A violinist playing within the cancer ward. A playlist appears within the waiting room. A surgeon sounds with a radio mid-operation. We assume, almost without pondering, that music helps. But what if it doesn’t—or worse, if it does harm?

Since the start of time, music has been utilized in every culture as a positive a part of social and ceremonial events, including meals, hunting, courtship, weddings, funerals, coronations, sports and social events. But music has also been used as a weapon of war, to torture, humiliate and mislead people.

Music was used as Form of violence After 9/11 at Guantanamo Bay and by the Nazis, who Music prisoners were forced to entertain. When they were ravenous and waiting for death. It’s a disturbing thought that the identical force that brings us to tears in concert could be weaponized to interrupt people.

Similarly, in hospitals and clinics, music is usually seen as a low-risk and harmless technique to reduce anxiety in waiting rooms, as background support for employees within the operating theater and as an exercise stimulus in rehabilitation. Music is never recognized as one. A double-edged sword.

Music therapists are health care professionals, Trained to use music as a medical tool. Rather than simply a nice distraction. They work in a wide selection of settings – hospitals, hospices, mental health units, care homes, specialist schools and community clinics – and their work is predicated on evidence, not instinct. They are experts in using music to enhance health and well-being, relevant as to whether music may cause harm or support wellness, yet research on this field rarely focuses on whether music can sometimes do more harm than good.

In practice, music therapists do remarkable work. They help individuals with dementia communicate and connect when words fail them. They help children with brain injuries develop speech. They help stroke survivors regain physical movement. Music can also be used to assist people work. Complex trauma. These are serious, skillful interventions – not background noise.

fallacious note

But music may cause real harm, and we do not discuss it enough.

Think of it when music is imposed on those that didn’t ask for it. Premature infants and patients with impaired consciousness are particularly at risk of sensory overload. Blasting music on them is not soothing, it’s stressful.

Residents in care homes are routinely subjected to music they didn’t select, played at times that suit the staff quite than the people living there. Well-intentioned volunteers turn up on hospital wards with guitars and ukuleles, and nobody asks if the patients actually need a performance. Good intentions don’t cancel out bad results.

Doctors and managers in hospitals and care homes are approaching music as an easy, feel-good intervention without asking hard questions on whether it’s appropriate. Music can connect people and produce joy, but it will probably also exclude, irritate, worry and unsatisfy. The very qualities that make it powerful also cause problems when used carelessly.

The rule must be easy: the music should at all times be chosen by the person listening, never imposed on them. It must be thoughtful and of fine quality. Oh Study found That greater than half of the patients within the adult ward couldn’t be told anything on the radio or television. It’s not music as therapy – it’s just noise.

This will not be to say that music mustn’t be utilized in hospitals and care homes. Used well, it will probably reduce pain, lift mood, aid recovery and help people feel less alone. “Good use” means whether the patient really wants the music. It means selecting the fitting music for the fitting person at the fitting time. This means training staff to grasp when music helps and when it doesn’t. And which means being honest that a completely happy playlist is not a neutral act, it’s an intervention. And like several intervention, it will probably go fallacious. It’s about certified music therapists working with music to enhance patients’ health.

Family visitors can create meaningful playlists to accompany the patient, and take heed to music together when other shared activities are difficult. But at all times ask first, and keep in mind that silence could be as priceless as any playlist. As American entertainer Will Rogers said: “Never miss a good opportunity to keep quiet.”

Cuddle is therapy. Have a moment. The idea of ​​this emerging therapy is so that you can book a selected time with a “professional kindler”.

Websites promote cuddle therapists as experts in platonic touch, offering a service to individuals who want hugs for friendship, to comfort or manage emotional challenges.

The goal is to seek out connections and Improve your mental health and well-being.

But does it really work?

Here’s what you want to take into consideration before booking.

What is Cuddle Therapy?

Cuddle therapists offer consensual, non-sexual cuddling. Organized and safe environmentis designed to be freed from criticism, bias, controversy and any behavior or conversation which will feel unsafe or threatening.

Cuddle therapists usually are not official or regulated professionals. There don’t look like any accredited training programs or skilled bodies that oversee and regulate cuddle therapy.

However, there are countless individuals who promote themselves as skilled caregivers, and whose services are said to supply a variety of psychological and physical advantages.

They include Decreased depression, anxiety and loneliness, improved social skills and immune function, reduced blood pressure and reduced risk of heart disease.

Providers suggest that cuddle therapy can even reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, increase an individual’s ability to recuperate from experiences of sexual or physical abuse, and reduce cravings related to substance abuse.

Satisfactory claims, sparse science

Despite such claims, there appears to be no published peer-reviewed study that directly examines the psychological or physiological effects of engaging with knowledgeable kindergartner.

However, there may be an in depth body of research exploring the advantages of nonsexual physical touch, including cuddling and delicate, consistent contact.

It has been such a touch. Associated with Decreased each day stress and improved overall health. There can be physical touch. has been identified As a technique of conveyance Empathy, social relationships, and caring.

Much of this research has focused on touch in close relationships – reminiscent of with partners, parents or friends – slightly than touch as a part of a service paid for by a practitioner. Therefore, we have no idea whether these results translate to cuddle therapy.

