A cross-border clinical trial called SUMMIT recruited participants from Mount Sinai Hospital and Women's College Hospital in Toronto, as well as the University of North Carolina and Endeavor Health in the US. The trial tested behavioural activation therapy online with a psychiatrist for postpartum depression. Participant Andrea Fagundez, 38, from Toronto, found the therapy helpful in managing her symptoms after giving birth to her daughter Maia. She credited the therapy with teaching her tools to reframe negative thoughts and feelings of isolation. Registered nurse Michelle Amato delivered the therapy and initially felt skeptical but was moved by the positive impact it had on participants.
https://thestar.com/news/ontario/nurses-midwives-can-help-treat-depression-during-pregnancy-and-new-motherhood-study/article_7f019217-6b0f-5887-a58a-6f345c96e2a5.htmlPeople seeking acute care for hallucinogen use are more likely to live in low-income neighborhoods and have a history of homelessness or mental health issues. They face a higher risk of death compared to those with alcohol-related acute care, but lower than those with opioid or stimulant use. Dr. Marco Solmi notes the need for further investigation into the benefits and risks of hallucinogen use outside clinical trial settings due to its rapid increase in general population use.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/health/ketamine-psychedelic-use-may-raise-death-risk-by-26-fold-study/TikTok hosted a closed-door session with 30 civil society organizations on February 11, 2025, to celebrate Safer Internet Day. The event aimed to ensure TikTok remains a safe space for its Philippine community, focusing on child safety, misinformation, women's rights, human exploitation, mental health, and disaster relief.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/03/04/tmt-newswire/tiktok-marks-safer-internet-day-with-creators-election-watchdogs/2065769Postpartum depression (PPD) is a severe and prolonged form of depression that can significantly impact a mother's ability to care for herself and her baby. According to Dr. Foo, the key difference between baby blues and PPD lies in the severity and duration of symptoms. Women with PPD are at risk of experiencing anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which can manifest as excessive worry about their baby's health or intrusive thoughts about harm coming to the baby. Diagnosis involves clinical assessments and standardised questionnaires, while treatment options vary depending on symptom severity, including lifestyle changes, therapy, and medication. Preventive measures such as creating a postpartum support plan and prioritising self-care can reduce the risk of developing PPD. Early intervention and ongoing care are crucial for long-term mental well-being, and women who have experienced PPD in the past are at higher risk of recurrence in future pregnancies.
https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/family/2025/02/28/time-to-thrive-a-mother039s-story-about-overcoming-postpartum-depressionThe Ministry of Youth, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and UNICEF, has launched "Healthy Minds, Bright Futures", a joint mental health programme for young people in Jordan. The launch event at Al Hussein Youth City introduced two guides, one for young people and another for professionals working with youth. Minister of Youth Yazan Shdaifat emphasized the importance of accessible mental health support, while Secretary-General of the Ministry of Health Raed Shboul highlighted the integration of mental health services into primary healthcare. UNICEF Representative Philippe Duamelle noted that mental health issues among youth are a growing global phenomenon affecting millions worldwide. The programme aims to provide young people with tools to manage their mental well-being and seek support without fear of stigma, as well as empower professionals to address mental health challenges.
https://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/youth-health-ministries-unicef-launch-mental-health-programmeKerala, known for its exemplary social and health indicators, is facing a pressing crisis due to the alarming deterioration of mental health. The state has seen an increase in incidents of suicides, familicides, and crimes fueled by drug abuse among youth, indicating a severe mental health issue.
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/tamil-nadu/no-health-without-mental-health-1864285A growing movement towards "analogue wellness" is gaining momentum, with research director Beth McGroarty predicting a shift away from digital lives towards more mindful, offline experiences by 2025. This trend is driven by concerns over the negative impact of excessive online time on brain health, including increased risk of dementia and stroke, as well as rising rates of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders among teens and young adults.
https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3300337/farming-phone-free-retreats-analogue-wellness-new-digital-detox-trend?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionWest Virginia's foster care system is under scrutiny due to concerns over children being housed in hotels, motels, and other non-child-welfare housing. The state has the highest rate of children in foster care among states with the most overdose deaths per capita. A recent class-action lawsuit alleged that the state's foster care children's needs have gone unmet due to a shortage of caseworkers, institutionalization, and lack of mental health support. Following a child's suicide attempt at a hotel, a judge ordered procedures to be implemented to prevent similar oversights in the future. The West Virginia Department of Human Services has begun meeting with providers to improve the system, with Cabinet Secretary Alex Mayer stating that the goal is to provide children with "appropriate levels of care" and support.
https://thestar.com/news/world/united-states/a-west-virginia-judge-orders-monitor-for-foster-kids-in-hotels-as-another-dismisses-a/article_3a067b17-62c3-5b5f-b25c-b0bfc9a12cfe.htmlThe Toy Association's trends team has identified key trends in the toy industry, including a focus on skills-building toys that promote STEM education, outdoor play, and mental health benefits. Parents are increasingly seeking toys that encourage movement, learning, and emotional well-being. To stay relevant, toymakers will need to offer customizable products and personalized shopping experiences, mirroring social media algorithms, to appeal to kids' unique interests and preferences.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/top-toy-trends-unveiled-at-toy-fair-302388981.html