As the new year approaches, psychotherapist Julia Samuel suggests that people's tendency to plan and predict the future can be driven by a desire for security. Reflecting on the past year, many may feel apprehensive about what 2025 holds, but Samuel advises looking back at 2024 as an opportunity to learn and grow.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14232873/From-hugs-dog-walks-watching-Michael-McIntyre-Psychotherapist-JULIA-SAMUELS-tips-happy-2025.htmlThe city is considering ways to address the needs of a local community, specifically focusing on mental health, health issues, and addiction crises. A representative mentioned that the community requires support in overcoming these challenges. The city is also exploring alternative options for a shelter, including potentially relocating it or reassessing its necessity.
https://www.montanarightnow.com/missoula/missoulas-johnson-street-shelter-to-be-redeveloped/article_37ff421c-c4af-11ef-86ed-47fda82da71f.htmlAs Russia's war against Ukraine marks its third year, a growing need for rehabilitation centers focused on soldiers' mental health is emerging across the country. In response to this need, Omelyan Oshchudlyak, an active serviceman from the Carpathian Mountains, has established a center in his native village to provide support and care to those affected by the conflict.
https://www.voanews.com/a/ukrainian-soldiers-find-rest-restoration-at-carpathian-mountain-retreat/7917062.htmlPsychologists and organizations are warning that President-elect Donald Trump's threats of mass deportations are having a detrimental impact on the mental health of many immigrants. According to experts, the uncertainty and fear caused by these threats is leading to increased anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among immigrant communities in cities such as Los Angeles and New York. Organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness are providing support services to help mitigate the effects of this stress, while also advocating for policies that protect the rights of immigrants.
https://www.voanews.com/a/voa-spanish-mass-deportation-plan-affects-mental-health-of-many-immigrants-psychologists-say-/7916480.htmlThe number of people experiencing homelessness in the US has increased by nearly 33% over the past four years, with many communities taking a hard line against homelessness by enforcing bans on camping. However, there is some positive news as homelessness among veterans continues to trend downwards, dropping 8% to 32,882 in 2024. Cities such as Dallas and Los Angeles have also seen success in reducing their homeless numbers through overhauls of their systems and increased housing for the homeless. Despite this progress, California remains the state with the nation's largest homeless population, followed by New York, Washington, Florida, and Massachusetts. Robert Marbut Jr., a former executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, has called for a shift in focus from permanent housing to treatment of substance use and mental illness, while advocates argue that punishing people who need a place to sleep would criminalize homelessness.
https://apnews.com/article/homelessness-population-count-2024-hud-migrants-2e0e2b4503b754612a1d0b3b73abf75fThe University of Dubai (UoBD) has launched a professional development program for social care professionals in Dubai. The program aims to empower professionals by providing them with globally informed, evidence-based practice in areas such as relational and compassionate practice, risk assessment and management, and trauma-informed approaches. The program will also focus on developing skills like active listening and authentic communication to foster trust, collaboration, and meaningful connections. Dr Anthony Murphy, Associate Professor and Director of Psychology Programmes at UoBD, said the program is designed in partnership with the Community Development Authority (CDA) and involves other key entities within the region to ensure global and evidence-based practice are at the forefront of their work. The program will be open to all individuals who work in tandem with the CDA in a social care professional role and will provide candidates with extensive opportunities for engaging with technology, as well as interactive in-person content.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/education/dubai-learn-compassion-risk-management-in-new-programme-for-care-workers-at-universityThe "PPRC'24" conference kicked off with a keynote session featuring prominent mental health leaders, including Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Provincial Minister for Health and Population Welfare, Prof. Khalid A. Mufti, Patron of the event, and Prof. Dr. Iqbal Afridi, Keynote speaker. The conference explored various topics such as digital addiction in kids and teens, affordable mental health care solutions, substance use prevention strategies for youth, domestic violence awareness, and resistant mental health illnesses. Other sessions focused on innovative solutions for Alzheimer's, supporting caregivers, and managing ADHD in children, all with a focus on holistic and evidence-based approaches to mental health care.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1264801-karwan-e-hayat-institute-for-mental-health-host-pprc-24Brook Choulet, a doctor, notes that the holiday season can be a stressful time for some people, including her patients. She suggests setting boundaries and taking breaks to manage stress during this period.
https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/set-boundaries-take-breaks-how-to-manage-stress-and-enjoy-your-holidays-20241209-p5kwyu.htmlDr. Brunell discussed signs of narcissism, including a constant need for attention and admiration, taking advantage of others, and expecting special favors without reciprocation. She highlighted recent research on narcissists, which suggests that they can change their behavior with effort. A study found that when asked to consider another person's perspective, narcissists became more empathetic, while another study showed that recalling a time when they showed concern for someone else reduced their narcissism over time.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14215341/key-signs-partner-narcissist-easy-way-cope.html