Mental Health NewsFeed

March 21, 2025

Menopause Misdiagnosed as Eating Disorder in Midlife Women

Women are experiencing confusion between menopausal symptoms and eating disorder signs, leading to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Professor Gemma Sharp of the University of Queensland notes that significant stressors like school, parenthood, or career changes can trigger this confusion. Sue Cody, a 55-year-old from Victoria, struggled with bulimia in her 20s but experienced a relapse during perimenopause due to lack of knowledge about menopause. She gained weight and felt overwhelmed, despite receiving some support from her GP. An estimated 75% of women aged 42-52 experience body dissatisfaction, leading to higher rates of depressive symptoms.

https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/absolutely-brutal-the-hidden-group-at-risk-of-eating-disorders-20250307-p5lhr7.html

Othello's Battle Scars Haunt His Domestic Life

Othello's experiences in battle have left him with symptoms of PTSD, including seizures, anger outbursts, paranoia, and depressive thoughts. He recalls Iago's traumatic experience during a cannon blast that killed his brother, mirroring the devastating effects of war on soldiers. This is reflected in Shakespeare's portrayal of Othello's struggles with domestic violence and suicidal tendencies.

https://www.theatlantic.com/books/archive/2025/03/what-shakespeare-got-right-about-ptsd/682132/

Trauma Triggers Insomnia in PTSD Survivors Everywhere

Trauma can significantly disrupt sleep patterns, exacerbating daytime anxiety and hindering recovery. The autonomic nervous system's instability after a traumatic event triggers hyperarousal, leading to insomnia, frequent awakenings, and restless sleep. This state of constant alertness prevents the brain from entering deep sleep phases, causing disruptions in REM sleep cycles that can lead to intense nightmares, flashbacks, and difficulty regulating emotions. As a result, trauma survivors may experience worsening PTSD symptoms, increased anxiety, and impaired emotion regulation, creating a challenging cycle that makes recovery more difficult.

https://en.tempo.co/read/1989217/how-does-trauma-trigger-bad-dreams-the-science-explained

March 20, 2025

Dr. Walsh's Breakup Recovery Strategy Unveiled

People with anxious attachment styles often struggle to move on after breakups due to their intense emotional investment in the relationship. Dr. Walsh suggests that removing triggers, such as social media or places where memories of the ex were made, can help alleviate feelings of devastation. By creating a brain-free zone, individuals can focus on healing and moving forward, rather than dwelling on past emotions.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14519651/relationship-expert-best-ways-ex-wendy-walsh.html

March 20, 2025

Frankie's Soothing Getaway with Friend in Marbella

Frankie, a member of The Saturdays, was spotted looking relaxed on a sun bed with a friend. She wore stylish sunglasses, gold earrings, and loose waves in her hair. Frankie has been open about her struggles with depression, which led to hospitalization in 2011. Recently, she discussed her ongoing health battle on Loose Women alongside Judi Love, Charlene White, and Nadia Sawalha, drawing from her own experience of treatment-resistant depression that doesn't respond well to antidepressants.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14519707/Frankie-Bridge-toned-physique-stylish-activewear-home-gym.html

March 20, 2025

Friends Share Mental Health Struggles in Australia

A photo of Jennifer Leonforte and Gabby Bennett, two friends who have struggled with mental illness, shows the devastating impact of self-loathing on their lives. The friends' struggles with depression are a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many young people in Australia. In related news, the EU has reiterated its support for Ukraine as Australia joins high-level London talks on the war. Meanwhile, US tech giants have lobbied Trump to tackle Australian social media rules, while Woolies and Coles have been found to have a limited incentive to compete hard on price.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2025-03-21/self-hatred-explained-treatment-origins-mental-health/105014806

March 20, 2025

Netflix's Adolescence Sparks Online Misogyny Debate

A Netflix series, Adolescence, has sparked controversy over its portrayal of a 13-year-old boy who becomes embroiled in online misogyny and eventually murders a schoolgirl. The show's creator, Stephen Graham, is also the father of one of the main characters, Jamie Miller, played by Owen Cooper. The series has gained significant attention, with 24.3 million views in its first four days, and has been praised for highlighting the dangers of social media on children. Campaigners like Laura Bates have long warned about the risks of online exposure to young people, while a recent court case highlighted the horrific crimes committed by a teenager who spent hours researching violent acts online before killing his mother and siblings.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14519865/Bryony-Gordon-daughter-tech-algorithms-Netflix-Adolescence.html

March 20, 2025

TikTok's AI Filter Sparks Body Image Concerns

TikTok's new AI filter has been criticized by Danni Rowlands, head of prevention at the Butterfly Foundation, for promoting unrealistic body ideals and potentially harming users' mental health. The filter encourages users to generate images of themselves as a "chubby" version, which Rowlands believes reinforces the notion that skinny is preferred over larger body types, leading to negative consequences for those who don't fit the sample size.

https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/tiktok-says-this-ai-filter-is-hilarious-not-everyone-is-laughing-20250319-p5lkua.html

March 20, 2025

South Bronx Prep's Mental Health Continuum Succeeds Despite Budget Cuts

A school-based mental health program is having a positive impact on students' attendance and well-being. The Mental Health Continuum, launched in previous years but initially left out of the mayor's budget, has seen improvements in student attendance and grades after receiving regular weekly therapy sessions. Principal Ellen Flanagan of South Bronx Preparatory: A College Board School reports that one student was able to attend therapy sessions at school without disrupting her family income, while another student who struggled with panic attacks saw improved attendance and grades after participating in the program.

https://www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2025/03/20/eric-adams-mental-health-continuum-school-based-clinics-funding-budget-cut/