Scientists have found evidence that common financial concerns may have long-term effects on brain health. A study by University College London (UCL) researchers indicates that prolonged financial struggles can lead to accelerated brain aging and diminished memory and cognitive skills in later life. The study, published in Innovation in Aging, tracked 2,759 people born in...
Dear Carolyn, The writer expresses concern over their sister Eileen’s relationship with food. From childhood, Eileen struggled with weight because of differing parental approaches to eating. While their mother promoted healthy eating and exercise, their father presented an array of sweets and junk food. Eileen often overindulged during visits with their father, leading to weight...
Shireen Rizvi is a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and contributed to the book Real Skills for Real Life: A DBT Guide to Navigating Stress, Emotions, and Relationships. Consider the last time you felt distress. How did you manage? Did you react impulsively? Consume alcohol? Deny the situation? There are healthier methods to address...
Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are known for their effectiveness in weight loss. However, experts caution about potential mental health risks. These GLP-1 receptor agonists not only aid in shedding pounds but also interact with brain systems related to reward, impulse control, and mood. Scott Kanoski from the University of Southern California highlights that these...
For years, my life was plagued by mysterious symptoms like back pain, gastrointestinal issues, and extreme fatigue. Doctors repeatedly proposed explanations, attributing them to hormones or anxiety, often resulting in prescriptions for steroids or Xanax. Despite the differing details, the underlying message was consistent: the issue was my response to the symptoms, not the symptoms...
Understanding Mental Load and Gender Dynamics Leah Ruppanner, a sociologist at The University of Melbourne, delves into the concept of mental load in her new book, Drained: Reduce Your Mental Load to Do Less and Be More. Her research explores how acknowledging and measuring this load can significantly decrease it, particularly for women who tend...
Clinical psychologist Steve Orma encountered insomnia in his early 40s, leading to an intense focus on why he couldn’t sleep. This obsession, often termed “sleep anxiety,” is a common response that can aggravate the situation. Left unresolved, it can hinder one’s ability to fall asleep. The cycle of worrying about not sleeping increases anxiety, making...
Therapists Embrace AI for Efficiency Across the United States, mental health therapists are increasingly employing artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance their work. These tools record sessions, generate transcripts, and automatically draft clinical notes, effectively streamlining administrative tasks. Software providers claim their platforms, such as Berries, can significantly reduce paperwork. Tal Salman, CEO of Berries,...
Understanding the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, accessible through dial 988, is a vital service launched three years ago. Since its inception, millions have reached out for help via calls, texts, and the dedicated 988 chat box. A study conducted by researchers at NYU and Johns Hopkins University...
Taylor Kiesel, a 20-year-old from Seattle, shares her journey of sleepless nights and emotional challenges. These struggles led her to collect reptiles like Russian tortoises, geckos, and snakes. Starting an animal rescue at home has turned her emotions into purpose. Taylor’s mental health treatment did not play a significant role in her progress. Early Challenges...