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Mental HealthMental health is not just the absence of mental illness, but instead describes the emotional, psychological, and social layers of our overall well-being. It allows us to persevere when we're buffeted by daily stressors. Alongside physical health, good mental health enables us to learn and work effectively, contribute to our families and communities, form relationships, and experience the full range of human emotions. We all may face mental health challenges—even if we don't have mental health disorders.
Our mental health is the result of many factors, including our genetics, support system, exercise, rest, nutrition, and life situation. But mental illness remains stigmatized in the US. Though most Americans say having a mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, 35% of US adults say they'd view someone differently if they knew that person had a mental health disorder. By one recent count, mental illness costs the US economy an estimated $282B annually.
Interest in mental well-being dates back to Hippocrates and the ancient Greek ideal of maintaining a healthy mind in a healthy body. But modern mental health's official precursor—called "mental hygiene," in 1843 by American psychiatrist William Sweetzer—paralleled the idea of attending to personal physical hygiene. It suggested that individuals needed to somehow maintain their mental well-being as they would their personal cleanliness, and thus mental health disorders were avoidable. Public outreach to help people sustain or improve their mental well-being didn't begin in earnest until decades later.Explore Mental Health
What we've found
Ibogaine is being investigated for treating mental health issues and substance abuseThis compound, which is illegal to use in the US, has had promising results for patients who have tried it in other countries for substance abuse and mental health concerns. This psychoactive substance is not without risks, however; this TED talk points out it's also caused fatal cardiac arrhythmias and shouldn't be taken without medical supervision. TED-EdHRT for menopause may not help with mental health or sleep says a large 2026 analysisA recent analysis investigating the effects of menopause and HRT use on mental health, cognition, and brain health suggested HRT did little or nothing to aid with mental health and sleep. But the researchers caution that, among other data gaps, they didn't have information on which HRT formulations were used among their nearly 125,000 participants, so results may have varied by drug treatment. Smithsonian MagazineMental health symptoms may manifest differently across culturesMental health, like physical health, is imbued with values, beliefs, and traditions. Symptoms of distress are not universal and may differ based on racial, ethnic, and cultural contexts. Because mental health may be stigmatized or communities may have varying belief systems about causes of mental health challenges and how to fix them, it may affect how symptoms manifest. Chest pain, for example, may be a sign of mental distress—not the need for a doctor. University of ChicagoCould all mental health disorders have a unifying 'p-factor'?Some researchers have argued in the past couple decades that all mental health disorders may have a unifying dimension—a theoretical "p-factor" that is common across mental illness, but life experiences and behaviors influence if and how illness manifests. Proponents point to similarities across different disorders, while detractors argue that such connections are largely exaggerated. AeonLearn how Hollywood tries to get mental health portrayals right"Entertainment is always the first priority," the director of medical research for "Grey's Anatomy" and "Private Practice" explained in this Newsweek article. But, medical consultants and dedicated groups like the University of Southern California's Hollywood, Health, and Society program, can help inform shows' characters, actions, and sensitivities on subjects like mental illness. Newsweek'Mental hygiene' was the 1843 term for mental healthIt was coined by American psychiatrist William Sweetzer to reference the same idea as personal hygiene. Mental hygiene, in Sweetzer's view, needed to be maintained in the same way people attend to their personal cleanliness, an idea that was supplanted by better understanding of the complexities of mental health disorder causes in the decades that followed. Psychology TodaySee this collection of mental health cartoonsThese cartoons were curated around mental health themes in celebration of World Mental Health Day, which is observed annually on Oct. 10. The 15+ cartoons include thematic nods to weathering mental health challenges and looking forward to better times ahead. Cartoon MovementMental health is much more than the absence of mental illnessIt's a state of well-being that allows individuals to cope with daily stressors, realize their abilities, learn and work effectively, and contribute to their overall community. Inextricably linked to physical health, modern science indicates that mental health is a central component of our overarching ability to function and enjoy life. World Health OrganizationCircadian rhythm disruption can influence various mental health disordersThis 2020 research overview surveys the relationship between disrupted