Be Kind to Your Mind
Hello everyone,
The Doner offices are closed today to allow everyone to enjoy a mental health day and relax over an extended weekend. Given that, we chose to focus this week on gathering the latest news related to mental health.
Submitted by Peter
Burnout is common among healthcare workers and is linked to mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Although addressing the underlying causes of burnout and moral injury starts with hospital leaders, there are actions healthcare workers can take to work for change in workplace culture. One important way to do this is to normalize talking about mental health. Tips include: Know your benefits and other resources; Check in with your colleagues and Use respectful, person-first language.
Submitted by Noah
In Lansing, Michigan, there is currently legislation proposed (via bills introduced in 2023) that would allow Michigan students to take up to five mental health days. Right now, if a student misses 18 or more days of school during the 180 day school year, they are considered chronically absent. For those dealing with mental health struggles, enabling students to take five mental health days—with no questions asked—would be a difference-maker. While these bills have not yet been passed in the House or Senate, they are still under consideration. One parent interviewed, Deborah Corkins, showed her vocal support: “Mental health is something we all need to take seriously...We [should] instill in our children now [that] it’s okay to take a me day...To function [they] need to be able to think and replenish [themselves] so that [they] can be better tomorrow.” Corkins, who has two children with autism and one with epilepsy, noted that the proposed mental health days would be very helpful when her autistic children are overstimulated, and when her epileptic child is having an episode. The prospect of adding mental health days in schools is very promising.
Submitted by Michele
An ongoing shortage of mental health professionals, and an increasing need for mental health support is leading to an unlikely solution- AI supported mental health chatbots.
Chatbots like “Earkick” allow you to start talking or typing about anxiety or other mental health needs, and the app generates the kind of comforting, sympathetic statements therapists are trained to deliver. The app then might suggest a guided breathing exercise, ways to reframe negative thoughts, or stress-management tips.
Earkick is one of hundreds of free apps that are being pitched to address a crisis in mental health among teens and young adults. Because they don’t explicitly claim to diagnose or treat medical conditions, the apps aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. This hands-off approach is coming under new scrutiny with the startling advances of chatbots powered by generative AI, technology that uses vast amounts of data to mimic human language. The industry argument is simple: Chatbots are free, available 24/7 and don’t come with the stigma that keeps some people away from therapy.
But there’s limited data that they actually improve mental health. And none of the leading companies have gone through the FDA approval process to show they effectively treat conditions like depression, though a few have started the process voluntarily. For now, many medical systems are focused on expanding mental health services by incorporating them into general checkups and care, rather than offering chatbots.“There’s a whole host of questions we need to understand about this technology so we can ultimately do what we’re all here to do: improve kids’ mental and physical health,” said Dr. Doug Opel, a bioethicist at Seattle Children’s Hospital
Submitted by Rachel
A new study published by the American Psychiatric Association Healthy Minds Monthly Poll released jointly with the American Veterinary Medical Association found a strong connection between humans and their pets, particularly for their mental health. Eighty-four percent of polled pet owners said their pets "have a mostly positive impact on their mental health.” Sixty-five percent replied their pets offer companionship, 65% also said their pet is "a true friend," and 64% feel their pet provides support and unconditional love.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, there are so many benefits we get from pets for our overall health. This includes increasing physical activity, reducing anxiety, boosting self-confidence, helping us meet new people, and bringing structure to our day.
Submitted by Megan
A much-awaited treatment for postpartum depression, zuranolone, hit the market in December, promising an accessible and fast-acting medication for a debilitating illness.
But most private health insurers have yet to publish criteria for when they will cover it, according to a new analysis of insurance policies. The lack of guidance could limit use of the drug. Zuranolone represents a novel approach — it targets hormone function to relieve symptoms, instead of the brain's serotonin system, as typical antidepressants do. It's also expensive, costing $15,900 for the 14-day pill regimen. Lawyers, advocates, and regulators are watching closely to see how insurance companies will shape policies for zuranolone
Submitted by Melissa
Recommended by LinkedIn
A recent report, which includes data from the Teen National Health Interview Survey, highlights effects of the the continually growing mental health crisis among youth today. Key findings include:
Submitted by Chris M.
Jonathan Haidt's book, The Anxiou Generation, which delves into the psychological effects of social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok, on today's youth highlights how these platforms contribute to heightened levels of anxiety and depression among young people. He explains that the constant comparison fostered by curated content on these platforms leads to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Additionally, cyberbullying and the addictive nature of social media further exacerbate mental health issues. Haidt suggests that the prevalence of smartphones and screens has created an "anxious generation" and emphasizes the importance of addressing these challenges. He advocates for parents to play a more active role in regulating their children's digital consumption and fostering resilience against the negative effects of social media. Furthermore, he calls for broader societal interventions to promote healthier online behaviors and support mental well-being among young individuals.
ComPsych® Corporation, the world’s largest provider of mental health services and GuidanceResources® for life, today announced a dramatic increase in anxiety among American workers in 2023. These finding are based on a representative sample analysis of more than 300,000 U.S. cases facilitated by ComPsych in 2023. The data show that last year nearly a quarter of people (24%) who reached out for mental health assistance did so to get help with anxiety. Anxiety now tops depression, stress, partner or relationship issues, family issues, addiction, and grief, among other subjects that people seek help coping with.
Submitted by Kayce
Amidst a surge in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, LGBTQ+ Americans are grappling with heightened mental health concerns and a decline in overall well-being, reveals a recent survey by Data for Progress. With over 550 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in 2023, and over 80 enacted into law, according to the Human Rights Campaign, the impact is profound. Notably, 53% of LGBTQ+ adults report adverse effects on their mental health, particularly among transgender individuals (79%) and young adults (65%). Furthermore, Political, corporate, and media support was important to those surveyed with 76% expressing a preference for brands openly supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
Submitted by Julie
Ever feel like you’ve spun into a mentally exhausting loop trying to decipher cryptic conversations, texts, or emails? It might be “hermeneutic labor,” in part the toll of social norms. A recent article in WaPo shared this concept, coined by researcher Ellie Anderson:
What helps? You might experiment with taking turns expressing how/why you're upset, reflecting others' words, or simply being clear about what you want.
Submitted by Pete
Scott Galloway provides some information on, and his own experience with ketamine and how it may help people suffering from trauma and depression. With an important caveat – do it under the supervision of a licensed therapist.
This is a bit off topic but seemed important. Beyond the political/moral/legal issues at play with this specific case before the Supreme Court, there is the very real implications a decision could have for the FDA.
March 28, 2024 | 6.12
What a great way to give back to employees! It's heartening to see more companies recognizing this and taking proactive steps to support their employees' mental health needs. 🙌 👏