Mental Health NewsFeed

January 8, 2025

UAE Boosts Health Insurance Coverage Limits

The UAE's health insurance market has seen enhancements in coverage for critical needs such as organ transplant, dialysis and mental health outpatient counselling. For example, recipients of organ transplants are now covered up to Dh100,000, while those undergoing dialysis can receive up to Dh60,000. Additionally, individuals receiving annual drug and medicine costs are restricted to formulary products up to Dh2,500. Other benefits include dental coverage up to Dh500 and repatriation costs for transporting mortal remains up to Dh5,000. These enhancements come with co-insurance limits such as 20 per cent for organ transplantation and dialysis, and 30 per cent for outpatient counselling and prescription medicines.

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/dubai-insurers-add-dental-mental-health-coverage-as-premiums-rise-up-to-20

Ann Altman Sues Brother Over Childhood Abuse Claims

Ann Altman has filed a lawsuit against her brother alleging that she suffered from depression, emotional distress, and mental anguish due to alleged abuse at their childhood home in Clayton, Missouri. This is the first legal action taken by Altman following similar claims made on social media.

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2025/01/08/Sam-Altman-OpenAI-sexual-assault-lawsuit-sister/9001736341250/

January 8, 2025

Dr. Adak Pirmorady Prescribes Writing Therapy

Dr. Adak Pirmorady recommends writing therapy as a tool for self-discovery that can help individuals gain insight into their subconscious thoughts and emotions. The process involves writing freely without editing or censoring oneself, allowing for a deeper understanding of one's mental health. Dr. Pirmorady notes that this practice can lead to painful realisations, but ultimately helps individuals develop a better understanding of themselves.

https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3293596/how-writing-therapy-helps-you-get-know-yourself-better-all-you-need-pen-and-paper?module=top_story&pgtype=section

Finding Companionship in Solitude with Derek Thompson

Derek Thompson, a staff writer at The Atlantic, reflects on how people can improve their daily lives by finding companionship in moments of solitude. He references three books that explore themes of social connection and community, including "Bowling Alone" by Robert D. Putnam, which examines the decline of American community, and "The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt, which explores how childhood experiences contribute to mental illness. Thompson also mentions "Superbloom", a book by Nicholas Carr that discusses how technology can both unite and isolate people.

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2025/02/american-loneliness-personality-politics/681091/

Missouri Lawmakers Eye Psilocybin for PTSD Treatment

Missouri lawmakers are considering the potential benefits of psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in mushrooms, as a treatment for mental disorders such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Studies have shown promising results, which could potentially address Missouri's high veteran suicide rate. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Missouri had 171 veteran suicides in 2022, with a rate significantly higher than the national average.

https://stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/missouri-lawmakers-look-to-alternative-medicine-to-address-high-veteran-suicide-rate/article_fa5f3a6c-cd22-11ef-9e12-af40d365ad39.html

MP Wan Rizal Seeks Mental Health Clarification

MP Wan Rizal stated that the Workplace Fairness Bill's provisions on mental health represent a significant step towards creating inclusive and compassionate workplaces. The bill recognizes mental health conditions as a protected characteristic, providing a safety net for workers and promoting equitable treatment to reduce stigmatisation. MP Wan Rizal sought clarification on how mental health conditions would be defined and what medical certifications or diagnostic criteria are required for them to qualify as a protected characteristic under the Bill.

https://channelnewsasia.com/watch/wan-rizal-workplace-fairness-bill-4845136

Nema Health Secures $14.5M in Funding Boost

Nema Health, a virtual trauma and PTSD care solution, has secured $14.5 million in Series A funding led by Deerfield Management and CVS Health Ventures. The company's existing investors, including Optum Ventures, .406 Ventures, and GreyMatter, also participated in the round. Nema's therapy model is based on Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and is peer-led, with other trauma survivors working alongside patients throughout their recovery. The program has shown promising results, with 91% of patients experiencing clinical improvement after completing 4-6 weeks of treatment and 82% no longer meeting the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis. Nema's goal is to make its virtual treatment model accessible to the over 13 million Americans struggling with PTSD, and it plans to expand to more states this year. The funding will be used to continue expanding the company's treatment across markets, broaden insurance coverage, and deepen its care offerings.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nema-health-raises-14-5-million-series-a-to-expand-virtual-ptsd-treatment-model-and-promote-long-term-healing-302346159.html

Teacher Accused of Promoting Self-Harm in Class

A former teacher at a school in the United States is accused of instructing vulnerable children to engage in self-harm, including providing explicit instructions for cutting and choking themselves. The alleged actions of the teacher, identified as Leedy, led to the tragic death of a 13-year-old girl who was found deceased in November 2021.

https://www.ibtimes.sg/who-dr-stephen-leedy-florida-doctor-charged-child-sexual-abuse-self-harm-encouragement-77843

January 7, 2025

Annie Sues Brother Sam Altman for Assault

Annie has filed a lawsuit against her brother Sam Altman, alleging that he committed acts of sexual assault, resulting in severe emotional distress, mental anguish, and depression. The lawsuit seeks damages exceeding $75,000 and a jury trial. This is not the first time Annie has made public allegations against her siblings, as she previously shared similar experiences with her brother Jack Altman on social media platform X in 2021.

https://nypost.com/2025/01/08/business/openais-sam-altman-denies-sex-abuse-allegations-in-sisters-lawsuit/