Mental Health Topics

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that typically appears in the first three years of life. It often impacts a person’s social abilities and interactions and can be accompanied by an assortment of learning problems (though, not always). ASD varies in its severity, and some people develop…

Our body clock is what controls when we’re most alert, and when we’re most tired. Research has found that we can control our body clocks and level of alertness by working out at specific times of the day. Normally, melatonin levels begin to increase at night and decrease in the…

When we feel ashamed of our secrets, we’re more likely to think about them over and over again. We can better cope by shifting away from shame and toward guilt. A Columbia University study asked 1,000 participants questions about their secrets, including how much shame and guilt they associated with…

New research says that a fast-acting psychedelic drug could help treat depression and anxiety. Researchers investigated whether administration of this psychedelic in a controlled group setting might affect self-reported feelings of depression and anxiety. The team controlled the dose and ensured that participants had support during and after use of…

Persons with untreated sleep apnea are prone to forget important details about their pasts. Researchers at RMIT University compared 44 adults with untreated sleep apnea to 44 healthy individuals. They assessed each participant’s recall of memories from different stages of life. Results showed that those with sleep apnea remembered significantly…

Resilience is how well you’re able to adapt: an individual with a lot of resilience can adapt well in the face of struggle, while someone with little or no resilience cannot. A resilient mindset is important as it helps you bounce back from difficult losses and maintain positivity even when…

Women find same-sex social interactions more rewarding than men do. This discovery could change how mental illnesses, like depression, are treated in women. Researchers from Georgia State University found that women are more sensitive to the rewards of oxytocin, a chemical released during social interactions. The team observed that the…

The mindset you accept and employ in your everyday has a major impact on the course of your life, especially your rate of success. It can benefit you to transition from a fixed to a growth mindset: or, to shake the assumptions that you can’t and believe that you can….

Improving your diet, even slightly, can reduce depression symptoms. This, according to a study from University of Manchester that analyzed data from 46,000 people. Researchers investigated the effects of dietary interventions and found that making simple changes can benefit your mental health. For example, eating more vegetables and cutting back…

Some people are innately happy and optimistic about life; however, assuming a positive mindset also takes a bit of effort. You can be more optimistic by first remembering to smile: smile at others, at your own reflection, and even when things don’t go your way. Also, practice gratitude—take a moment…

A new study from McMaster University shows physical activity may help seniors fight depression. A group of men 65 years and older followed a 12-week exercise plan, which combined stationary bike workouts and strength training exercises. After the 12 weeks, researchers analyzed participants’ blood samples and muscular strength. The findings…

Do you know someone who becomes increasingly aggressive when they drink? I do. A friend from college was always a loose cannon at the bars. The night would start out tame enough—we’d camp out at a table, typically in the corner, and chat over a couple drinks. But after John…