News 2024

During the Holiday season, many individuals struggle to find sufficient alone time, despite its significance for mental health. A recent survey revealed that 56% of Americans emphasize the need for solitude, yet 46% feel they experience less of it during this period.  Psychologist Sophie Lazarus highlights the mental and physical benefits of taking time for… Read More

The increasing recreational use of psilocybin, commonly found in magic mushrooms, has alarmed experts who warn of significant mental health risks, including anxiety, trauma, and hallucinations. While clinical trials show promising therapeutics benefits, recreational use in unregulated environments can lead to severe psychological effects.  Specialized clinics in Europe and the UK are emerging to address… Read More

The vagus nerve, a “wandering” network linking organs and brain, regulates vital functions like heart rate, immunity, and digestion. Innovative treatments using vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) often help  epilepsy, depression, and inflammatory conditions.  Stimulating the nerve improves mood and neural health, increasing neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. While recovery trial findings were mixed, VNS research… Read More

A new study finds that older adults in LAT (living apart together) relationships enjoy mental health benefits akin to marriage, minus the challenges of cohabitation. LAT fosters gender-equal dynamics, allowing seniors to balance family commitments with intimate partnerships. Unlike younger LAT couples, older adults often view this lifestyle as permanent. “While the study found marriage… Read More

Chain messages have evolved from email to social media, exploiting insecurities and preying on mental health vulnerabilities, especially OCD. The platform Tiktok’s algorithm intensifies exposure, fueling engagement and anxiety. Experts stress the need for resistance and professional help for affected individuals. “If someone has severe reactions and feels out of control, speaking to an OCD… Read More

Climate change poses significant risks to mental health, exacerbating existing conditions and increasing vulnerability among affected populations. The 28th UN Climate Conference marks a turning point in mental health awareness by including mental health in discussions and adopting the Climate and Health Declaration. By recognizing the intersections between climate action and mental wellbeing, policies can… Read More

In a recent campaign video, Donald Trump promised a tough law-and-order approach to combat homelessness, mental illness, and substance use, including plans to ban urban campaigns and place individuals in government-run tent cities or mental institutions. Experts, however, warn that such measures have failed before and could worsen conditions.  Legal challenges and limited federal authority… Read More

Research published in October 2024 highlights the negative impact of screen time on children’s mental health, finding a strong correlation between prolonged use and increased rates of anxiety and depression. The study followed nearly 10,000 children and revealed that screen engagement may displace physical activities and face-to-face interactions crucial for emotional resilience.  As teenagers navigate… Read More

The Cape Town International Kite Festival in South Africa marked its 30th year with vibrant displays and a message of mental health awareness. Enthusiasts of all ages participated, from skilled professionals to children delighting in the beachside festivities. “No matter how fragile the string seems, a person can use it to hold a kite as… Read More

According to new findings, Texas has been identified as the worst state for mental health care, marked by a high percentage of uninsured individuals and insufficient treatment facilities. In contrast, Vermont leads as the best state for mental health services.  The report underscores how geographical location influences access to mental health care and encourages individuals… Read More

In response to enduring misconceptions about psychiatry, Dr. Lade Smith stresses the importance of a holistic, biopsychosocial approach in addressing mental health issues. By combining therapy, medication, and social interventions, psychiatrists provide personalized care. She urges greater collaboration among mental health professionals to address rising patient needs.

Memoirs can offer deep insight into navigating mental health struggles and personal crises. This article presents seven memoirs suggested by mental health professionals, each exploring themes of resilience, emotional recovery, and the complexities of life’s hardships.

A growing number of musicians, including Billie Elish, Demi Lovato, and Lewis Capaldi, are openly discussing their mental health struggles, helping fans connect and feel supported. Artists like Ileo and Athenea Aperta are using their platforms to share their personal battles, inspiring others to speak up and seek help in industry rife with substance abuse…. Read More

Jackie Reyes-Yanes, now director of D.C.’s Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs, arrived in D.C. from El Salvador in 1990. Starting as a school advocate, she became a key liaison for the Latino community, especially during the pandemic. Reyes-Yanes works to integrate newcomers and address issues like housing, immigration, and employment, highlighting the Latino community’s importance… Read More

The Biden administration is set to enforce stricter rules for health insurers, mandating parity in coverage between mental health care and other medical services. The updated regulations, which respond to a lack of compliance with a 2008 law, could result in fines for violators and may face industry pushback.  Despite potential legal challenges, the administration… Read More

A new study by Australia’s Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, involving over 5,000 Australian students has found that 20% of students aged 12-14 exhibited moderate to severe depression, with those experiencing higher stress levels more likely to vape. The research highlights the importance of addressing these issues together, despite the… Read More

COVID-19 cases are surging across the United States, with 25 states seeing significant increases in infections. New research highlights the long-term mental health risks associated with COVID-19 such as depression and changes in brain structure. Vaccination remains a key strategy in mitigating this risk, with new vaccines soon available for the latest variants.  Additionally, Medicare… Read More

In this episode of The Excerpt, Sonya Massey’s fatal encounter with law enforcement is examined, with a focus on mental health challenges. The podcast also touches on Trump’s campaign strategies and the end of the Paris Summer Olympics, highlighting key developments in these areas.

