Mental Health NewsFeed

January 5, 2025

UK Study: Semi-Skimmed Milk Lowers Depression Risk

A large UK study found that drinking semi-skimmed milk daily may reduce the risk of depression and anxiety. The study, conducted by researchers from the Southern Medical University in China, discovered that those who regularly drank semi-skimmed milk were nearly a third less likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and 16 per cent less likely to be depressed compared to those who did not drink any milk. In contrast, vegans who consumed alternatives such as soya or oat milk were more likely to develop anxiety or depression. The researchers suggested that the balance of fats in semi-skimmed milk may have a beneficial effect on the brain and boost levels of 'feel-good' hormones serotonin and dopamine.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14251081/skimmed-milk-cut-chances-depression-anxiety-research.html

January 5, 2025

Vanderbilt AI Aids Docs in Suicide Risk Assessments

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have developed an artificial intelligence system called the Vanderbilt Suicide Attempt and Ideation Likelihood model (VSAIL) that can help doctors identify patients at risk for suicide during routine medical visits. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, found that interruptive alerts from the AI system were more effective than a passive system in prompting doctors to conduct suicide risk assessments. According to the research, doctors conducted suicide risk assessments in 42% of cases when alerted by the VSAIL system, compared to just 4% with the passive system. The study suggests that this technology could potentially improve prevention efforts in medical settings, as most people who die by suicide have seen a healthcare provider in the year before their death.

https://www.lokmattimes.com/health/ai-can-spot-patients-at-risk-for-suicide-finds-study/

Veerang Vats Warns on Stress's Silent Killer Impact

Chronic stress has been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases, specifically heart disease and high blood pressure. According to Veerang Vats, managing stress effectively is crucial for overall health.

https://www.livemint.com/web-stories/5-ways-stress-impacts-your-health-and-how-to-combat-it-visual-story-11736064174645.html

January 4, 2025

Actress Blames Smartphones for Sleepless Nights

Actress revealed that her smartphone usage affects her sleep, citing the constant stream of information as a contributing factor to her difficulty falling asleep at night. According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 30% of Americans experience insomnia, but she stopped short of saying she personally struggles with it.

https://nypost.com/2025/01/04/entertainment/jennifer-aniston-55-gets-candid-on-her-battle-with-surprisingly-common-health-condition/

January 4, 2025

Autistic Woman Breaks Silence on Eating Disorders

A woman who has struggled with an eating disorder is speaking out to let others know that there is a way out. She wants neurodivergent people, particularly those struggling with disordered eating, to feel seen and heard. The woman's message comes as research suggests that there may be a common trait among people with eating disorders that many are not aware of.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-06/eating-disorder-arfid-picky-eating/104648840

January 4, 2025

Betrayed by the Man I Loved Most

A woman who has lost her husband is struggling with feelings of anger towards him, but is hesitant to express them due to a desire to maintain a positive memory of him.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-14236591/DEAR-CAROLINE-daughter-says-Ive-ruined-image-perfect-dad-anger-devastated-me.html

January 4, 2025

Caroline Susie's 1-2-3 Drinking Moderation Plan

Registered dietitian Caroline Susie recommends the "1-2-3 rule" to help individuals moderate their alcohol consumption, suggesting they limit themselves to one or two drinks at social events and drink water in between. To maintain this habit, Metzelaar advises tracking daily drinking patterns through journaling to identify triggers such as social anxiety or work stress. She also suggests abstaining from alcohol for a few days a week, citing studies that show even moderate drinking can be linked to cancer.

https://www.insider.com/123-drinking-rule-how-much-alcohol-too-much

January 4, 2025

Christina Lau's Artistic Grief Therapy in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, many residents are struggling to cope with their grief after the death of loved ones, particularly in the wake of the success of the movie "The Last Dance". Christina Lau Siu-mui, a resident who lost her mother to cancer about a year ago, has found solace in creative therapies. She uses art to express her emotions, painting a serene scene on the underside of a small wooden box that she keeps as a reminder of happier times with her mother. This coping mechanism is part of an NGO project aimed at helping bereaved Hongkongers process their unspoken grief, which often gets suppressed in the city's fast-paced society.

https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3293492/how-creative-therapies-help-bereaved-hongkongers-process-unspoken-grief?module=top_story&pgtype=section

January 4, 2025

Dr. Vasquez' Blueprint for Peak Athletic Performance

Dr. Marissa Vasquez, lead team physician for the LA Dodgers, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing injury prevention in sports and athletics by incorporating cross-training and proper nutrition and hydration into one's routine. She also stresses the need to make time for rest and mindfulness, unplugging from constant activity to allow the body to recover.

https://www.montanarightnow.com/lifestyles/health/7-surprising-ways-to-make-2025-healthy/article_e699f862-874f-52cb-a5ba-bb1baaaa030b.html