circadian clocks and disorders including schizophrenia, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. It incorporates findings and therapeutic approaches drawing from human night shift studies and jet lag studies alongside animal research. NatureYoga is believed to improve mental health, but studies are not definitiveMany think that yoga's combination of stretching, focused breathing, and contemplation help treat depression and anxiety, but the data has often relied on small, homogenous sample sizes. TED EdEven brief physical activity can trigger the release of neurotransmitters that provide mental health boostsA couple of minutes of light walking or stretching can increase feelings of energy and reduce fatigue, not just through the release of endorphins. Exercise can also provide self-regulation and improve task engagement and focus in those with certain mental health disorders, like ADHD. Science FridayObsessive compulsive disorder is a mental health disorder, not a personality quirkIn popular culture OCD has been incorrectly overused to describe neatness or perfectionistic behaviors, but the disorder involves intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that take over a person's actions. Speaking of PsychologyResearchers are studying roller coasters to improve mental health treatmentsScary rides stimulate our fight-or-flight response while simultaneously releasing feel-good endorphins like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. Once we realize we're in a safe space, we can enjoy the ride and even feel confident and relieved by the accomplishment of overcoming a fearful feat. PBS TerraHow menopause affects mental healthMenopause, a natural biological process, occurs in three stages: perimenopause (hormone fluctuations), menopause (end of menstrual cycles), and postmenopause (12 months without menstruation). Hormonal shifts during this time can affect neurotransmitters, increasing the risk of mood disorders. 1440Some claim breathwork can improve mental health, help process trauma, and moreResearch shows people who practice breathing exercises see a decrease in depression and stress levels, and that such exercises are about as effective at treating PTSD as conventional approaches. Even something as simple as extending exhales can slow one's heart rate and activate the parasympathetic nervous system. Science VSMental health experts caution against youth sports bettingPeople in their early 20s represent the fastest-growing group of sports gamblers. That fact concerns mental health professionals, who warn that early exposure to gaming primes children’s brains to seek digital rewards. American Psychological AssociationMental health applications of psychedelicsScientists are investigating psilocybin, ketamine, LSD, and MDMA (also known as ecstasy) as potential treatments for mental health issues. These drugs enable an altered state of consciousness, which can have beneficial or harmful impacts depending on the nature of the experience. Research suggests these drugs can be effective in treating substance use disorders, mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, and psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. New York TimesPsychedelic side effects, including worsening mental health for some patients, give pauseThis article explores whether the therapeutic potential of psychedelic drug use is really as good as current research suggests. Scientists are exploring its applications for conditions ranging from the existential crisis that can accompany terminal diagnoses to chronic mental health conditions, including anxiety and PTSD. TheGuardian.comJust a 10-minute mental health break can yield benefitsThe US CDC offers recommendations for alleviating stress in daily life. Short 10-minute breaks can significantly improve mental health, especially when used for activities like deep breathing, dancing, or writing down things you are grateful for. Building meaningful relationships, termed "social connectedness," can also alleviate stress and promote resilience. Centers for Disease Control and PreventionHow to help teens balance social media use and mental healthcareWhile initially alluring, excessive social media use is proven to lead to increased feelings of isolation, mental health declines, increased stress, and general dissatisfaction among teens. Conducting digital audits to track screen time, adding friction (or obstacles) to app usage to reduce mindless scrolling, and investing time in offline activities and hobbies may help. NPRHow did the pandemic affect mental health?Read this research brief to learn more about why heightened mental health and substance use concerns persist three years after the outbreak of COVID-19. According to a recent survey, the vast majority of American adults view the nation as facing a... KFFCan microdosing improve mental health?Animal studies involving microdoses of psilocybin, the psychoactive component in magic mushrooms and ketamine, found it helped to alleviate anxiety and inflammation, an immune response that can cause damage when chronically active. Human studies are ongoing. In at least one double-blind study, where researchers and patients don't know who got a placebo versus the real thing, about half of the participants incorrectly guessed they had been given placebos. Harvard UniversityHow psilocybin could