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The Meditation App Revolution: Backed by Science
Meditation apps are rapidly becoming a global phenomenon with millions of downloads and a widespread user base. According to a recent review paper published in the journal American Psychologist, these apps are not just popular but are also proving to be effective tools for improving mental health. “Meditation apps, such as Calm and Headspace, have…
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Daily Exercise Could Lead to Better Sleep, New Study Reveals
A recent study from The University of Texas at Austin has shed new light on the impact of daily exercise on sleep quality. The research highlights that consistent, daily physical activity could significantly enhance the quality of deep, restorative sleep, contributing to improved mood and mental health. Published in the Journal of Physical Activity &…
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Just 15 Minutes in Nature Can Boost Your Mental Health
With an increasing number of people living in urban environments, mental health issues such as anxiety and mood disorders are becoming more prevalent. A new study from Stanford University’s Natural Capital Project (NatCap) reveals that even 15 minutes of time spent in nature can yield considerable benefits for mental health. Published in the journal Nature…
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Teen Smokers and Vapers More Likely to Experience Depression and Anxiety, New Study Finds
A new study from West Virginia University reveals that adolescents who smoke or vape are significantly more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety than their peers who abstain from tobacco use. Published in the open-access journal PLOS Mental Health, this research shines a spotlight on the urgent need to address mental health among…
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Key Factors in How Exercise Impacts Mental Health: New Study
While exercise is widely recognized for its physical health benefits, new research sheds light on how it also influences mental health, not merely through the activity itself but significantly depending on context, environment and purpose. “Historically, physical activity research has focused on how long someone exercises for or how many calories were burned,” co-author Patrick…
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Breakthrough Study Links Addictive Social Media Use to Youth Mental Health Issues
A new study by researchers at Columbia’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and Weill Cornell Medicine has discovered that it is the addictive use of social media, video games and mobile phones, rather than total screen time, that is more strongly linked to poor mental health outcomes in preteens. Published in the Journal of…
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NYU Study Links Depression to Low Oral Microbiome Diversity
A diverse mix of microbes in the mouth is not just a cornerstone of good oral health; it may also play a crucial role in mental health. Researchers led by NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing have unveiled a compelling connection between a less diverse oral microbiome and the prevalence of depression in a new…
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Digital Games Educate on Mental Illness
Digital games are emerging as a potent tool in educating people about depression and reducing the associated stigma, according to a new study by media psychologists Marco Rüth, Raoul Bachmayer and professor Kai Kaspar from the University of Cologne. The research, published in Frontiers in Psychology, demonstrates that digital games can help individuals recognize symptoms…
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New Study Links Social Media Use to Depression Among Preteens
As youth depression and suicide rates rise alarmingly, a new study by researchers at UC San Francisco sheds light on the substantial role social media plays in contributing to these mental health issues. The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, reveal that increased social media use among preteens correlates with higher depressive symptoms over time.…
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New Study Links Depression to Physical Pain Years Later
Middle-aged and older adults who suffer from moderate to severe pain are more likely to have experienced worsening symptoms of depression up to eight years prior to the onset of their pain, according to a study by researchers at University College London (UCL). Published in the journal eClinicalMedicine, the study indicates that early treatment of…