--- title: Mental Health date: 2023-07-24T16:30:00-04:00 canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/topic/mental-health" section: Blog Categories --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [From the Archives of Our Bodies, Our Blog](/blog)# Mental Health [## Science Says Period Brains Aren't A Thing: Women Are Not Surprised](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/science-says-period-brains-arent-a-thing)Read [Finally, a study shows what those of us who menstruate already know: there is no such thing as “period brain.” ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/science-says-period-brains-arent-a-thing) [![Period brain photo](data:image/png;base64,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)Read](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/science-says-period-brains-arent-a-thing) [Finally, a study shows what those of us who menstruate already know: there is no such thing as “period brain.” ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/science-says-period-brains-arent-a-thing) [## Do Hormonal Methods of Birth Control Raise Depression Risk? That's Complicated.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/do-hormonal-methods-of-birth-control-raise-depression-risk-thats-complicated)Read [A new study shows an association between hormonal birth control methods and depression. What does this mean for an individual woman? ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/do-hormonal-methods-of-birth-control-raise-depression-risk-thats-complicated) [![Thepill](data:image/png;base64,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)Read](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/do-hormonal-methods-of-birth-control-raise-depression-risk-thats-complicated) [A new study shows an association between hormonal birth control methods and depression. What does this mean for an individual woman? ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/do-hormonal-methods-of-birth-control-raise-depression-risk-thats-complicated) [## We Need to Talk About the Role of Domestic Violence in Mass Shootings](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/we-need-to-talk-about-the-role-of-domestic-violence-in-mass-shootings)Read [Violence perpetrated by a man against a current or former partner is the too-often ignored alarm bell that alerts us to future violence. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/we-need-to-talk-about-the-role-of-domestic-violence-in-mass-shootings) [![27058014663 d0cb39b533 z](data:image/png;base64,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)Read](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/we-need-to-talk-about-the-role-of-domestic-violence-in-mass-shootings) [Violence perpetrated by a man against a current or former partner is the too-often ignored alarm bell that alerts us to future violence. ](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/we-need-to-talk-about-the-role-of-domestic-violence-in-mass-shootings) [## Why Everyone Should Read This Young Woman's Letter to Her Rapist](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/why-everyone-should-read-this-young-womans-letter-to-her-rapist)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/why-everyone-should-read-this-young-womans-letter-to-her-rapist) [![5807115128 55e55be6a1 z](data:image/png;base64,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)Read](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/why-everyone-should-read-this-young-womans-letter-to-her-rapist) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/why-everyone-should-read-this-young-womans-letter-to-her-rapist) [## National Eating Disorders Awareness Week](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/national-eating-disorders-awareness-week)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/national-eating-disorders-awareness-week) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/national-eating-disorders-awareness-week) [## A Beacon of Light: Katherine Stone](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/a-beacon-of-light-katherine-stone)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/a-beacon-of-light-katherine-stone) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/a-beacon-of-light-katherine-stone) [## Double Dose: Lesbians in the Funny Pages; Future of Reproductive Health and Rights; Certified Organic Male?; You Know the Healthcare System is Broken When ...](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/double-dose-lesbians-in-the-funny-pages-future-of-reproductive-health-and-rights-midwives-in-afghanistan-you-know-the-healthcare-system-is-broken-when)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/double-dose-lesbians-in-the-funny-pages-future-of-reproductive-health-and-rights-midwives-in-afghanistan-you-know-the-healthcare-system-is-broken-when) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/double-dose-lesbians-in-the-funny-pages-future-of-reproductive-health-and-rights-midwives-in-afghanistan-you-know-the-healthcare-system-is-broken-when) [## Challenges Facing Female Veterans](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/challenges-facing-female-veterans)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/challenges-facing-female-veterans) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/challenges-facing-female-veterans) [## What Are You Doing Now That the Election is Over?](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/what-are-you-doing-now-that-the-election-is-over)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/what-are-you-doing-now-that-the-election-is-over) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/what-are-you-doing-now-that-the-election-is-over) [## Double Dose: Sex Trafficking Doesn't Make Discussion Cut; Sarah Palin and the Rape Kits; Congress Approves Mental Health Parity Legislation; Why Don't the Candidates Speak Out on HIV?; A Finanical Incentive to Keep Poor Women from Having Children ...](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/double-dose-sex-trafficking-doesnt-make-discussion-cut-sarah-palin-and-the-rape-kits-congress-approves-mental-health-parity-legislation-why-dont-the-candidates-speak-out-on-hiv-a-finanical-i)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/double-dose-sex-trafficking-doesnt-make-discussion-cut-sarah-palin-and-the-rape-kits-congress-approves-mental-health-parity-legislation-why-dont-the-candidates-speak-out-on-hiv-a-finanical-i) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/double-dose-sex-trafficking-doesnt-make-discussion-cut-sarah-palin-and-the-rape-kits-congress-approves-mental-health-parity-legislation-why-dont-the-candidates-speak-out-on-hiv-a-finanical-i) [## Double Dose: FDA Finds No Risk From BPA; "I Do" For Health Insurance; Female Condoms Needs Funding, Support; APA Report on Abortion and Mental Health; What's in a Midwife's Black Bag? ...](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/double-dose-fda-finds-no-risk-from-bpa-i-do-for-health-insurance-female-condoms-needs-funding-support-apa-report-on-abortion-and-mental-health-whats-in-a-midwifes-black-bag)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/double-dose-fda-finds-no-risk-from-bpa-i-do-for-health-insurance-female-condoms-needs-funding-support-apa-report-on-abortion-and-mental-health-whats-in-a-midwifes-black-bag) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/double-dose-fda-finds-no-risk-from-bpa-i-do-for-health-insurance-female-condoms-needs-funding-support-apa-report-on-abortion-and-mental-health-whats-in-a-midwifes-black-bag) [## Mini-Double Dose: Art, Pain and Illness; Genes and Race Disparity; Through Sickness, Health and Sex Change](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/mini-double-dose-art-pain-and-illness-genes-a)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/mini-double-dose-art-pain-and-illness-genes-a) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/mini-double-dose-art-pain-and-illness-genes-a) [## Double Dose: Illinois Court Rules on Sterilization; Choosy Mothers Choose ... Well, Not This C-Section Story; Fundamentalism Comes Under Public Health Scrutiny; Botox, Body Image and Aging; Coming of Age on Antidepressants; and More](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/double-dose-illinois-court-rules-on-steriliza)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/double-dose-illinois-court-rules-on-steriliza) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/double-dose-illinois-court-rules-on-steriliza) [## Double Dose: Hormone Therapy Affects Mammogram Results; UN Meetings on Status of Women; African Lesbians Demand End to Criminalization of Homosexuality; A Dose of "Slow Medicine"](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/double-dose-hormone-therapy-affects-mammogram)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/double-dose-hormone-therapy-affects-mammogram) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/double-dose-hormone-therapy-affects-mammogram) [## Double Dose: The Big Push for Midwives; Seasonal Affective Disorder; Same-Sex Marriage Ruling; Health Cuts Trigger Crisis in Chicago; HIV Studies Discussed at Boston Conference](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/double-dose-the-big-push-for-midwives-seasona)Read [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/double-dose-the-big-push-for-midwives-seasona) [](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/blog/double-dose-the-big-push-for-midwives-seasona) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)