mental health

Key Takeaways A survey of our readers shows an increased desire to make a New Year's resolution this year.The COVID-19 pandemic has affected goal achievement, but not goal-setting.Physical and mental health are a priority heading into 2021. At the end of a year in which goals and resolutions set last January have all but gone out…

Key Takeaways Gun violence continues to take the lives of Americans at an increasing rate.People with serious brain illness, such as schizophrenia, who are not medicated, may be at risk for gun violence.Nearly half of Americans believe mandating a mental health assessment might keep the public safer. 2020 was the deadliest year in two…

Key Takeaways Often, when people are struggling with their mental health, they're told by employers or friends to "take a mental health day," but that is not a holistic solution to the worsening mental health crisis.Real investments in mental health include: better mental health education in K through 12 schools, more…

Key Takeaways Celebrities and influencers regularly promote various cosmetic surgeries and procedures through the media.Social media can have a negative effect on body image, as people compare themselves to those they follow.With cosmetic surgeries becoming more popular, we risk losing our individuality in striving for the same…

Key Takeaways June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month, a time to celebrate queer folks and all that they've accomplished.In addition to being queer, many individuals also encompass other identities that may not be as affirmed in all Pride spaces.Pride provides an opportunity for individuals to learn more about how queer community members…

Key Takeaways Estrangement is a common occurrence in American families.Spending time with chosen family and creating space for new definitions of family can help alleviate those challenges. Estrangement, as it is most often referred to, is when family members cut off contact with their close relatives. This can happen for a variety of…

Key Takeaways A new study suggests even mild cases of Covid-19 can cause changes in the brain.Researchers examined brain scans to determine that those who'd been infected with Covid-19 showed greater loss of gray matter and abnormalities in brain tissue.While the findings are important, further research must be conducted to…

Key Takeaways The sameness of each day, combined with a loss of routine, is changing our perception of time.A recent survey from the UK found that more than 80% of people experienced changes to how quickly they perceived time passing during lockdown compared to pre-lockdown. Just about everyone agrees that time is passing very…

Key Takeaways One's self-perception may become compressed over time.Brain imaging can demonstrate temporal self-compression. These findings may explain how some individuals struggle to plan ahead given challenges seeing themselves in the future. Self-awareness is often encouraged, but it can be challenging. A study published in…

Key Takeaways The fentanyl crisis has had a significant impact on teens and young adults, whether they face opioid addiction or use other drugs.It takes a very small amount of fentanyl to cause an overdose, and tools like naloxone sprays are becoming more prevalent in discussions of harm reduction.Those with lived experience are…