transform mental health treatmentHow magical are magic mushrooms, at least where depression is concerned? Some 24 volunteers participated in a study to evaluate the efficacy of using psilocybin in combination with psychotherapy to treat individuals suffering from depression. While some controversies remain about its use—psilocybin is known to cause psychosis sometimes—some scientists think the benefits outweigh the risks. NewsweekPeople with schizophrenia are excluded from psychedelic researchIndividuals with this mental health condition are routinely eliminated from any psychedelic research due to concerns about triggering or worsening psychosis. Yet there is little high-quality research in this area, raising questions about if further research into this question is warranted as interest grows in using psychedelics for therapeutic purposes. NatureVeterans reported single dose of ibogaine improved TBI, PTSD, anxiety, and depressionResearch published in 2024 on the Central African plant-derived drug included 30 male combat vets who received ibogaine treatment in Mexico. It reported significant reductions in multiple mental health conditions and no serious side effects. Other work, however, has shown the substance can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias, killing at least 19 people between 1990 and 2008. (Some users may encounter a paywall.) Scientific AmericanThe FDA rejected MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD in 2024, calling for more researchThe decision was considered to be a major setback for moving psychedelics into the mainstream for mental health treatment. Pharmaceutical company Lykos, who had applied for the approval, had already attracted significant support from patients, politicians on both sides of the aisle, and leaders in the mental health field. NPRMental illness in the US costs roughly $282B annually nationwideThat figure, estimated as part of a 2024 Yale analysis that aimed to better understand the macroeconomic implications of mental illness, included the costs of mental health treatment, income loss, and overarching economic setbacks associated with mental illness. Yale News35% of polled Americans said they'd view people differently if they knew they had a mental illnessIn April 2025 polling, mental health remained highly stigmatized in the US. Though 88% of US adults say a mental health disorder is nothing to be ashamed about, 84% of them think the term "mental illness" carries a stigma and only about half of respondents said they'd feel comfortable sharing their mental health struggles with others. American Psychological AssociationSchizophrenia symptoms, like psychosis, often first emerge among young adultsA combination of genetics, significant brain changes to the frontal cortex, and hormonal changes during young adulthood—late teens to early 30s—result in schizophrenic symptoms often showing up during this period. The stress of life changes at that age may also be a contributing factor. Mental Health AmericaMore than a third of America's incarcerated population has a mental illnessFueled in part by America's deinstitutionalization movement and gaps in mental health support, an estimated 44% of those in jail and 37% of those in prison have a mental illness, according to figures from 2012, the latest available. Population-wide, only 18% of the general population is estimated to have a mental illness. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration'I always like to fake bravery. But I really think that solidified me being brave, speaking up for myself and just putting myself first.'- Seven-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles (1997-present) USA TODAYNot everyone who is a candidate for GLP-1 is choosing to use the drugOne person writes about why, although she's a good fit for the medication on paper, she's decided not to take GLP-1 due to concerns about mental health and other side effects, among other reasons. Self MagazineHaving five of nine key symptoms constitutes a major depressionBefore professional standards were adopted, practitioners used varying criteria to diagnose mental health disorders. By the 1970s, more objective lists were organized, culminating in this list of polythetic criteria—a list of symptoms where no single criterion is required, but a minimum number must be present. National Library of MedicineSAD 101 from the folks at NIMH—where the condition was first identifiedNorman Rosenthal led the team at the National Institute of Mental Health that first identified and described seasonal affective disorder in 1984. This 101 from NIMH explores the basics of the condition, from who develops it to how it is treated. National Institute of Mental HealthAstronauts follow strict schedules to mimic Earth days and stay healthy in spaceExperiencing 15 sunrises and sunsets a day while aboard the International Space Station, visitors preserve their circadian rhythms and mental health with fixed timetables. Astronauts have described sleep as living in a vacuum cleaner due to ongoing air filtration. European Space AgencyBoy culture pressures teens to hide emotions, weakening their friendships over timeCultural norms about masculinity teach boys to suppress vulnerability and prioritize independence over time, resulting in isolation. Given that humans are social creatures, mental health struggles gradually become more