However, physical contact has known effects, including signaling the discharge of the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin interacts with other neurochemicals, particularly dopamine, which Supports feelings of relaxation and connection.

Together, these neurochemical responses help explain why the effect of constant contact could be calming and relaxing.

Professional cuddles require skilled boundaries

Because cuddle therapy involves physical contact, emotional vulnerability, and power dynamics between therapist and client, it raises many essential ethical and skilled issues.

1. Provide informed consent.

If you are considering cuddle therapy, ask what the service does and doesn’t include. Get a transparent explanation of service boundaries, where connections are and are not allowed, and session structure.

You will need to supply clear and informed consent before proceeding, and you could withdraw consent at any time.

2. Professional boundaries needs to be clear

A cuddle therapy relationship should remain skilled in any respect times.

It’s not okay to specific personal or romantic interest in your cuddle therapist, or that the connection is becoming “special” or exclusive in ways in which transcend the agreed-upon service.

Similarly, a practitioner should never pressure you to share or disclose more personal information than you’re comfortable with.

Maintaining strong boundaries helps be sure that conversations are secure, respectful, and focused in your well-being slightly than blurring personal relationships.

3. See that you just usually are not dependent.

You may seek hug therapy because you’re vulnerable, including but not limited to being lonely, depressed or in emotional pain. It’s comprehensible that a touch-based session can make it easier to feel cared for, grounded, or secure within the moment.

However, you need to also look ahead to signs that you just have gotten depending on a practitioner for emotional stability or comfort. This may include believing you could feel calm, secure, or well only after seeing that individual practitioner or desiring more contact or more therapy sessions.

4. It just isn’t a panacea for complex problems.

Similarly, while cuddle therapy may offer temporary relief and a way of belonging, it just isn’t designed to handle underlying psychological problems or replace skilled mental health care.

Cuddle therapy should due to this fact be viewed as a supportive experience, but not a treatment for broader or more complex emotional challenges.

Important Points

Taken together, cuddle therapy is an emerging practice that focuses on consensual, nonsexual physical contact delivered in a structured environment. It has been promoted online as a approach to reduce anxiety and increase emotional well-being.

Cuddle therapy stays unregulated, with no formal training pathway or governing body overseeing skilled standards. So service providers, slightly than empirical evidence, largely shape public knowledge about cuddle therapy.

Evidence points to the numerous advantages of physical contact. However, in case you pursue cuddle therapy you need to ensure there are clear boundaries, you provide informed consent, and know you may withdraw that consent at any time.

Generative AI chatbots at the moment are in. Used by over 987 million people globally.including surroundings 64 percent of American youthin line with recent estimates. Increasingly, persons are using these chatbots. For advice, Emotional support, therapy and companionship.

What happens when people depend on AI chatbots in moments of psychological vulnerability? We have seen media scrutiny. A few tragic events The allegations include that AI chatbots were involved in wrongful death cases.. And a jury in Los Angeles recently came upon Meta and YouTube are responsible. For addictive design features that cause mental health problems for the user.

---

---

Does media coverage reflect the true risks of creative AI to our mental health?

Our team recently led a study evaluating How the global media is reporting on the impact of creative AI chatbots on mental health.. We analyzed 71 news articles describing 36 cases of mental health crises, including serious outcomes reminiscent of suicide, psychiatric hospitalizations, and psychotic experiences.

We found that media reports of AI-induced psychological harm tended to give attention to more serious outcomes, particularly suicide and hospitalization. They often attribute these events to the behavior of AI systems, despite limited supporting evidence.

The illusion of empathy

Generative AI will not be just one other digital tool. Unlike search engines like google or static apps, AI chatbots reminiscent of ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Grok, Perplexity and others deliver fluid, personalized conversations that Remarkable human beings feel.

This creates what researchers call “Illusions of Empathy:” the sensation that one is interacting with a being who understands, empathizes and responds meaningfully.

In the context of mental health, this matters. Especially as one The new wave of apps are made with a. Special focus on companionshipLike Character.AI, Replika and others.

Studies show that creative AI can mimic empathy and supply a response to distress, but There is a lack of true clinical judgment, accountability and duty of care..

In some cases, AI chatbots May present inconsistent or inappropriate responses to high-risk situations such as suicidal ideation..

This gap—between perceived understanding and actual capability—is where danger can emerge.

What the media is reporting.

In the articles we analyzed, essentially the most commonly reported consequence was suicide. This represents greater than half of the cases with clearly defined severity.

Psychiatric hospitalization was the second mostly reported consequence. In particular, reports on minors usually tend to have fatal outcomes.

But these numbers don’t reflect real world events. They reflect what’s reported. Usually, stressful events have media coverage. Escalating intense and emotionally charged casesAs negative and unsure information gains attention, it creates strong emotional responses and perpetuates cycles of heightened vigilance and repeated exposure. This in turn reinforces perceptions of danger and anxiety.

For AI-related content, media reports often depend on partial evidence (reminiscent of chat transcripts) while rarely including medical documentation. In our data set, just one case cited formal medical or police records.

This creates a distorted but influential picture: one which shapes public perception, clinical concern and regulatory debate.

