Mental Health Topics

If you’re gaining weight, your fat consumption is likely to blame. In an effort to pinpoint what diet components cause weight gain, researchers from the University of Aberdeen fed 30 mice different diets that varied in fat, carbs, and protein. The team measured changes in body weight during the duration…

A fast-acting psychedelic drug could help treat depression and anxiety. This, from a Johns Hopkins University study that surveyed 362 adults. Researchers found that the use of a synthetic psychedelic, 5-MeO-DMT, is associated with improvements in depression and anxiety when taken in a controlled setting. Approximately 80% of those surveyed…

On Monday, April 15, the Notre Dame Cathedral—a staple of Paris—caught fire and collapsed, leaving many to grapple with difficult feelings that come with grief and loss. While some think of grief as a consequence of death, the reality is that we can experience grief after losing anything of importance….

Relationship stigma from loved ones is linked to mental health issues. This, from a Pace University study that analyzed 467 adults in same-sex and/or interracial relationships. The team found that relationship stigma from friends was linked to greater depression symptoms and, in turn, poor overall health. Also, relationship stigma from…

Stress is a normal part of life, but when it becomes too much it can cause you to suffer physically, mentally, and emotionally. The good news is we have power over many potential external stressors—including the quality of our relationships. We often experience stress when our relationships are suffering, such…

A six-year study suggests that seniors who eat more than two portions of mushrooms a week may have 50% reduced odds of experiencing mild cognitive decline. Furthermore, even just one small portion of mushrooms a week could prove beneficial and reduce these odds. The research team reached this conclusion after…

Eating breakfast as a family could encourage body positivity among kids and teens. Researchers from University of Missouri Columbia analyzed the eating habits of more than 12,000 students from over 300 schools. These habits included how often the students ate breakfast and how often they ate meals with a parent….

Despite popular belief, music doesn’t always enhance creativity. In fact, it can produce the opposite effect. Researchers from Lancaster University found people who listened to music experienced a dip in creativity. This study presented participants with verbal tasks in either a quiet environment or one in which they listened to…

Before I took my leap of faith and adopted my dog, Mila, I surveyed everyone in my life to see what they thought. Did they think I could handle it? Did they think it was a good idea? Did they think I was ready for the responsibility? The overwhelming answer…

Overcoming fear relies on an unusual change in DNA. One day, DNA therapy could help to cure disorders like social anxiety or PTSD. University of Queensland researchers taught mice to fear and then unfear a specific sound. First, the mice were placed in a box and exposed to the sound,…

Diets high in fruits and vegetables and low in meat improve brain functions. A study from the American Academy of Neurology says your diet affects your brain’s mental and cognitive abilities. Researchers found that eating a lot of fruits and vegetables and small amounts of meat and dairy improved these…

In addition to providing love, support, and companionship, dogs are beneficial to our health and overall wellbeing. When we pet a dog, we form a bond and release the hormone oxytocin, which helps to relieve us of stress and anxiety. Dogs also promote an active lifestyle, which helps us to…