Mental Health NewsFeed

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/

March 20, 2025

Australians Struggle with Rising Suicide Rates

The suicide rate in Australia has been increasing over the past decade, with over 3,000 Australians taking their lives every year. If you suspect a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14. Signs of emotional distress include restlessness, emotional outbursts, withdrawing from social connections, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns. These behaviors can be subtle, but increased use of alcohol or drugs, ignoring messages, and talking about not wanting to be around anymore are warning signs that require immediate attention.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/real-life/article-14509617/Losing-father-suicide-13-letters-revealed-truth.html

Boss Orders Employee to Clean Desk Amid Anxiety Fears

A Sydney Morning Herald article suggests that a workplace is not providing adequate support for employees' mental health, as evidenced by the request from an employee's boss to tidy their immaculate desk, implying that the employee may be experiencing anxiety or stress related to work demands.

https://www.smh.com.au/business/workplace/why-does-my-boss-keep-asking-me-to-tidy-my-immaculate-desk-20250319-p5lkux.html

March 20, 2025

Experts Warn of Isolation's Lasting Impact on Children

Outdoor play is crucial for children's physical, social, creative, and emotional development, according to experts Shabbar Naqvi, Anmol Fatima, and Parsa Batool. Without access to these opportunities, children may experience psychological issues and social isolation, which can have lasting impacts on their personality and mental health.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1293459-games-important-for-children-s-health

Montefiore Expands Care in South Bronx Neighborhoods

Montefiore Health System is expanding its local care options with a focus on providing robust support to patients in need, particularly in the South Bronx. The system has received funding from the New York State Office of Mental Health to establish a Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program and an Adult Psychiatric Partial Hospitalization Program. Additionally, a new Child Outpatient Mental Health Clinic will be added, further enhancing Montefiore's network and services for the community.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/montefiore-announces-new-mental-health-programs-filling-critical-care-gaps-for-those-who-need-it-most-302406438.html

TikTok Users with ADHD Misjudge Video Quality

A study on TikTok found that users with self-diagnosed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) were more likely to watch lower-rated videos favorably, while those with a clinical diagnosis were better at distinguishing quality information. The researchers, including PhD student Vasileia Karasavva, warn that the platform's reliance on personal anecdotes can lead to misunderstandings about ADHD and mental health.

https://www.euronews.com/health/2025/03/19/popular-adhd-tiktok-videos-often-do-not-accurately-reflect-symptoms-experts-say

Kayak Co-Founder Paul English Opens Up About Bipolar Disorder

Paul English, co-founder of Kayak, a travel search engine sold for $2.1 billion in 2013, has spoken about how his bipolar disorder affected his career. Diagnosed with the illness at 25, he initially hid it from others due to fear of being perceived as "crazy." However, by the time he started Kayak, he had become more open about his struggles. This vulnerability helped create a team culture where employees felt comfortable sharing their own challenges. English prioritized building a great team and hired talented individuals who shared similar values. He also focused on customer satisfaction, taking personal calls to ensure prompt responses from engineers, which led to high customer satisfaction rates.

https://www.insider.com/kayak-founder-paul-english-bipolar-illness-leadership-2025-3

NIMHANS Partners with Defence Forces on Mental Health Care

The Director of NIMHANS, Dr Pratima Murthy, has emphasized the importance of providing mental health care to armed forces personnel. A collaborative venture between NIMHANS and another organization aims to offer comprehensive mental health services, setting a benchmark for similar initiatives across the country.

https://www.lokmattimes.com/technology/nimhans-armed-forces-medical-services-tie-up-to-boost-well-being-of-defense-personnel-2/