This article [here] describes a developing understanding about the impact that diet can have upon mental health. It states that a lack of 'nutrients' such as magnesium, omega 3 and probiotics can directly affect the brain and so influence the development of psychological problems.
Sleep-related myths
This article [here] distinguishes between fact and fiction when it comes to sleep advice. In so doing, it offers some helpful tips to those who struggle with sleep.
Alternatives to self-harm
Self-harm can be a means of managing difficult emotions. This teenager [video here] appears to have found an alternative way of venting her anger.
Dysfunctional ways of coping
Many people develop seemingly destructive behaviours as a means of coping with difficult feelings or situations. This video clip [here] describes one individual's experience of literally pulling her hair out as an example of this (a habit that is called 'trichotillomania'). More commonly, individuals use alcohol as a dysfunctional means of coping. This article [here] describes a study that has found that up to 60% of adults use alcohol as a means of coping with the stresses in their lives.
Anyone can develop a psychological issue
Some people who experience a psychological difficulty feel that they must be weak in character in some form. However, anyone can develop a mental health issue. One famous example of a strong character who experienced depression is Winston Churchill. He referred to the condition as 'the black dog' [e.g., see here]. Here a boxer describes the effects of experiencing a mental health issue.
Benefits of the 'great outdoors'
People often feel better after spending time in natural settings. This article suggests some reasons behind this [here]. In particular, the article is about 'body image' but some of the suggested causes would seem to be relevant to other issues as well.
Use of creativity to relieve mental distress
Mental health difficulties have been long thought to fuel creative geniuses such as Vincent van Gogh and Sylvia Plath. These two articles describe how creative activities can be helpful in combating psychological difficulties, see [here] and [here]. Can you think of a creative activity that you would enjoy doing?
Technology and the development of new forms of mental health problem
As technology becomes more prominent in our lives in terms of work, 'play' and social life, forms of linked psychological issue can occur. These are started to be identified by mental health professionals. Examples of this are 'selfitis' (obsessively taking selfies - see here) and 'gaming disorder' (an addiction to video games - see here). Naturally, these developments are likely to be a source of debate [see here].
Depression: A hidden illness in the workplace
This article [here] describes how individuals experiencing depression often do not disclose difficulties in to their workplace. This is for fear of losing their job or it affecting future career prospects. It describes one individual's suggestions of how to support a work colleague when they are experiencing such difficulties.
Selfitis: Obsessively taking selfies
This condition was first identified within a 'spoof' article but now seems to be recognised as a genuine psychological disorder. A brief news article describes it [here].
Hearing voices: The experience of schizophrenia
Capturing the essence of anxiety
A woman's Facebook post about her experience of anxiety appears to have resonated with many. A news article [here] describes the post.
Mental health vulnerabilities of motherhood
More than one third of mothers have been found to experience mental health problems. This article from the BBC [here] describes how mothers can feel additional pressures linked to criticism and discrimination after having a child.
Control over the voices in your head
This article [here] describes an interesting new approach for the treatment of schizophrenia. Sufferers can experience internal voices which might be threatening and insulting. This treatment involves portraying the voices as computer avatars and in so doing allows patients to gain control of the voice in a controlled fashion through interaction with the avatar.
Depression in parents influences happiness in children
The mental health of both mother and father can influence the chances of difficulties developing in their children. This study [here] highlights the importance of parents seeking treatment as soon as possible to avoid issues being passed down from generation to generation.
Easy ways to boost mental health
This article [here] does not offer solutions for those currently experiencing a mental health issue, but rather tips about remaining healthy to others and those who have recovered.
A new treatment for schizophrenia
As many as 1 in a 100 people will experience schizophrenia at some point in their lives. This article [here] describes new research that suggests that it could be a dysfunction of the immune system that interferes with the functioning of the brain. New treatments based on this theory are currently being tested.
Choosing a safe therapist
This article [here] outlines some clients' traumatic experience associated with contact with unethical and abusive therapists. I recommend that you make sure that your therapist is chartered by the British Psychological Society and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (links to the BPS on the webpage here), as a means of choosing a safe and trained therapist.
Older people need help too!
This article [here] talks about some of the reasons why older people tend to get less help than others when they experience depression and anxiety. These reasons include them being less likely to reach out for help, GPs at times not recognising the signs of difficulties, and society in general tending to expect depression to be a natural consequence of ageing, loss and loneliness. There is a link in the article to an NHS Choices mood self-assessment tool [also here].