‘AI caused it’

One of our most vital findings concerns how causation is constructed. In lots of the articles we reviewed, AI systems were “contributed to” and even “caused” psychological deterioration.

However, primary evidence was often limited. Alternative explanations – reminiscent of pre-existing mental illness, substance abuse or psychosocial stress – were inconsistently reported.

In psychology, reason is rarely simple.. Mental health crises are frequently attributable to multiple interacting aspects. AI may play a job, nevertheless it is probably going a part of a broader ecosystem that features individual vulnerability and context.

A more useful technique to take into consideration this is thru interaction effects: how technology interacts with human cognition and emotion. For example, conversational AI can reinforce certain beliefs, Provide excessive authentication or blur the boundaries between reality and simulation.

The problem of overdependence

Another recurring pattern in media reports is overuse. Many of the cases we reviewed described long, emotionally significant interactions with chatbots — framed as courtship and even romantic relationships. This creates an issue: overdependence.

Since these systems are at all times available, non-judgmental and responsive, they is usually a primary source of support. But unlike a trained therapist or perhaps a concerned friend, they can not Recognize when something is going wrong, stop or redirect harmful interactions.. They cannot take steps to make sure that an individual is connected to appropriate care in moments of crisis.

In clinical terms, this could result in what could be described as “maladaptive coping substitution”: replacing complex human coping systems with an easier, algorithmic interaction.

Lack of reliable data

Despite the growing concern, we’re still at one. An early stage in understanding the impact of generative AI chatbots on user mental health.

There are currently no reliable estimates of how often AI-related harms occur, or whether or not they are increasing. We lack reliable data on how many individuals use these tools safely versus those that experience problems. And many of the evidence comes from case reports or media narratives, not systematic clinical studies.

This will not be unusual. In many areas of medication, early warning signals emerge from formal research (through case reports, legal cases or public discourse) before being systematically studied.

Here is an example. The Thalidomide tragedywhen early reports of birth defects in infants precede formal epidemiological confirmation and ultimately result in its development. Advanced Pharmacovigilance system

AI and mental health are moving at an analogous pace.

Moving beyond responsibility

The challenge will not be to panic, but to reply thoughtfully.

We need higher evidence. This includes systematic monitoring of hostile events, clear reporting standards and research that distinguishes causality. Safeguards – reminiscent of crisis detection, escalation protocols and transparency about limitations – should be strengthened and tested.

---

---

Additionally, clinicians and the general public need guidance. Patients are already using these devices. Ignoring this fact widens the gap between clinical practice and life experience.

Finally, we must recognize that creative AI will not be only a technological innovation. It is a psychological one. It changes the way in which people think, feel and relate.

Understanding this modification could also be one of the crucial essential mental health challenges of the approaching decade.

Trying a brand new hobby for the primary time can feel incredibly intimidating. As an adult, entering into beginner territory often comes with discomfort, self-doubt, and fear of judgment. Yet research shows that overcoming this anxiety could be immensely useful, each mentally and emotionally.

Recreational activities and hobbies can improve well-being by increasing satisfaction.. Beyond easy enjoyment, hobbies support psychological health by providing opportunities for emotional regulation, stress relief, and helping reduce symptoms of burnout and depression.

Hobbies also promote social connections, each through community engagement and relationships with others with similar interests. Even when pursued alone, hobbies can foster a way of accomplishment and autonomy, contributing to overall well-being.

---

---

Yet many adults often struggle to make room for hobbies on account of lack of time, money, and resources. Unlike childhood, maturity comes with financial and time pressures, often after we feel like we’re already running on fumes.

Our modern A work-centered society It compounds the issue by teaching us that non-public value equates to productive output, and that leisure is wasteful or lazy. This could make us feel guilty for spending time on hobbies, regardless that engaging in them supports the well-being that makes productivity possible.

Why starting an adult hobby could be difficult.

One of the principal reasons we avoid trying recent things is fear – especially fear of failure and fear of judgment. Everything is frightening the primary time, whether it’s a primary date, first time driving, first college class, first day at work or first day at a brand new gym.

First things first are scary because we can’t predict the outcome. Fear of the unknown can result in anxiety and avoidance, which may make trying anything recent feel too overwhelming to try. This fear can persuade us that not trying in any respect is best than being bad at something recent.

Another layer comes from how adults perceive themselves socially. According to developmental psychology, young maturity is a period of focus. Building meaningful relationships and establishing a sense of belonging. Social acceptance becomes a priority, and recent activities could make you are feeling vulnerable, prompting questions like: “Will they like me?” or “Will I perform to the best of my ability?”

For many, this fear of judgment could be outweighed by curiosity, which may make avoidance feel safer than experiencing something recent, regardless that research suggests that it’s precisely this discomfort that makes recent experiences meaningful.

Why being a beginner is invaluable.

Despite the initial discomfort, Research shows that trying recent activities is related to higher fitness, higher mental health, lower stress levels and private growth.

Actively facing the fear that comes with trying something recent. Reduces avoidance and boosts motivation. Persons who refer New experiences with curiosity and openness Those who avoid unfamiliar situations usually tend to report a more fulfilling life than those that avoid unfamiliar situations.

Engaging in something you’re keen on—only for the sake of loving it—is increasingly rare in maturity. Yet hobbies offer considered one of the few places where we will actually show up without fear of punishment or imperfection, a luxury that many roles and social responsibilities rarely provide.