Dr. Kaaren Mathias led an international study exploring community mental health resources in Ghana, India, Occupied Palestine, and South Africa, highlighting the value of local support systems where Western medical resources are scarce.  Published in PLOS (Public Library of Science) Global Public Health, the study challenges the deficit model of public health, which often undervalues… Read More

After Simone Biles withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics, Olympian mental health has been in the spotlight. Conversations regarding the mental health impact of elite sports have evolved, with former Seattle-area Olympians noting significant cultural changes since their competition days.  Mental health resources have improved, and athletes increasingly work with sports psychologists. Managing mental health is… Read More

This year’s BroadwayCon aims to address mental health issues faced by performers, such as the stress of demanding roles and staying sober. Highlighted events include a session on body image by former dancer Kimberly Hershenson and a panel on sobriety featuring playwright Sean Daniels. Broadway stars Hannah Cruz and others will share insights on emotional… Read More

Medicare is set to introduce new payment codes for digital mental health therapystarting in 2025. The proposal by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services aims to address the lack of consistent payment pathways for digital therapeutics. While this move could enhance the adoption of these technologies, it will initially apply to FDA-approved products.  The… Read More

The latest episode of 60 Minutes highlights how companies are using AI to enhance mental health care. With advanced algorithms, AI offers tailored interventions, potentially offering millions access and benefit from mental health services. These innovations aim to provide effective, scalable support, marking a significant advancement in mental health care accessibility. With AI, bridging gaps… Read More

Amid declining viewership, the Tokyo Games highlight a global fascination with athletic prowess. Beyond mere competition, Olympians demonstrate a profound ability to confront emotional challenges, offering lessons in distress tolerance crucial for mental health. From the ’96 Atlanta bombing to personal tragedies, Olympians exemplify distress tolerance, key to navigating today’s loneliness epidemic and online challenges…. Read More

Providing emotional support to those dealing with mental health issues is vital. Arouba Kabir, founder of Enso Wellness, emphasizes the importance of active listening, validating emotions, and avoiding unsolicited advice. She also recommends encouraging professional help, showing patience, offering practical daily support, regular check-in, and respecting personal boundaries. These strategies help create a supportive environment,… Read More

Dr. Vivek Murthy, the Surgeon General, is urging Congress to place warning labels on social media apps, likening their mental health risks to those of cigarettes and alcohol. Highlighting research that links social media use to higher rates of depression in teens. Murthy emphasizes the urgent need for parental awareness and legislative action. While acknowledging… Read More

A recent psych dermatology survey by Clinique, “Skin is the Window to the Mind,” highlights the strong connection between skin health and emotional wellbeing. Dr. Mamina Tuergano, a dermatologist and Clinique partner, explains that stress can exacerbate inflammatory skin conditions, which in turn affect self-confidence and mood. For example, hydration and the sensory experience of… Read More

A decade later, these friends are featured in a new documentary series, “Inspiration by the Mile”, produced by LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s SpringHill Company. The series follows their preparation for the Boston Marathon and explores their experiences with mental health and suicide among Black men. The documentary highlights the challenges Black men face regarding… Read More

LGBTQ+ advocates in Peru protested in Lima after the Health Ministry issued a new law categorizing transgender people as having “mental health problems”. This decree, signed by President Dina Boluarte and published on May 10, updated the insurable mental health conditions list to include “transsexualism”, “gender identity disorders”, and “cross-dressing”. Over 60 national LGBTQ organizations… Read More

Nearly half of Americans report that financial issues are impacting their mental health, with 47% experiencing anxiety, stress, or depression due to money concerns, according to Bankrate’s Money and Mental Health survey. Inflation and rising prices are the top worries for 65% of respondents, while 60% stress everyday expenses like groceries and utilities. The stress… Read More

This article explores the role of technology in addressing challenges within mental health care, particularly in the U.S., where there is limited access to professionals. It highlights the use of AI-powered apps that analyze data from devices like smartphones and smartwatches to detect signs of mental health issues such as depression. A key provided is… Read More

In the U.S., healthcare providers can now prescribe arts-related activities as a form of treatment for anxiety and depression, a practice known as “arts on prescription”. This innovative approach includes free tickets and transportation to cultural events or classes, aiming to leverage the therapeutic benefits of engaging with the arts. Studies indicate that such engagement… Read More

Experts from the Forbes Nonprofit council have identified 14 key factors that are essential for setting realistic fundraising goals to ensure the sustainability of nonprofit organizations. These include involving board members in fundraising efforts, aligning these efforts with strategic priorities, recognizing the impact of donor retention rates, and considering the costs associated with fundraising activities…. Read More

