Indian authorities have vowed to bring those responsible for recent militant attacks in Jammu's Kathua district to justice. The area, which saw a decline in militant activities by 2019, has experienced a surge in violence in recent years. Those struggling with suicidal thoughts can seek help from Sanjivini, the Society for Mental Health suicide prevention helpline (011-4076 9002), available Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jk-l-g-orders-probe-into-kathua-deaths/article69310097.eceIn Koppal, two suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack on a local woman, who was also sexually assaulted along with another victim. The police are now focusing on apprehending the third suspect. This incident comes amid heightened awareness and stricter punishments for such crimes, following high-profile cases like the 2012 Delhi bus gang rape and murder of a young doctor, which led to nationwide protests and hospital strikes last year.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/594550-two-arrested-over-gang-rape-of-israeli-tourist-and-local-woman-in-indiaA man believed to be suffering from mental health issues caused a disturbance during Sunday's Sunset Mass at St Joseph’s Cathedral in Kuching, Malaysia. The incident was confirmed by ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah, who stated that the man had documentation from Hospital Sentosa confirming his mental health challenges. His parent later provided further verification of his condition, citing possible missed medication doses as a contributing factor to the recurrence of symptoms. During the incident, the man made derogatory remarks against Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and racist comments outside the cathedral before being detained by police.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/03/09/kuching-police-detain-man-with-mental-health-issues-for-causing-commotion-at-st-josephs-cathedral/169073A study by scientists at Israel's Haifa University analyzed the psychological responses of over 650 survivors of the Nova Music Festival attack in southern Israel. The research found that those who took MDMA, LSD, marijuana or psilocybin (magic mushrooms) before the attack coped better mentally in the first five months afterwards. Hormones such as oxytocin triggered by these substances may have promoted bonding and reduced fear among partygoers, leading to improved sleep and reduced mental distress. Survivors reported that the substances helped them cope with the traumatic event, with one saying it "saved her life" by allowing her to disconnect from reality and avoid freezing or collapsing in fear.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/mdma-lsd-may-have-protected-festivalgoers-from-october-7-trauma-study-claims-7881503Mind Medicine secured a breakthrough therapy designation from the FDA for its MM120 treatment, leading to pipeline expansion into Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorders (GAD). The company received an Innovation Passport from the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency for MM120 ODT. Mind Medicine also obtained a patent for MM120 ODT, extending its protection until 2041. The company plans to enroll patients in Phase 3 studies for GAD and MDD by 2025.
https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/mind-medicine-s-mnmd-recent-achievements-boosting-stock-1034455815A recent study calls for a shift in workplace culture to better support working mothers, highlighting the challenges they face balancing career and caregiving. The research advocates for inclusive policies such as flexible hours and dedicated spaces for breastfeeding. Close to 80% of mothers work outside the home but are consistently paid less and passed over for job opportunities. A survey from the US found that two-thirds of mothers considered leaving the workforce in 2024 due to stress and childcare costs, with Gen Z mothers being most affected, reporting these concerns at an 82% rate.
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/culture-and-society/modern-workplaces-need-to-change-for-mothers-a-call-for-action-1865798A study published in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology found that excessive screen time among children aged 10-11 in the US was linked to increased symptoms of manic episodes, including inflated self-esteem, decreased sleep needs, and impulsivity. The study analyzed data from 9,243 children and suggested that limiting weekly screen time to less than 3 hours may have a positive effect on behavior and mental health. Experts, such as Kyle Ganson and Sowmyanarayan Sampath, emphasized the importance of cultivating healthy screen use habits early on and setting digital boundaries, particularly for kids, to prevent mental health issues.
https://www.foxnews.com/health/excessive-phone-screen-use-tied-manic-symptoms-group-studyA study found that young people who spent more time on social media, texting, videos, and video games were more likely to exhibit symptoms of bipolar-spectrum disorders, including inflated self-esteem, decreased sleep needs, distractibility, rapid speech, racing thoughts, and impulsivity. Dr. Kyle Ganson, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto's Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, emphasized the importance of developing healthy screen use habits early on to prevent such behaviors.
https://nypost.com/2025/03/08/tech/excessive-phone-and-screen-use-tied-to-manic-symptoms-in-pre-teens-study/Muhammad Bahajjaj met with three winners of the Outstanding Social Worker Award, including Dr. Fatima Hassan from the University of Cairo, who suggested increasing community outreach programs to reach underprivileged areas. Dr. Amira Abdel-Rahim proposed a collaboration between social workers and local businesses to provide job training and placement services for at-risk youth in Alexandria. Meanwhile, Ms. Leila Hassan recommended integrating mental health support into existing social services to address the growing need for emotional support in rural communities.
https://channelnewsasia.com/watch/social-service-leaders-note-worker-burnout-prevailing-issue-4988661