common through this abandonment of connection. Speaking of PsychologyPsychedelics interact with neurotransmitter systems to alter one's perceptionLSD, psilocybin, and MDMA can suppress the brain's default mode network and enhance connectivity. Research shows that, when paired with therapy, psychedelics may help treat mental health conditions, including depression, addiction, and PTSD. TED-EdA sleep expert discusses the broad benefits of quality restIn this three-part series, renowned sleep expert Matthew Walker and doctor Peter Attia explore the role of sleep in memory consolidation and mental health, and the detrimental effects of chronic lack of sleep. The latter has been linked to increased risk of dementia, hypertension, and more. Peter AttiaWorkplace overload has spawned the industry of 'burnout coaches'Chronic stress and burnout aren't just leading to mental-health crises. They're also the foundation of a new career type: burnout coach. These aren't necessarily licensed therapists, but often people who have been through the burnout cycle and received certification as coaches. (Some users may experience a paywall.) New York TimesAre you burned out? Take this quizHave you ever wondered if what you’re experiencing is burnout, or just stress? This Psychology Today quiz may help you decide if you need to explore more mental health resources. You don’t have to create an account to take the quiz. Simply answer the questions and provide your ZIP code. Psychology TodayOne-third of early- and mid-career workers have considered quitting due to stressIn 2024, around half of all full-time employees polled by the National Alliance on Mental Illness reported experiencing burnout at their jobs. Around a third of all employees ages 18 to 49 had considered quitting their jobs due to workplace stress. National Alliance on Mental IllnessPTSD is a long-lasting mental disorder linked to past traumatic eventsPosttraumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition arising from traumatic events with four key symptoms: intrusive memories, avoidance behavior, negative moods and thoughts, and changes in emotional and physical reactions. Veterans AffairsGoogle Search trends reveal truths about society that traditional surveys missStudies of human behavior show that survey respondents may lie to present themselves more favorably. By studying anonymous search data, researchers have uncovered hidden racism, mental health struggles, and interest in taboo or stigmatized topics. TEDx TalksChefs face intense pressure to maintain Michelin starsExplore the pressure pursuing a star puts on chefs—sometimes at the expense of their mental health, and social media's impact on the culinary landscape. A conversation with Nick Kokonas, co-owner of the three-starred Alinea in Chicago, gets into the ways Michelin’s rankings affect business. Economics of Everyday ThingsNarcan is an opioid antagonist that can rapidly reverse overdosesNaloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, is an opioid-overdose reversal medication that typically begins working within a few minutes. An opioid antagonist, the treatment attaches to opioid receptors without activating them, forcing opioid molecules out of their respective receptors and allowing users' breathing rates to normalize. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services AdministrationA framework for the various potential causes of insomniaInsomnia typically occurs in people dealing with life stressors and physical or mental health conditions, though the exact cause continues to elude researchers. Generally, the factors can be broken down into external (such as stress, medication, etc.) or internal (neurological) factors. Harvard UniversityConsuming true crime media can increase stress and anxietyConsuming true crime media can activate one's sympathetic nervous system, which controls the fight-or-flight response. Staying in this heightened state of vigilance can lead to stress-related illnesses, including hypertension, and mental conditions, including depression and anxiety. Additionally, people who actively consume crime news, whether they consider it to be entertainment or educational in nature, report being more fearful of crime, regardless of actual crime rates. VICE MediaCan brain scans help with processing trauma?MRIs and brain monitoring therapies are becoming increasingly popular for those looking to process trauma and address mental health conditions, including PTSD and depression. This article details how these therapies quantify mental health, giving users another way to measure and manage their mental and emotional needs through brain mapping and other methods. AllureWhat can psychedelics teach us about dying?Psychedelics have made their way into the world of licensed mental healthcare, and the drugs have been proven to help people process and lessen anxiety and depression. What does this mean for people with terminal illnesses who are afraid of death? To The Best Of Our KnowledgeWhat's the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?While both psychiatrists and psychologists are mental health professionals, the big difference is that psychiatrists are medical physicians (MD or DO) while psychologists are not. Learn what makes these two profession different with this brief explainer. Diffen
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