---

---

How to Embrace Beginnings

Starting a brand new hobby could be scary, but there are strategies to make it easier. If you are nervous about trying something recent, the very first thing to do is be kind to yourself.

Self-compassion – Treating yourself with warmth and kindness in times of trouble – could be the antidote to the self-criticism you might be currently projecting.

If even fascinated by a brand new hobby or sport feels intimidating, you are not alone. Adult hobbies often feel difficult because they’re asking us to exhibit each skills and social confidence.

If fear of judgment is holding you back, start with something you may do alone or with one other person. And if trying alone is the fear you are holding on to, remind yourself that research shows the very thing you are afraid to try may be the thing that advantages your well-being probably the most.

If fear of imperfection is holding you back, find beginner-friendly communities or online classes where learning is the goal, not production. Set yourself small, achievable goals to motivate yourself while still keeping the pressure on to be perfect. But most significantly, allow yourself to be bad at something without fear of criticism, evaluation or assessment.

If, at first, you are feeling like you have got no idea what you are doing, that is exactly why. It may feel difficult at first, however the rewards could be life-changing in the long term.

The pressure on mental health services across the UK is leaving many men without timely help after they need it most.

Men die by suicide within the UK. Three times female rate. There is a link between poor mental health and suicideWhich means men’s health needs immediate attention. Still Long NHS waiting lists Psychological support implies that many men are unable to access help after they need it.

As reported by Mind Cymru, a mental health charity in Wales. More than 2,000 people Those with moderate to severe mental health problems are waiting greater than six months for treatment in any given month. When men are unable or unwilling to hunt support, they’ve historically been inclined to interact in alternative coping strategies. such as substance use.

As formal services come under increasing pressure, informal men’s groups, including community-based peer support groups, proceed to grow. These groups are well understood. New research My colleagues and I even have shown that these groups in Wales will help fill a big gap in mental health support.

We surveyed 30 men’s welfare groups across Wales and located that these initiatives are thriving despite limited resources. More than 80% reported increased attendance by men of all ages, suggesting they’re responding to unmet demand.

Most groups were volunteer-run and operated without public funding, which many groups highlighted as the most important barrier to delivery. Only 21 percent reported having professionally qualified staff.

Yet these groups offer men a spot where they’ll talk without fear of judgment. Their informal atmosphere often appeals to men who Feel uncomfortable With clinical structures, assessments, evaluations and formal appointments. Community groups help remove barriers that may prevent men from searching for help and create a trusting environment that’s perceived as more “male friendly”.

From sneaky health to emotional openness

Traditionally, community initiatives for men’s well-being, e.g Men’s shadesUsed the “stealth health” approach. This implies that by engaging in activities together, men are encouraged to interact with one another. While 40% of groups still used these methods, the research showed a transparent shift. Emotional expression is now central quite than incidental to many groups.

When talking about personal issues that featured prominently in our survey responses, nearly 80% of the groups said they encouraged men to speak openly about personal difficulties. Activities used to permit discussion include support groups, structured discussions and one-to-one discussions.

Emotional expression is significant because traditional masculinity norms, particularly expectations that men must be tough, reject weakness, and conceal vulnerability, have made it difficult for a lot of men to speak openly about mental health. These challenges are exacerbated by long NHS waiting lists which may stretch for months and leave men without timely help.

---

---

Against this background, our research suggests that community groups are particularly necessary and will help fill a critical gap in mental health support. These groups are creating spaces where men will be more open emotionally and speak about problems before they escalate. In doing so, they challenge traditional masculine norms and the concept men are easy. Will not discuss their problems..

Our evidence supports emerging research that men talk when the environment feels secure. This shift reflects a broader cultural moment by which more inclusive expressions of masculinity are being promoted and Widely acceptedand softening expressions of masculinity. More common among men.

A quiet cultural shift

The growth of those community support groups signals a subtle but significant shift in how men are experiencing various kinds of masculinity. These groups should not only helping men cope with health issues, but are also helping to reshape the landscape of masculinity.

Within these spaces, men are learning to precise vulnerability without feeling that it undermines their identity or masculinity. This is significant because these groups are offering support at a time when the demand for NHS mental health services exceeds the available.

But informal volunteer-led services also include their very own challenges. Operating without qualified staff means limited regulation and uncertainty in regards to the quality, standard and consistency of support on offer.

The sample size in our research was modest, so we do not yet know exactly how these groups function in day-to-day practice or what they provide to different men. More detailed and in-depth research will help to extend this understanding and supply clearer insights into how these groups can complement more NHS services.

Imagine being asked to take a seat alone in a quiet room for quarter-hour with nothing to do – no phone, no music, no external distractions. In a well known 2014 study, many participants found the duty so difficult that they selected to press the button as a substitute. Give yourself an unpleasant electric shock Instead of sitting together with your thoughts and feelings.

Because being together with your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations could be so difficult, people often turn away from them. Smartphones offer. Constant distraction from boredom or stressallows users to detach from their current moment feelings and thoughts with a fast swipe or tap.

