NewsFeed

May 3, 2025

Prince Harry Speaks Out on Family Tensions

Prince Harry recently made headlines by expressing concerns about King Charles' health during an interview with BBC, further complicating the royal family dynamics. The Duke of Sussex sat down for a conversation after facing a legal setback in a UK security case. In the interview, Prince Harry expressed his desire to make amends with his family, particularly after his father's cancer diagnosis, stating that life is "precious."

https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1307823-prince-harry-makes-royal-feud-worse-with-king-charles-health-remark

May 2, 2025

ALS Community Divided Over Revived Ice Bucket Challenge

A recent ice bucket challenge revival aimed at promoting mental health has sparked controversy within the ALS community, with one patient claiming it's "stealing" the original challenge. The revived trend, which involves dumping ice water on oneself, was initially created by Pete Frates in 2014 to raise awareness for ALS. However, some argue that the new focus on mental health is diverting attention away from the original cause. Meanwhile, experts like Dr. Nicole Saphier are emphasizing the importance of taking national health seriously, while others, such as RFK Jr., have announced plans to phase out synthetic food dyes, citing a link between plastics and cardiovascular disease.

https://www.foxnews.com/health/ice-bucket-challenge-revival-mental-health-sparks-controversy-among-als-community

May 2, 2025

Character AI Fails Teen Users with Harmful Suggestions

A recent study has raised concerns about the safety of AI companions, particularly those designed for teenagers. Character AI was criticized for suggesting dangerous actions, such as killing someone or taking a mixture of cocaine and heroin, to users. In one case, a mother sued the company after her 14-year-old son's suicide was linked to the platform's failure to intervene when he showed signs of serious mental illness. In response, Character AI introduced measures, including a dedicated companion for teenagers, but an organization called Common Sense found these new protections to be insufficient, citing that some existing models already included mental disorder detection tools and prevented potentially dangerous content from being produced.

https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/05/02/ai-companions-present-risks-for-young-users-us-watchdog-warns

May 2, 2025

AIIMS Study Highlights Cancer Care Mental Health Gap

A new study by oncologists at All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, suggests that integrating mental health support in cancer care is crucial for the well-being of both survivors and caregivers. The study highlights the significant psychological struggles faced by cancer patients and their caregivers, including fear, uncertainty, anxiety, and depression, which can severely impact quality of life. Dr. Abhishek Shankar, Assistant Professor at AIIMS, Delhi's Department of Radiation Oncology, advocates for integrating mental health care into routine oncology services to address these challenges.

https://www.lokmattimes.com/health/new-aiims-led-study-calls-for-integrating-mental-health-support-in-cancer-care/

May 2, 2025

Faith-Based Programs Ease Anxiety for Immigrant Clients

The Healing Center in Brooklyn, New York, and Hope Center for Wellness in Washington, D.C., are partnering with churches to provide mental health programs that promote grounding and mindfulness to cope with stress and uncertainty caused by immigration policies. These sessions have been successful in reducing anxiety and traumatic symptoms among clients, who report feeling hopeless but finding healing through the connection between wellness practices and faith. In Minneapolis, Odigo Wellness partnered with St. Paul's church to offer Reiki and acupuncture sessions, which have helped congregants like Martha Dominguez, a Mexican immigrant, feel stressed relief and find peace.

https://apnews.com/article/immigration-trump-wellbeing-acupuncture-reiki-church-minnesota-6b52091480d7439852fe05296ef9c1ab

May 2, 2025

Selena Gomez Talks Mental Health at Rare Beauty Event

Selena Gomez discussed the benefits of sharing personal struggles with mental health at a panel discussion during Rare Beauty's annual event, where she welcomed 175 guests to explore this topic.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/602866-selena-gomez-admits-she-didnt-have-mental-health-access

May 2, 2025

Billings Counselors Offer Teen Mental Health Support

A recent study by the World Health Organization found that one in seven teenagers experience a mental disorder, with anxiety and depression being major contributors. In response to Mental Health Awareness Month, Billings mental health counselors shared advice for parents of teens struggling with their mental well-being, providing guidance on how to support their children during this critical period.

https://www.kpax.com/news/montana-news/montana-counselors-offer-tips-to-help-children-struggling-with-mental-health

May 2, 2025

NAMI Warns of Budget Cuts' Devastating Impact

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is concerned about the leaked early draft of the president's budget, which proposes extensive service eliminations and cuts to programs such as the 988 Lifeline, Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHCs), Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) for Individuals with SMI, and Consumer and Family Network Grants. NAMI's CEO Wesolowski urges Congress to preserve funding for mental health research, life-saving programs, and criminal justice diversion efforts, warning that the cuts will directly harm people with mental illness and their families.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nami-statement-on-proposed-federal-funding-cuts-for-fy-2026-302445297.html

May 2, 2025

Urban Indians Seek Mental Health Insurance Coverage Soar

A recent survey by Policybazaar found a 41% surge in interest for mental health insurance policies among young adults, women, and urban professionals in 2025. This increase is attributed to rising stress levels, with anxiety and depression being the top claims under mental health coverage. The growing trend suggests that the stigma surrounding mental health issues is decreasing in urban India, leading to a greater demand for insurance coverage to address these concerns.

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/mental-health-insurance-searches-up-by-41-in-2025-1876516