Not Only Amount, But Timing of Sleep Can Be Important for Mental Health

• Healthy living for mental well-being, Patients and Families, Sleep Disorders

The amount and quality of sleep we get are important to both physical and mental health. Sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances are associated with the onset and worsening of some mental health disorders – including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. A new research review highlights the prevalence of these disturbances in people with mental health disorders and suggests that disturbances in sleep and internal body clocks can trigger or exacerbate mental health issues

How Running and Resistance Training Can Help Depression and Anxiety

• Anxiety, Depression, Healthy living for mental well-being, Patients and Families

It is well-known that exercise or physical activity can help support mental health. It can help reduce symptoms, improve working memory and focus, and help prevent cognitive decline. New research points to specific significant benefits for treating depression and anxiety symptoms with running and resistance training. Resistance training, also called strength training or weight training, uses resistance to build muscle strength and anaerobic endurance.

Older Americans Month: Highlighting Challenges and Opportunities

• Older adults, Patients and Families

An estimated one in eight older adults had a mental illness and one in 11 had a substance use disorder in the past year according to a new report on mental health and substance use concerns among older adults (adults aged 60 or older).

For Gen Z, A Sense of Purpose and Family Connection Contribute to Happiness

• Children and Youth, Healthy living for mental well-being, Patients and Families

Much attention over the past few years has been paid to the challenges, struggles and anxieties of Generation Z (12- to 26-year-olds), but a few recent surveys and studies have focused more on what contributes to Gen Z happiness and life satisfaction.

Updates in the Understanding of Autism

April is Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness and promoting inclusion for individuals with autism. Once considered a rare condition, autism is now recognized as affecting 2% of the general population. Consequently, the needs of autistic individuals have become a focal point for health care professionals, especially given that those with autism experience psychiatric concerns at significantly higher rates than those without.