But avoiding an unpleasant inner experience can backfire. Studies show that doing so is related to A range of mental health problemsIncluding anxiety and depression.

we’re Psychological scientists WHO Study mindfulness And how does it affect? Stress, health and well-being.

Mindfulness is a mind-set that individuals can learn to cultivate through training. When individuals are smart, they focus their attention on the moment. Physical sensations, emotions and thoughtsthey usually complement these experiences with an attitude. Curiosity and open acceptance.

Mindfulness could be created through “mindful moments” in on a regular basis life, moments through which individuals are intentionally present with what they do, hear, see, or feel. However, formal mindfulness meditation involves consistent practice that systematically trains attention and acceptance. Our research shows that acceptance could be trained during mindfulness meditation. Improve your emotional well-being significantly.

Adapting to experience could be each difficult and helpful.

Popular culture often presents. Mindfulness as a way to relax. But we have found that practicing mindfulness can often feel surprisingly difficult. In one in all our studies, participants who focused their attention on their thoughts and feelings during a 20-minute mindfulness meditation Six times more unpleasant experiences than pleasant experiences.

That does not imply they were doing it flawed. It can feel difficult to show your attention inward. Often, it puts you in contact with experiences you normally attempt to avoid, akin to being bored, anxious or agitated. However, we now have also found that mindfulness training can result in difficult experiences. Positive effects.

In particular, adopting an accepting attitude toward your experiences has many positive effects of mindfulness. Our research shows that mindfulness meditation can promote receptivity. Reduce feelings of loneliness And Increase in positive emotionslike happiness. This too Reduces stress hormones. And helps people. See more positive experiences during stressful situations.

In these studies, we found acceptance to be the important thing driver. When acceptance is faraway from mindfulness training, these advantages are largely lost.

The power of learning to embrace experience

An necessary a part of mindfulness practice involves turning to difficult experiences, akin to stress, boredom, and pain, slightly than in search of distractions or avoiding those experiences. This means noticing feelings and thoughts as they arise, noticing how they manifest within the body, and approaching them with an attitude of acceptance slightly than judgment or resistance.

A helpful method to give it some thought”two arrows” metaphorWhich has its roots in East Asian Buddhist traditions. It teaches that there are two varieties of suffering, which could be likened to shooting two arrows.

The first arrow is an inevitable unpleasant experience that comes with being human – for instance, feeling drained after a foul night’s sleep. The second arrow is how we react to this unpleasantness: stress, resist it, replay it in our mind, criticize ourselves or attempt to avoid it. Often this second arrow adds more discomfort than the unique unpleasant experience.

In mindfulness practice, the goal will not be to stop unpleasant sensations and feelings. Instead, mindfulness helps people accept the inevitable difficulties of this primary arrow and soften the second arrow to let go of fighting experiences and reactions that make them worse.

For example, allow yourself to be bored without immediately reaching for a distraction. Openly acknowledge anxiety, sadness or grief, slightly than attempt to suppress these feelings or stir them up with harsh self-criticism.

Practicing mindfulness in on a regular basis life

One method to develop this attitude is to treat thoughts, emotions, and feelings as guests in your inner landscape. Instead of fighting them or clinging to them, give attention to getting them up. Acknowledge and welcome them, and allow them to go as they naturally change. Some people find it helpful to assume having a difficult feeling as a crying baby, with a touch that’s regular, supportive, and type.

If you would like to do that in on a regular basis life, the following time you’re feeling a difficult experience, pause for a moment and confide in the experience. Notice what you’re feeling. Where does it show up in your body – tightness within the chest or heaviness within the stomach? Can you permit it to be there, even briefly, without attempting to fix it or remove yourself from it?

Then observe what happens. Does the difficult experience change in any way over time? Do your reactions change or soften with repeated practice? Remember that a brief practice is unlikely to provide fast relief, and expecting immediate results can actually make it harder to be open to your experience because it is.

Rather, our results suggest that meaningful change comes through continuous, ongoing practice. Every small step counts. Over time, transient moments of mindfully responding to emphasize or discomfort can reshape the way you relate to challenges and supply greater resilience and ease.

i Study where people chose electric shocks. Sitting alone with my thoughts, being with my inner experience felt almost unbearable. Mindfulness offers a distinct path: to not avoid the experience, but to learn to live with it. In doing so, what once felt unbearable can turn into something you may approach with greater emotional balance and well-being.

Anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Among the most common Mental health conditions for which Australians are prescribed medicinal cannabis.

Most prescriptions. For mental health conditions, and more broadly for other conditions, there are products containing high levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). This is the a part of cannabis that causes the “high” and might affect pondering and mood.

Many of those prescriptions are for inhaled products, comparable to dried leaves or flowers that folks smoke or inhale.

This pattern of using inhaled, high-THC content for mental health conditions — partially — is driven by trends in prescribing amongst men ages 18 to 44.

For trouble alone, there are About three times Greater approval for products containing the very best levels of THC than products containing only CBD (cannabidiol).

But this prescribing pattern is inconsistent with the most effective available research. Most high-quality clinical trials for anxiety have tested CBD-based products fairly than THC.

This is only one example of how Australians are using medicinal cannabis to treat mental health conditions without the most effective available evidence to back it up.

Let’s start with the issue.

