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Mental Health Pathfinders: APA President Ramaswamy Viswanathan, M.D. Dr.Med.Sc.
Current APA President Ramaswamy Viswanathan, M.D. Dr.Med.Sc. joins us to discuss his journey to psychiatric leadership and the early life events that inspired him to make a lifelong commitment to lifestyle medicine.
As Valentine’s Day Approaches, Americans Feel Good About Their Social Connections, Value Friendships for Mental Health Impact
As heart-shaped candy boxes line the aisles of pharmacies and grocery stores nationwide, the majority of Americans (62%) said their friends had a mostly positive impact on their mental health, ahead of their children (48%), their extended family (47%), their spouse or partner (46%) and their parents (42%), among others.
Parental Leave Brings Mental Health Benefits, Especially for Mothers
Along with all the excitement and anticipation, becoming a new parent comes with a great deal of change and potential stress, such as the challenges of childrearing, financial pressure and career uncertainties. This elevated stress can contribute to mental health problems, including peripartum depression. New research published in the Lancet finds that access to employer-provided parental leave may help protect mothers’ mental health in the months after childbirth.
Move Your Mind: How Daily Physical Activity Boosts Brain Health and Mental Well-Being
Most people understand exercise, and more broadly physical activity, to be beneficial to health from a physical perspective. In other words, it’s good for your heart, muscles, and potentially your waistline. What is often less appreciated is the importance of exercise to several aspects of brain health. Physical activity has been shown to be helpful in a variety of neurologic and psychiatric conditions, including reduced risk of dementia, reduced feelings of anxiety and depression (in individual
Employees Say Workplaces Are Offering Fewer Mental Health Services in 2022, According to APA Poll
As the pandemic wanes, employees report employers are offering fewer mental health services and are more reluctant to address mental health concerns in the workplace, according to the 2022 Healthy Minds poll from the American Psychiatric Association (APA). About half of employees work at home at least some of the time and about one in five works at home all the time.
How Stress Affects Eating Habits: Not One-Size-Fits-All
Stress impacts health in a variety of ways, including eating behaviors. Stress can influence our appetite, how much we eat, and the types of food we are likely to choose. It is commonly understood that stress contributes to overeating, especially consumption of “comfort foods,” often processed foods high in fat and sugar. However, different people respond differently, and circumstances matter. For some people, experiencing chronic stress leads to reduced appetite
What Is Forest Bathing and How Does it Benefit Mental and Physical Health?
For many people, a walk in the forest has long been a relaxing and rejuvenating escape from daily stresses. There is growing medical evidence that immersing oneself in a forest environment can have significant physical and mental health benefits.
How Nutrition Impacts Mental Health
The relationship between nutrition and mental health is a hot topic, and it was the subject of a recent panel discussion at the APA’s online Annual Meeting in early May. A panel of experts reviewed research on the potential roles of nutrition in the causes of, recovery from and potential resilience against psychiatric illness.
Americans Note Overwhelming Positive Mental Health Impact of Their Pets in New Poll; Dogs and Cats Equally Beneficial
The findings of the latest edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Healthy Minds Monthly Poll are clear: in addition to feeling like part of the family, Americans’ furry friends offer many mental health benefits.
Computer-Assisted Treatment and Mobile Apps for Depression
Technology is increasingly assisting us in many aspects of our lives, and mental health treatment is no exception. Research continues to show the benefits of computer-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy (CCBT) for treating depression and the potential of mental health mobile apps to help.
Culturally Based Online Peer Support Group Brought Mental Health Benefits During COVID-19; Has Promise for Other Usage
A new online culturally based support program, CHATogether may serve as an effective peer support model during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, according to a new study from researchers at Yale. The research was presented at the American Psychiatric Association’s Annual Meeting, held online this year.
How Pets Can Protect Cognitive Health in Older Adults
Pets offer a range of benefits for our physical and mental health. Several recent studies add to the list, finding that pet ownership can help slow cognitive decline and prevent dementia in older adults.