While cities have long been idealized in culture as centers of dreams and innovations, recent research indicated that urban living may have significant drawbacks from emotional wellbeing. Over half of the global population lives in cities, a number expected to increase to 70% by 2050. The study calls for a reevaluation of urban planning to… Read More

A recent healthcare conference sparked a conversation with a chemist about the intricate processes shaping today’s food industry. We delved into the pervasive presence of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), as highlighted by a recent British Medical Journal article. These heavily altered products, laden with additives, pose significant health risks, including cardiovascular disease and mental health disorders…. Read More

A Standford medicine pilot study suggests that incorporating a ketogenic diet alongside standard treatment may significantly benefit patients with severe mental illnesses, both in terms of metabolic health and psychiatric symptoms. The ketogenic diet known for its high fat, low carbohydrate, and moderate protein composition, has previously demonstrated effectiveness in managing conditions such as diabetes,… Read More

The alarming rise in mental health distress among young Americans is drawing significant concern, as reported in a series of studies highlighting the sharp increase in depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders since the COVID-19 onset. Social issues like gun violence in schools, climate change concerns, and political corruption further affect young American’s mental… Read More

This news points to the impact of Smartphones on Generation Z’s mental health, describing it as a crisis. It highlights how the constant connectivity and engagement with social media platforms have reshaped adolescent’s lives, leading to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and self-harm. While some skeptics attribute these changes to other factors, the article emphasizes… Read More

While bringing back departed loved ones as avatars may offer solace, it also harbors risk of confusion, stress, depression, and even psychosis. With advancements in AI, chatbots like ChatGPT can simulate human-like conservations, while deep fake technology enables the creation of interactive virtual representations using digital content. Although these innovations were once confined to science… Read More

New research from Binghamton University highlights the dangers of illicitly using “study drugs” like Adderall, commonly taken by college students seeking academic advantage without an ADHD diagnosis. Led by Associate Professor Lina Begdache, the study surveyed 702 undergraduate students from across U.S., examining their usage of substances including ADHD medications, cannabis, nicotine, alcohol, MDMA, and… Read More

During a year-long internship at a state psychiatric hospital, Seth J. Gillhan PhD, observed firsthand the profound impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on individuals with serious mental illnesses, including depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Many patients recounted traumatic childhoods marked by abuse, family violence, and other ACEs, underscoring a link between early adversity and… Read More

In January, Facebook’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified before Congress, stated that scientific studies have not conclusively linked social media use to deteriorating mental health in young people. This claim is contested by many social scientists who have identified a causal relationship between teen social media use and mood disorders, including depression and anxiety. This issue… Read More

States across the U.S. are moving to redefine the circumstances under which medical professionals can seek mental health or additional treatment without the risk of automatically notifying the regulatory boards that oversee the licenses. This shift is aimed at encouraging health care workers to pursue counseling or addiction treatment earlier, without fear that such actions… Read More

In Massachusetts. A groundbreaking shift aims to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health among medical professionals. The state’s hospitals and health insurers have commitment to ceasing inquiries about clinician’s past mental illness and addiction histories in credentialing paperwork.  Health care workers, especially female doctors, also are at disproportionately higher risk of suicide, compared to other workers. An… Read More

On October 4, 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) and BMJ hosted a groundbreaking virtual roundtable, bringing together 22 global health experts from diverse backgrounds in digital media, child and adolescent mental health, and suicide prevention. A rapid review conducted prior to the meeting explored existing literature and young people’s perspectives on beneficial online content…. Read More

In late 2022, Sarah Gutilla, a 34-year-old raised in foster care with a traumatic past faced severe treatment-resistance depression. Her husband paid $600 for her to undergo the first of six ketamine therapy sessions at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles. This was a significant step for Gutilla, who hadn’t left her home for two years. She… Read More

In 2024, mental healthcare emerges as the leading sector for top jobs in the United States, as highlighted by employment website Indeed. Focusing on mental health technicians, therapists, and psychiatrists, the site’s ranking of the 50 best jobs is based on criteria such as salary, growth opportunities, flexibility, and job availability. Remarkably, 22% of these… Read More

As January concludes, Washington DC, offers a weekend brimming with cultural events and activities. The highlight is the 25th anniversary of the iconic jazz nights at Westminster Presbyterian Church, a testament to the city’s rich musician heritage. Meanwhile, the Kogod Courtyard, nestled between the National Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum, welcomes the return… Read More

As of January 1, over 65 million Americans relying on Medicare will experience improved mental health coverage, including therapy with licensed marriage and family counselors and licensed professional counselors. These therapist types constitute 40% of master’s level mental health providers, according to the American Counseling Association. Professor Victoria Kress, a licensed professional counselor at Youngstown… Read More