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Category: mental health

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Mental health

The Overdose Crisis: A Personal Perspective

In the United States, the devastating impact of drug overdose is a stark reality for millions. Since 1999, over a million lives have been lost to drug overdose, and the ripple effects of these tragedies extend far beyond the individuals who succumb to addiction. This blog explores a recent study that reveals the personal toll […]

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Mental health

Kratom: A Potential Ally in Overdose Prevention

The struggle with substance use disorders (SUDs) continues to plague many individuals, bringing with it a host of physical, emotional, and societal challenges. In the search for effective harm-reduction strategies, a unique herbal substance known as kratom has emerged, sparking both hope and controversy. Could kratom be a valuable tool in preventing overdoses and supporting […]

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Mental health

Peer Recovery Workers are Undervalued and Underpaid

Peer recovery workers (PRWs) play a vital role in the mental health and substance use recovery landscape. They use their lived experiences of long-term recovery to form supportive, trusting relationships with individuals embarking on their recovery journeys. These workers provide an essential service, yet their compensation often falls short of what is needed to sustain […]

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Mental health

Friendly Visiting Programs: Easing Loneliness in Seniors

In today’s hyper-connected world, it’s hard to believe that millions of people suffer from loneliness and social isolation, particularly among older adults. Despite remaining in touch through various technologies, many still feel the void of meaningful human contact. A systematic review of friendly visiting programs reveals that these initiatives, aimed at reducing loneliness and improving […]

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Mental health

Understanding the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention

Suicide is a serious public health issue that affects individuals, families, and communities across the United States. Each year, thousands of lives are lost to suicide, and many more people struggle with suicidal thoughts. To address this crisis, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released the 2024 National Strategy for Suicide […]

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Mental health

Explainable AI for Mental Health Detection: Illuminating the Path Forward

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is unlocking new frontiers in healthcare, particularly for mental health detection. As social media increasingly becomes a reflection of our inner worlds, researchers are harnessing its data to spot early signs of mental health conditions. This emerging field, known as Mental Illness Detection and Analysis on Social media (MIDAS), uses Natural Language […]

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Mental health

Depression Interventions for Individuals with Disabilities: Comprehensive Review and Insights

In the realm of mental health, a stark reality often overlooked is the heightened vulnerability of individuals with disabilities to depression. This comprehensive review seeks to unpack the intricacies of this relationship, explore intervention strategies, and highlight the need for disability-specific care. Understanding the Complex Landscape of Disability and Depression Disability encompasses a broad spectrum […]

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Mental health

Exploring the Healing Power of Forest-Based Wellness on Middle-Aged Stress

In today’s fast-paced world, the demands of urban living can weigh heavily on our mental and physical health. Forest-based health and wellness (FHW) offers a promising respite from these pressures. Recent research investigates how a three-day immersion in nature can help reduce stress levels in middle-aged individuals. Forest Bathing: An Oasis Amid Urban Hustle Originating […]

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Mental health

$326 Billion Lost: Barriers to Depression Treatment

Depression has become a pressing global health issue, affecting millions across all demographics. In the past three decades, its prevalence has increased significantly, especially among adolescents in the United States. This surge has led to severe health, economic, and social consequences. While numerous treatments exist, access remains unequal, influenced by socioeconomic factors, cultural stigmas, and […]

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Health equity

Transforming Crisis Care Through 988 Lifeline

Imagine you’re facing a mental health crisis. You’re scared, alone, and don’t know where to turn. In such moments, a simple, three-digit number—988—can be a lifeline. The 988 Lifeline connects individuals in crisis to immediate support, guiding them toward the help they need. Recently, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted to understand how well the 988 […]

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Mental health

Revolutionizing Crisis Response: 21st Century Solutions

In a thought-provoking plenary session at yesterday’s NAMI conference, Dr. Margie Balfour shared her vision for building a 21st-century crisis system. Her insights highlighted the urgent need for a transformative approach to mental health crisis response in the United States, emphasizing the importance of system coordination, interdisciplinary collaboration, and sustainability. The Future of Crisis Response […]

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Mental health

Building a Lifeline: 988 Crisis System Insights

Yesterday, I attended the National Alliance for Mental Illness’ 2024 Pennsylvania Mental Health and Wellness Conference, right within a day trip drive for me. Deputy Secretary Deb Smith of PA’s Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services delivered the opening remarks. The discussion focused on the 988 crisis system, examining its implementation, challenges, and […]

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