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A recent Gallup study reveals a positive connection between regular church attendance and a positive self-evaluation of one’s mental health. I invited experts to give their opinions on these findings and what it is about church attendance that contributes to positive mental health. [More]

The "It Gets Better" project aims to reduce suicide among LGBT adolescents by offering narratives by mainly adult LGBT persons. A recent, but very small study, found both positive and negative aspects of these campaigns. Messages were helpful for promoting hope, but there was a perceived lack of diversity on sexual identities, and some shallowness around suicidal ideation. I invited experts to comment on whether these types of campaigns can make a difference. [More]

Participation in creative activities is linked with positive outcomes for people with mental illness. A recent small, longitudinal, and qualitative study found that participants in a series of creative workshops enjoyed a range of creative mediums, valued peer support, and shared their stories. Overall, workshop participation improved confidence and understanding about their illness. [More]

Clinical Psychologist Dr. Anthony Bean is the CEO of Geek Therapeutics, which aims to bridge “the gap between geeks and therapists”. But is there a market for this type of therapy? I invited Bean and other experts to give their thoughts on therapy specifically for geeks. [More]

A study in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry reviewed language used in studies about biological causes of mental health disorders, noting that, “The message delivered to laypeople is that mental disorders are brain diseases cured by scientifically designed medications.” The implication is that the media is too quick to cover studies that lean toward reductionist theories. [More]

Smartphones may or may not be evil - depending on whom you ask. Some studies show people spend too much time on their phones which negatively impacts their mental health. Others claim it's how people feel about their use more than the use itself. [More]

Smartphone use is vilified for negatively impacting mental health but a study from Technology, Mind, and Behavior indicates smartphones are not be so bad after all. The authors suggest that screen time is not a predictor of negative mental health symptoms. Instead it’s worries about phone use that’s the problem. [More]

COVID-19 has affected all communities in some way, economically, physically,and mentally. New data released by the HRC and PSB research found that “LGBTQ people are more likely to have experienced a cut in work hours, are more likely to feel that their personal finances are in worse shape and are more likely to be taking steps to actively prepare for the virus.” [More]

According to a study from the UK, pets are an important source of emotional support for many people during lockdown, reducing and improving people’s mental health. But not everyone recognizes the long-term commitment required with owning a pet. [More]

“Zoom fatigue” is a catchphrase for 2020 as the pandemic forced in person meetings online. But is there a better alternative? A study by Ericsson, “The Dematerialized Office”, predicts that augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) would “enable the experience of collaborating in the same room with colleagues.'' If this becomes a routine solution in the business world, it will likely become commonplace for personal use, including therapy. However, is this introducing another potential solution that people will grow tired of? [More]