Massage Therapy May Be Useful in Treating Symptoms of Anxiety

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The study finds that twice-weekly massage therapy may be a useful alternative treatment for anxiety in terms of reducing both, psychological and somatic symptoms.

A Healthier Diet Reduces Depressive Symptoms

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The “Mediterranean diet” has been associated with reduced risk of depressive symptoms, and a new study demonstrates that dietary changes may be an effective treatment intervention.

Pathways to Enhance Well-Being: Free Resource on Alternative Wellness Practices

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This week we e-release a new free booklet, Pathways to Enhance Well-Being. Its creation began with my colleague Linda Lentini sharing with me some of the barriers she experienced as she moved towards bringing alternative approaches such as meditation and breath practices into state psychiatric institutions.

How Does Mindfulness Work?

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A new study explores how mindfulness impacts self-compassion and meaning in life to increase mental health and wellbeing.

Study Finds First-Episode Psychosis Patients Fare Better with Vitamin D

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Researchers examine the relationship between vitamin D and clinical and cognitive symptoms in first-episode psychosis.

The Shamanic View of Mental Illness

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From UPLIFT: In the shamanic view, emotional distress and psychosis signal a spiritual awakening or emergence, not a pathology. Western cultures can learn a great...

What Stops People From Using Exercise to Treat Depression?

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New research examines important factors of adherence when prescribing exercise to treat depression.

Study Finds Music Therapy May Be Effective in Clinical Practice

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In a new study published in The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, Professor Sam Porter and co-authors, present the results of a music...

Psychosis Diagnosis Linked With Lower Rates of Exercise

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A new study finds that for those experiencing symptoms associated with psychosis, a low-level of physical activity is associated with receiving a diagnosis of a psychotic disorder.

Researchers Explore Sexuality and Gender in the Context of Psychosis

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Nev Jones and a team of researchers examine how sex, sexuality, and gender-related content are underexplored in contemporary research on psychosis.

Teacher Wellbeing Matters for Student Mental Health

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Teacher’s personal wellbeing plays a role in students’ mental health outcomes, suggests a new study.

The Demoralized Mind

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From openDemocracy: The distress, boredom, and disillusionment so commonly diagnosed as depression may actually result from the demoralization people experience in consumerist cultures. Large-scale cultural change,...

Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Interventions Target Depressive Symptoms

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A new study finds self-coldness predicts depressive symptoms and supports self-compassion as a buffer.

Treatment of Insomnia Reduces Paranoia and Hallucinations

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Treating insomnia using online cognitive-behavioral therapy appears to improve a variety of mental health concerns.

Does ‘Mental Illness’ Exist?

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In this interview for ABC Australia, leading psychology professor Peter Kinderman discusses why we need alternative ways of understanding and supporting people in distress that take...
lightning

I Almost Got Hit by a Lightning Bolt

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I am so thankful that my brain healed from the damage caused by psychiatric medications. Most importantly, finding my purpose in life and living an authentic life helped to ground me and prevent further psychosis. Psychosis is the psyche’s cry for transformation and healing. When one listens to the call, one is brought from darkness to light.

Research Progresses on Mindfulness Based Interventions for Adolescents

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A new meta-analysis analyzes randomized control trials of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for adolescents.

Therapists Collaborate with Clients through Metatherapeutic Communication

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Researchers develop an initial framework for understanding metatherapeutic communication practices that may inform future integration of collaboration in psychotherapy.

Air Pollution Linked to Mental Health Problems in Children

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A new study, published in BMJ Open-Access this week, found a significant link between the level of air pollution in a community and the mental health of the children living there. After controlling for socio-economic status and other potential variables, researchers in Sweden discovered a strong association between the concentration of air pollution in a neighborhood and the amount of ‘antipsychotic’ and psychiatric drugs prescribed to children. The link remained strong even at pollution levels well below half of what is considered acceptable by the World Health Organization (WHO).

More Research Needed on Climate Change-Related Ecological Grief

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Researchers outline the concept of ecologically driven grief due to climate change and recommend future research to better understand the psychological impact of climate change.

Green Space in Childhood May Protect Against Adult Mental Health Issues

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A new study suggests proximity to green space as a child is linked to lower rates of mental health issues in adulthood.

Social Recovery Therapy for First Episode Psychosis

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Social Recovery Therapy shows promising results for individuals who experience first-episode psychosis.

Study Explores Impact of Urban vs. Rural Upbringing on Stress Response

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A new study investigates the relationships between early-home environmental factors and later-life physiological response to psychosocial stressors.

Researchers Probe Connections Between Physical Activity and ‘Severe Mental Illness’

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How does physical activity affect people diagnosed with bipolar, schizophrenia and major depressive disorders?

Yoga and Mindfulness Benefit Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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A new review finds preliminary evidence for yoga and mindfulness-based interventions for youth diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).