Health Highlights: Oct. 10, 2008

"I wouldn't be surprised if we see a rise in the number of people going to their doctor because of mental health problems in the coming months," said Paul Corry, Rethink's director of public affairs.

"Even for people lucky enough to hang on to their home, the stress and worry of arrears building up can be enough to harm your mental health -- this survey shows it worries millions of us," Corry toldBBC News.

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Dalai Lama Recovering After Gallstone Surgery

Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, is recovering well after surgery Friday to remove gallstones. The operation was performed at a hospital in New Delhi, India.

The Dalai Lama, 73, is expected to remain in the hospital for a few days and will likely be back at work by the end of October, his spokesman said Friday,CBC Newsreported.

In August, the Dalai Lama was admitted to a hospital in Mumbai, India, for four days and underwent tests for abdominal discomfort. Doctors said he was suffering from exhaustion and advised him to rest.

Just a few days ago, doctors told the Dalai Lama he was fit to resume his world travels. But he was hospitalized Thursday after a new bout of abdominal pain,CBC Newsreported.

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St. John's Wort May Help Treat Depression: Study

The herbal medicine St. John's wort could be a suitable alternative to drugs for treating depression, suggests a German study that included nearly 5,500 people suffering from mild to severe depression.

The researchers compared the effectiveness of St. John's wort, a placebo, and a number of antidepressants,BBC Newsreported.