APA Blogs
27 Results
Poetry and Mental Health: The Healing Power of Poems
Poetry can support mental health and emotional well-being in several ways. Reading or listening to poetry can remind us of shared experiences such as grief, despair, or hope. It can provide comfort, help people feel less alone or encourage reflection. Poetry can be a safe place to express overwhelming feelings, to say things that are difficult to talk about.
A Single, Short Training May Improve Coping with Uncertainty and Mental Well-Being
Most adults and young people face a great deal of uncertainty in their lives, which can impact mental health. Previous research has found that young adults may be especially vulnerable to the impacts of uncertainty and experience greater psychological distress. A half-hour training program could help young adults cope with uncertainty and therefore improve mental health and well-being, a recent study found.
Group Music Therapy: A Promising Approach
Group music therapy, delivered in person or online, may be effective in helping address symptoms of mental health conditions, according to several recent studies. The studies looked at the use of group music therapy in women with depression, older adults with dementia, and college students experiencing stress. One consistent theme in this research is that participants have improved quality of life.
Myths and Facts About Mental Health
- By Sebastian Acevedo, M.P.H.
How are you feeling? Checking in with your emotions might feel strange, especially if you're not used to it. Can you name what you're feeling—happiness, stress, boredom, or something else entirely? Whether you're feeling happy, stressed, bored, or something else, all emotions—positive or negative—are a natural part of being human. However, many people question themselves when life feels overwhelming. The truth is that emotions are normal, and how we navigate them, especially during stressful times, defines our mental health. Despite this, there are myths around mental health that can stop people from seeking help. Let’s break them down
Overcoming Barriers: How to Help Someone Get Mental Health Care
When we see a friend or loved one experiencing significant mental health issues, our instinct is to try to help, yet obstacles, including stigma of mental health, are often hard to overcome. A recent commentary by Ken Duckworth, M.D., and Nickki Rashes in the APA journal Focus offers some insights on how to help a loved one reach out for mental health care.