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Over any period of time, one's physical health may range from excellent to poor, depending on illness--chronic or temporary. Recognizing this, Canada's military mental health professionals have created a mental health spectrum--identifying and respecting the ever-changing fluidity of its workers' mental health challenges and wellbeing. Can the same scale now be applied to the civilian workplace? [More]

In the past, the line between agoraphobia and panic attacks was blurred. But ongoing research has resulted in psychotherapy professionals recognizing the phobia as completely separate from the panic attacks that may result from it. Agoraphobia is not a panic disorder. It is, instead, being recognized as a fear of being afraid and losing control. [More]

Virtual reality is most recognizable these days as the next great tool for games and simulated travel. But for professionals and researchers in the field of mental health, virtual reality may just be the right tool for people with social anxiety, and other mental health disorders, to gain access to near-real environments with real solutions. [More]

Improvements in technology continue to provide more options in treating patients with mental health challenges. But professionals--and patients--are recognizing that some "old-fashioned methods" may actually bring revolutionary results, even in the 21st century. [More]

Solitary confinement and mental wellness do not mix. In a groundbreaking move last month, Canada's Supreme Court ruled against the use of solitary confinement. And some states in the U.S. are also examining the negative effects to prisoners' mental health as a result of the practice and are making efforts to reduce inmates' increased levels of anxiety, depression and suicidal behaviors by reducing such isolation. [More]

More people than ever before are living to age 100 and older. Is there a secret to their long life? For decades, scientists and researchers have examined genetics, diet and other lifestyle choices. But recently, studies are investigating the mental health of the very old in the world's population to see if the key to longevity may actually be psychological. [More]

The irony cannot be overlooked. When first diagnosed with cancer, patients would do anything to beat the disease and survive. But, as medical advances continue to improve, many survivors are feeling beaten down by the psychological and sometimes physical effects that remain after successfully defeating their diseases. As World Cancer Day is celebrated, survivors are speaking out in the hopes of improving their own lives and the lives of millions of future survivors. [More]

While aiming high and setting goals is encouraged in 21st century society, for many, perfectionism has become an obsession. Recent research indicates Millennials, in particular, are suffering challenges to their mental and physical well-being in the pursuit of ultimate perfection in education, professional work and in their own physical images. Can anything be done to help reduce the burden young people feel in their quest for the perfect life? [More]

Recent clinical trials using psychedelic drugs like MDMA to treat patients suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have shown some amazing results. With final testing now underway, the "psychedelic renaissance" may be on the horizon, potentially providing currently illegal drugs with new respect in the field of mental health care. [More]

Suicide is the 9th leading cause of death in Canada and the 10th leading cause in the U.S. And suicide numbers for youth aged 10 to 24 continue to rise year after year. In an attempt to provide healthcare professionals in emergency rooms, hospitals, and other facilities with a fast, accurate resource to help assess youth at risk of self-harm, researchers this month unveiled a new tool that holds a lot of promise. [More]