Mental health services in Pakistan face significant challenges, with approximately 50 million individuals suffering from mental health conditions, yet only 600 qualified psychiatrists available, resulting in a psychiatrist-to-population ratio of 1 per 200,000 people. The Institute of Mental Health & Behavioral Sciences lacks structured academic and training programs, leading to a massive treatment gap. A proposed plan allocates beds for various subspecialties, including general adult psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, emergency and crisis intervention, rehabilitation and community psychiatry, and liaison psychiatry and consultation services. A steering committee will meet with KP Health Department officials to press for the institute's original plan as a teaching hospital, while an oversight committee leads efforts to transform it into a centre of excellence, requesting additional beds and financial resources from the provincial government.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1286550-psychiatrists-demand-fountain-house-upgradingMental health is a growing concern in schools across the US, where students are struggling with anxiety, sadness, and extreme stress while trying to balance academic performance with social life.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/02/27/campus-press/mental-health-education-in-the-curriculum/2063243The Helpline is closing due to the loss of funding, affecting 2,000 monthly callers and impacting a team of seven staff and 150 active volunteers who have dedicated themselves to providing free telephone and online support.
https://www.9news.com.au/national/griefline-helpline-closure-australia/0e192aa2-8c00-4ecc-bf2a-f7c5067cbefbProbiotics play a crucial role in maintaining gut health by inhibiting harmful microorganisms and enhancing the gut's natural defense mechanisms. Research has shown that certain probiotic strains can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, known as the "psychobiotic" effect, highlighting the connection between gut health and mental well-being. Probiotics are also being explored for their potential role in preventing and managing diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Traditional cultures have long recognized the health benefits of fermented foods like kefir, kimchi, and miso, which are natural sources of probiotics. Scientists are building on this traditional knowledge by using advanced techniques to study and understand specific strains of probiotics and their mechanisms of action.
https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/health/2025/02/26/probiotics-039good039-bacteria-that-help-boost-our-healthA Tasmanian mental health bed at St Helen's Private Hospital in Hobart is set to close, leaving patients without access to essential care. The hospital's decision has sparked concerns among local healthcare professionals and advocates for mental health services. Emma Helks credits the help she received with saving her life, highlighting the need for continued support and resources for those struggling with mental health issues.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-26/calvary-hospital-to-take-hobart-private-maternity-patients/104979622The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern over the stagnation or decline in health indicators in some European countries, particularly regarding child and adolescent health. Director Natasha Azzopardi Muscat warned that there is no room for complacency. The region's best-performing countries have significantly lower mortality rates among children under five compared to Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, which have rates of 18.2-40.4 deaths per 1,000 births. Additionally, the WHO highlighted issues such as one in five adolescents suffering from mental health conditions, suicide being a leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds, and girls reporting lower levels of mental well-being compared to boys.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1286535-europe-backsliding-on-child-health-whoThe district administration of Kota has implemented a comprehensive reform package called "Kota Cares" to address the well-being of students. The reforms include measures such as eliminating security and caution deposits from hostels, standardizing maintenance charges, and installing modern safety infrastructure like CCTV and biometric systems. Additionally, free access to the Chambal riverfront and dedicated recreation areas in all hostels will be provided, along with mid-term vacation food services and emergency medical services. A monitoring mechanism has been set up to ensure compliance, and a city-wide network of student support centers is being established. The reforms aim to create a supportive system for students' lives, from affordable housing to mental health support, transforming Kota into a city that cares for its students as much as it coaches them.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rajasthan/kotas-district-administration-rolls-out-reforms-to-tackle-students-exam-stress/article69258895.eceA new poll commissioned by BUPA found that one in three men have never discussed their health concerns with another male, citing a cultural expectation of "man up" as a reason. The study revealed that men over 55 are the least likely to open up about mental health issues, while those under 34 are more likely to discuss physical and mental conditions after stressful events with peers or family. Half of all men in the sample admitted struggling with mental illness, but only half of them sought help. A lack of self-confidence and unhappiness in employment were contributing factors to male mental health strain.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14432259/Suffering-silence-One-three-men-never-open-male-health-concerns-poll-reveals.htmlYoung adults are experiencing high levels of stress due to excessive news consumption, with Miranda Levy citing research suggesting that this "one-way news overload" is affecting their mental health. The article highlights the need for parents and caregivers to be aware of the impact of news on young people's well-being.
https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/young-people-their-stress-and-the-one-way-news-overload-20250224-p5lerr.html