Mental Health NewsFeed

Quarter of Teens Suffer Social Media Addiction

A study by the German Centre for Addiction Issues in Childhood and Adolescence at the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf found that over a quarter of 10-17 year olds exhibit risky or pathological social media use, with 4.7% considered addicted. The study's lead, Rainer Thomasius, warns that excessive social media use can lead to addiction, neglecting other areas of life and causing serious consequences such as poor school performance, social isolation, and family conflicts. Boys are more likely to be affected, with a higher rate of pathological media use than girls. Parents are advised to intervene quickly if they suspect their child's social media use is problematic, by regulating time and content, showing interest in online activities, and providing guidance. However, many parents struggle to do so, with 40% not limiting their children's media use and a quarter not moderating the content they access online.

https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/03/22/039a-tsunami-of-addiction-disorders039-parents-warned-about-tiktok-risks

Staten Island Teen Raped by Counselor Maya Hayes

A Staten Island teenager was allegedly raped dozens of times by his female counselor, Maya Hayes, at the Brookwood Youth Facility in upstate New York between 2021 and 2022. Hayes, 47, used her position of trust to groom and manipulate the victim into trusting her, before exploiting him for her own depraved benefit. The alleged abuse occurred during frequent counseling sessions in her private office, with the victim claiming it happened over 30 times.

https://nypost.com/2025/03/22/us-news/nyc-teen-raped-by-female-shrink-known-as-big-foot-at-juvie-jail-lawsuit/

TikTok ADHD Videos Spread Misinformation, Study Warns

Stephanie Miller, an influencer and entrepreneur, was diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in 2024. She wants to raise awareness about the condition on social media but is cautious not to spread misinformation she's seen before. New research published in PLOS One found that over half of popular TikTok videos with the #ADHD hashtag contain false claims, contradicting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders used for clinical diagnosis.

https://www.9news.com.au/national/adhd-tiktok-misinformation-steph-claire-smith-social-media/0a28e1d2-1d9d-4b3f-8f35-3228859c3b1c

TikTok Ditches Viral 'Chubby Filter' Amid Backlash

TikTok has removed the "chubby filter", a viral AI feature that made users appear overweight, following criticism it fueled body shaming and a toxic diet culture. The move comes after experts warned it could contribute to eating disorders.

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/technology/tiktok-removes-chubby-filter-after-backlash-over-body-shaming-concerns-1868342

March 22, 2025

Befrienders Ipoh Trains Volunteers in Crisis Support Skills

Befrienders Ipoh's training program for new volunteers focuses on the essentials of befriendering, a crucial skillset to provide emotional support to those in distress or facing suicidal thoughts. Volunteers will learn about active listening, empathy, and non-judgmental communication to create a safe space for individuals to open up. The training also covers crisis intervention techniques, boundary setting, and self-care strategies to ensure volunteers can manage the emotional demands of their role.

https://www.ipohecho.com.my/2025/03/22/befrienders-ipoh-mental-health-series-training/

Namita Thapar Warns Against Marriage, Children at 70-Hour Workweeks

Shark Tank India judge Namita Thapar has advised employees working a 70-hour work week against marriage and children, citing the negative impact on their mental health and overall well-being. She suggests that this excessive workload can lead to burnout and affect their personal relationships. Thapar's advice is based on her own experiences as an entrepreneur and her observations of the challenges faced by many professionals in India.

https://www.livemint.com/news/trends/shark-tank-india-judge-namita-thapar-advises-70-hour-work-week-employees-against-marriage-and-children-heres-why-11742577172779.html

Vikarabad Collector Probes School Suicide Attempt Incident

A suicide attempt by a Class 10 student at a social welfare residential school in Kottagadi, Telangana, has prompted the Vikarabad collector Prateek Jain to submit a detailed report to the Telangana BC Commission. A committee was formed to prepare the report and recommend further action.

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/news/crime/bc-commission-gets-report-on-students-suicide-1868287

March 21, 2025

Boxer Bruno Battles Bipolar Disorder for Years

Bruno, a professional boxer, has spoken publicly about his struggles with bipolar disorder, which led to five knockout defeats and 40 wins throughout his 14-year career. After being sectioned and admitted to Goodmayes Hospital, Bruno's life took a downward turn, prompting him to seek treatment on multiple occasions, including during the coronavirus lockdown in 2021 when he hit rock bottom.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/boxing/article-14521357/Boxing-Frank-Bruno-health-scare.html

March 21, 2025

Bryan Kohberger's Lawyers Seek to Avoid Death Sentence

The defense team for Bryan Kohberger, accused of killing four University of Idaho students in 2022, may be seeking to remove the death penalty as a sentencing option by arguing that he may be on the autism spectrum. A motion titled "Motion to Strike the Death Penalty RE: Autism Spectrum Disorder" was filed in Kohberger's case, but its contents are not publicly available due to an agreement between parties to keep it under seal.

https://www.montanarightnow.com/news/bryan-kohberger-s-defense-may-seek-to-remove-death-penalty-citing-autism-spectrum-disorder/article_bfa8a27b-14ae-5eed-9886-62642ac10d6e.html