Sydney life coach and counsellor Linda Magson has cautioned against making unrealistic New Year's resolutions, suggesting that failure could have negative consequences for one's wellbeing. Instead, she recommends focusing on small, specific changes such as decluttering and creating a "joy list", which is a personal catalogue of activities that bring happiness.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14184153/New-Years-resolution.htmlManitoba Premier Wab Kinew announced government initiatives aimed at bolstering mental health supports in Winnipeg. A partnership with the downtown Winnipeg foot patrol is being established and 25 additional mental health staff will be funded to work alongside police. The provincial government plans to add more positions in this year's budget, but has not committed to funding a fourth emergency service.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/support-better-care-advocates-argue-need-for-mental-health-emergency-service-1.7164818Healthcare professionals played a crucial role in responding to the Bourbon Street terror attack, not only by providing emergency medical treatment but also by serving as emotional support for families of those affected. They helped reunite loved ones with patients who were hospitalized and provided updates on their conditions. This dual responsibility allowed them to make a significant impact during a traumatic event.
https://www.khou.com/article/news/crime/bourbon-street-attack/more-than-30-hospitalized-lcmc-health-bourbon-street-attack/289-26c75586-869e-4b67-8d77-a0e0a9d1e986China's National Health Commission plans to address gaps in its mental health services from 2025 to 2027. The commission aims to establish regional mental health centers and develop key clinical specialties in mental health, as well as set up a mental health hotline. This move comes as authorities try to tackle an increasing number of mental health issues among children and adolescents in the country.
https://www.asiaone.com/china/china-health-commission-narrow-gaps-mental-health-servicesDr. John Leary, a mental health expert based in New York City, suggests that stress can be beneficial for mental acuity and resilience. He advises his clients to view daily life in the city as a form of exercise that builds mental strength, much like physical exercise builds muscle mass. According to Dr. Leary, people need resistance to grow mentally, just as they do physically, and he encourages them to reframe their relationship with stress and pain, viewing it as an opportunity for growth rather than something to be avoided.
https://nypost.com/2025/01/02/business/wellness-guru-dr-jonathan-leary-says-why-stress-is-good-for-you/Officer Stoneburner, a law enforcement officer in Montana, died by suicide, highlighting the need for better mental health support within the profession. Colleagues and friends remembered her dedication to her work at a memorial service, which included an "End of Watch" final dispatch and a flag passing to her family. The incident underscores the importance of recognizing signs of mental health struggles and seeking help, with resources available through organizations such as the Montana chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the 24-hour Suicide and Crisis hotline (988).
https://www.kpax.com/news/montana-news/memorial-service-held-for-west-yellowstone-police-officer-ashlee-stoneburnerUkrainian forces are struggling with desertions as many of their most motivated fighters have been killed or wounded, leaving behind a growing number of troops who are forced to flee the fighting without permission. According to Lieutenant Colonel Siver, commander of the 1st Separate Assault Battalion, also known as Da Vinci, this is partly due to the harsh realities of war, which can be difficult for some soldiers to cope with. He notes that systemic changes in military culture and leadership could help deter desertions by providing better psychological support and training to prepare troops for the stresses of battle.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/01/02/not-many-are-made-for-war-ukrainian-soldiers-face-guilt-fear-as-desertion-cases-mount-from-fatigue/161733In a recent case, Palestinian man Obaiyat was detained in an October pre-dawn raid and later diagnosed with severe PTSD related to his time at Israel's Ktz'iot prison. Medical notes from Bethlehem Psychiatric Hospital described symptoms including anxiety, withdrawal from family, and avoidance of discussion of traumatic events. The hospital noted that Obaiyat was subjected to physical and psychological violence and torture in prison. This case is part of a larger issue of alleged abuses and psychological harm to Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons and camps, which has come under renewed focus amid efforts to secure a ceasefire. Four other Palestinian men detained by Israel since the war's outbreak also described lasting psychological scars attributed to abuses including beatings, sleep deprivation, and prolonged restraint in stress positions during their time inside. The Israeli military has denied allegations of systematic abuse within its detention facilities, while human rights groups have reported grave abuses of Palestinians in Israeli detention.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/01/01/not-interrogation-but-destruction-former-palestinian-prisoners-recount-physical-mental-torture-in-israeli-detention-camps/161737Sentry Insurance is donating an additional $1 million to the Maui United Way to support youth mental health services on the island of Maui, Hawaii. This contribution builds on the Sentry Mālama Nā Keiki initiative, which provides mental health counseling to children in schools, parks and community centers where they feel most comfortable. The initiative was announced ahead of the Sentry PGA TOUR tournament at Kapalua from January 2-5, 2025.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sentry-donates-additional-1-million-to-maui-united-way-for-youth-mental-health-support-302340698.html