change, a fresh approach. For the last several years, I have had the same goals – to get my “fine on,” incorporate more healthy parenting strategies, and to improve my financial position. And, every year I start off strong and then fizzle out by the spring. This year I still have those same goals, and I will continue to plow and toil to meet those goals; but, I also wanted to share my wishes for this new year in 2018 for all the moms.

Read More

Mommy Down: 5 Facts About Postpartum Depression (PPD)

0 comments Mental Health, Women's Mental Healthl , , , ,

Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a serious medical condition that affects women after childbirth. According to the Centers for Disease Control, PPD affects 1 in 9 women in the United States and can last up to a year after a woman gives birth. Sadly, up to 50% of women with PPD go undiagnosed, sometimes with devastating consequences like maternal suicide. Postpartum Depression disrupts a mother’s ability to take care of herself, her new baby, and her family.

Read More

6 Mental Health Benefits of Exercise

0 comments Healthy Living, Mental Health , , , , , ,

1) Raise endorphin levels Endorphins are brain chemicals that create feelings of euphoria. Exercise releases endorphins as well as sex, certain foods (chocolate, chili peppers), stress, and pain. 2) Decrease stress and anxiety Exercise triggers the release of endorphins which generate happy feelings. Physical activity also increases norepinephrine, a stress hormone that strengthens the mind and body’s response to stress. 3) Improve memory and cognition Exercise raises levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein involved in learning and memory. Exercise also increases the production of new nerve cells (neurogenesis) in the hippocampus, a part of the brain involved in forming […]

Read More

Depression in the Eyes of Our Youth

0 comments Children's Mental Health, Mental Health, Parenting , , , , , , , , ,

As a board certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, I treat youth with depression almost every day.  Major Depressive Disorder, the medical term for clinical depression, is a debilitating illness that affects 12.5% of US youth aged 12 to 17 according to the National Institute of Mental Health. This means that, in 2015, 3 million teens had experienced at least one major depressive episode. The signs and symptoms of depression include sad mood and/or irritability crying spells too much or too little sleep weight loss or weight gain secondary to changes in appetite worthless and hopeless feelings fatigue difficulty concentrating thoughts of […]

Read More