There is anxiety The most common cause of mental illness People seek for medicinal cannabis in Australia.

is Emerging evidence CBD may help some individuals with anxiety, but results are inconsistent.

The largest and most comprehensive Systematic review on medicinal cannabis and mental health found that it didn’t significantly improve anxiety symptoms. We still need large, high-quality trials and studies that reflect how people use medicinal cannabis in the true world, the authors said.

Evidence for THC is much more mixed. In our previous article we talked about how some people find THC makes them feel calm, but others say it makes them feel anxious. Because few trials have investigated THC for anxiety, it’s difficult to attract firm conclusions.

---

---

What about PTSD?

Evidence to this point for using medicinal cannabis to treat PTSD is proscribed.

While some report profit, results from a small variety of high-quality randomized controlled trials (the gold standard for clinical evidence) have been mixed.

In quite a bit A short studyOnly five people accomplished your entire protocol. This tested cannabis incorporates either a mixture of 10% THC and 10% CBD, or a product with primarily 10% THC.

Both products appeared to enhance PTSD symptoms within the short term, however the trial had difficulty recruiting participants. A bigger study could be needed to find out whether the outcomes are reliable.

Another test Smoking cannabis was tested with three strengths: 12% THC, one consisting primarily of CBD, and one with equal amounts of THC and CBD. There was no change in PTSD symptom severity for either product in comparison with placebo. Smoking cannabis, including medicinal cannabis, can be Not recommended Because of its known disadvantages.

Limited and unsure evidence is one reason for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Decided not to fund. Medicinal cannabis for the treatment of mental health conditions, including PTSD.

What about depression?

High-quality evidence for using medicinal cannabis for the treatment of depression can be lacking. Oh A recent systematic review No relevant randomized controlled trials were found.

Oh Small pilot studies tested 150-300 milligrams of CBD each day with the usual treatment for bipolar depression. CBD was well tolerated, meaning it didn’t cause serious uncomfortable side effects, nevertheless it didn’t help symptoms.

Studies for several types of depression are mixed. something Show potential advantages fairly Adverse effects including worsening symptoms or severe mental health effects comparable to psychosis, suicidal thoughts or anxiety. It can be unclear whether the uncomfortable side effects are because of the product or an underlying mental health condition.

Is medicinal cannabis protected?

Emerging evidence shows that psychosis has been reported in people using medicinal cannabis containing high levels of THC.

Australia’s medicines regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (or TGA) They say Products containing THC are generally not suitable for individuals with a private or family history of psychosis or schizophrenia. This caution also applies to individuals with past or present mood or anxiety disorders.

This is principally because THC can worsen or trigger symptoms in individuals who already suffer from these conditions.

Why the increased risk?

Is it due to the THC or were these people already at higher risk? It is probably going a mixture of each.

Daily or near-daily cannabis use (which is common with medicinal use) is connected to Increased risk of, or may contribute to the event of, psychosis.

Young people People taking medicinal cannabis (and cannabis typically) for mental health conditions could also be at particular risk of uncomfortable side effects because their brains are still developing.

Other Research shows that high-potency THC products appear to hold more mental health risks. Those who use ceaselessly, or for long periods of time, are more in danger.

So the emerging picture is that the product used, the way it is used, and the person matter and might affect health outcomes. High-THC products increase risks across the board, but those risks increase amongst those that start young, use ceaselessly, or proceed for long periods of time.

What happens once I stop taking it?

Some people whose mental health symptoms worsen once they stop taking medicinal cannabis show that their medication was working. But that does not must be the case. They could also be experiencing cannabis withdrawal.

Many individuals who use cannabis (medicinal or otherwise) experience a rebound in symptoms – eg. restlessness or Sleep difficulties – When they stop. It may feel very much like the symptoms that prompted them to hunt treatment.

We also know around. One in three or four people People who use cannabis medically develop into depending on it and experience withdrawal symptoms in the event that they suddenly stop using it.

Therefore, cannabis withdrawal could also be more common than people think, and could explain the symptoms that appear when someone stops taking it.

How do I do know what’s right for me?

Many studies taking a look at whether medicinal cannabis may also help with various mental health conditions are of low quality or have conflicting results. So the evidence is just not yet strong enough to recommend it as the most effective treatment for any mental health condition.

So consult with your trusted, regular medical skilled to make it easier to assess the potential advantages and risks of medicinal cannabis, especially if you will have a history of mental health concerns.

Given the mixed evidence and the TGA’s warnings, it’s really essential to get personalized medical advice.

---

Globally, men usually tend to die by suicide.

One of the strongest predictors of Death by suicide is self harm. This is when an individual physically hurts themselves as a way. Dealing with very difficult feelingsPainful memories or overwhelming situations and experiences.

Prevention of self-harm could also be possible. Reducing suicide deaths. But our recent study shows that there are conversational therapies designed to cut back self-harm. Less effective in men.

We reviewed evidence from 46 studies that checked out the effectiveness of talking therapies, clinical contact (reminiscent of letters, postcards, phone calls or contact with a GP or support employee) and two digital apps for self-harm.

Talk therapies use conversation to assist people understand their considering, feeling, and behavior patterns and develop healthier ways of coping with challenges. Many types of therapy or communication also provide details about self-harm, risk aspects, understanding stress and warning signs of self-harm.

But our review found that after completing some type of talk therapy or a series of clinical contacts, only women saw a discount in rates of self-harm. For men, rates of self-harm didn’t change. This meant that men were 20% more likely than women to self-harm after attending any type of therapy.

We found it was for adults only. There were no differences between female and male adolescents – although there have been fewer studies involving adolescents. Most of the studies were conducted in Western countries.

About two-thirds of the info in our review got here from women. Most studies identified people self-harming in hospital or mental health settings. Because men are less prone to seek help for self-harm, this reduces the variety of men who may be studied for self-harm. Yet despite the proven fact that there have been fewer men than women within the studies, there have been still enough men in our review to detect sex differences.

Reducing self-harm

If talking therapies are less effective in stopping self-harm in men than in women, this may increasingly be one in all the numerous aspects contributing to the increased suicide rate in men.

This may suggest that talking therapies don’t address the underlying issues which are causing men to self-harm. For example, Socio-economic breakdown – reminiscent of housing, financial or employment problems – are particularly essential risk aspects for poor mental health and suicide in men.

There are also men. As a half probability Contact with psychiatric services after self-harm in comparison with women. Traditional ideas of masculinity and stigma can mean that men are Less comfortable Talking about your feelings and looking for help for psychological distress.

Tackling self-harm and suicide in men needs to include a whole-of-society approach. This should include early emotional education in homes and schools and addressing psychological distress and looking for help.

Understanding the symptoms of self-harm and understanding how men present to GPs, emergency departments and other services.

Men may punch objects, abuse alcohol or drugs, or engage in dangerous behaviors. Cannot be recognized as self-harm. This signifies that healthcare professionals cannot easily discover self-harm in men and refer them for help.

A community-based approach For example, sports clubs, men’s support groups or helplines could also be simpler than talking therapy in coping with men’s mental health. Instead of focusing directly on talking about feelings, Men also seek out activities. Such as working together on a project, problem solving, coaching and mentoring help.

Many of those methods also reduce loneliness and social isolation, that are major risk aspects for self-harm and suicide. Prioritizing these approaches to supporting men’s mental health may help reduce self-harm and suicide amongst men.

The two of us can often be present in patches of scrubby scrub, phones in hand, slowly scanning the vegetation. Or crouching behind a tree trunk with binoculars, pausing mid-breath to seek out the source of a bird call. It often looks like a treasure hunt. What will occur today? And how can we share these observations with the world?

Such activities are a part of citizen science, where volunteers record observations of the natural world and share them with others.

---

---

We’re each skilled ecologists, but our happiest moments with nature often start with a straightforward act: stepping outside and being attentive. And ours Research suggests that these experiments may do greater than science supports. They could be too. benefit Our mental health.

Some days it’s a standard species that we’ve seen 100 times before. Other days it’s something unexpected that adds to the joy.

Being outside like this will feel liberating. You deal with the current, moving your body and fascinated about where to position your feet, without worrying about your email inbox or the limitless other demands in your attention. You begin to note small details that you simply would normally overlook quickly.

This sense of curiosity, connection, and shared purpose is something many individuals recognize once they take part in citizen science.

Contributes to mental well-being

Citizen science projects invite people to gather data in regards to the natural world.

Platforms like E. Bird, Naturalists, Frog ID And Red map Allow anyone armed with a curiosity and a smartphone to record wildlife observations and contribute to scientific research. Millions of individuals around the globe now take part in a lot of these projects.

In one A recent study Among citizen science participants, we examined how participation in wildlife monitoring projects affects people’s mental well-being.

Participants consistently described feeling higher after participating. One volunteer told us:

I come home drained, but it’s totally drained. My head feels clear, like I’ve hit reset.

Another explained that learning to discover species modified how they experienced on a regular basis walks:

I just don’t see “green” anymore. Now I have a look at the differences between plants, their ecological value and the pressures on them.

Part of the reason is easy: Spending time in nature is already known to cut back stress, improve mood. Supports mental health.

But citizen science goes a step further.

Instead of simply visiting the park, people actively engage with the environment. They observe closely, record what they see and contribute to something greater than themselves. This sense of purpose can deepen the advantages of being outdoors.

Citizen science can be inherently social. Many projects bring people together to gather data, share observations or learn from others. These interactions can Helps reduce social isolation, a major risk factor for poor mental health..

For some participants, especially older adults, citizen science can be empowering. It provides opportunities to make use of existing skills, learn recent ones and feel that their contribution matters.

Together, the weather of nature exposure, physical activity, learning and social connection form a robust mix that supports well-being.

How you participate is essential.

Not all citizen science experiences are the identical, and this will likely affect their health advantages.

In the 2025 study We explored this using an idea borrowed from public health called the dose response – how much participation is required to supply advantages?

Three components seem like particularly vital: frequency (how often one participates), duration (how long activities last) and intensity, which can include environmental richness, species diversity or depth of interaction between participants.

Short, one-off activities can still boost mood and encourage movement. But regular participation is more more likely to yield lasting advantages. As with exercise, frequent small amounts could also be higher than a big effort followed by long breaks.

Citizen science may bring physical health advantages. Many projects involve walking, bending, standing or light walking. These activities support mobility and cardiovascular health.

For communities prone to social isolation or physical inactivity, these advantages could be invaluable.

How can citizen science do more?

Despite this potential, most citizen science projects usually are not designed with health outcomes in mind. This means opportunities are being lost.

A 2025 study Even transient nature-based citizen science activities suggest immediate mood improvements and stress reduction.

Long-term mental health conditions are affected by many aspects and frequently require ongoing support. Citizen science won’t replace medical care. But it may well help strengthen the foundations of well-being: positive emotions, physical activity, social connectedness and a way of purpose.

At the population level, these buildings matter. They construct our ability to address challenges and get better from stress.

To maximize these advantages, citizen science projects must be inclusive. People who already feel connected to nature usually tend to participate.

But this can be the group that tends to report. Better mental and physical healththat’s, participation may unintentionally reinforce existing health inequalities.

Field-based projects may unintentionally exclude individuals with mobility challenges, limited time or poor access to green space. Yet lots of these individuals could make meaningful contributions if projects are designed with this in mind.

Recognizing citizen science not only as a research tool but in addition as a option to support public health opens up recent opportunities.

When designed thoughtfully, citizen science can profit each biodiversity and other people. And for participants, it offers something easy yet powerful: a reason to step outside, listen, and reconnect with the living world around them.

Midlife can bring an uneasy feeling for many ladies: years spent caring for others, raising children, managing work, running a household and maintaining a family life have taken a toll on their bodies.

Women in midlife may face a better risk of chronic health problems, say psychologists “Self Silence” – Putting the needs of others first and suppressing your personal emotions. This pattern prioritizes caregiving and maintaining harmony in relationships, which frequently forces women to suppress their needs, avoid conflict, and suppress their true feelings.

Common types of self-silencing include people-pleasing, suppressing emotions, suppressing self-expression, and punctiliously monitoring what one says to avoid upsetting others.

Midlife itself is a period of serious change involving physical, hormonal, social and psychological changes. For women who decide to stay silent themselves, this phase of life can bring additional stress. Studies show that they will report. Symptoms of greater mental and physical healthcorresponding to low mood, fatigue, poor sleep and increased aches and pains.

A growing variety of studies suggest that long-term patterns of emotional stress and relationship stress are related to a variety of health problems, including Depression, heart disease and stroke. Some research has linked these patterns to metabolic conditions corresponding to diabetes and Chronic inflammatory diseasesincluding autoimmune disorders and cancer.

Although these studies cannot show that silencing itself directly causes these conditions—only that the patterns occur together—the outcomes have been consistent. A study The University of Plymouth, for instance, found that girls with fibromyalgia were more more likely to report lifelong patterns of self-silencing in addition to a history of childhood trauma.

For many individuals, these coping styles begin early in life. Children who grow up in threatening or unstable environments may learn to attenuate their needs, hide distress or avoid conflict as a approach to protect themselves. Over time, this manner of keeping secure becomes an ingrained way of referring to others.

Midlife is commonly when women reach a crisis point and seek help – although accepting help may be difficult for individuals who are used to ignoring their very own needs. They often turn into highly adept at coping alone and will downplay their struggles because they don’t desire to burden others.

Learning to place yourself first

Research consistently shows that social support can have a positive impact on health. Sharing feelings with a support person can buffer the physical effects of stress, and practical support with each day responsibilities can reduce the sentiments of overwhelm and isolation that always include self-silence.

Health professionals and physicians can even play a crucial role. Trauma-focused therapies corresponding to EMDR And IFS It will help women process childhood trauma, reduce depression, improve health and reduce chronic pain.

Research on women’s health also recognizes that anger and resentment can develop when women don’t assert their needs. Left without expression, these feelings can lead Chronic depression.

Assertiveness training—provided by psychotherapists and coaches—helps women express their needs, opinions, and limits. Clear and respectful mannerDeveloping strategies for communicating preferences, saying no, and protecting your time and space. Building these skills can reduce psychological distress. Improve confidence and self-esteem.

Along with assertiveness, psychologists recognize the importance of self-compassion – offering ourselves the identical care, understanding and kindness that we provide to a loved one.

Kristen Neff, a professor and pioneer in the sphere, Recommends three main approaches.: Recognizing and validating feelings of pain and suffering; Recognizing that suffering is a shared human experience. And maintaining awareness of emotions quite than being overwhelmed by them. Practically, it means reminding yourself that things are hard at once, that you simply usually are not alone and that you’ll get through this.

More research has found real health and wellness advantages for girls in midlife who practice self-compassion. People who do feel less stressed, and are more likely to keep up healthy habits. Improve their health.

Neither self-compassion nor assertiveness are quick fixes, but each can play a crucial role in maintaining emotional and physical health. When women learn to acknowledge their very own needs, assert their boundaries and offer themselves kindness as a substitute of criticism, they reduce feelings of stress — and It has negative effects on the body..

For generations, women have been encouraged to look after others and maintain harmony in relationships – beneficial and much-needed qualities. But they will come at a private cost when women feel unable to share their needs with them.

Understanding the links between social expectations, emotional expression, and health can open necessary conversations about how we are able to best help women look after others without sacrificing ourselves.