This Week in Mental Health

TW: Mentions of suicide.

Conversations about mental health have grown exponentially over the last decade, with more and more people committing to personal and collective wellness. While we have a ways to go before mental health awareness, education and treatment are accessible to all, each day brings new and positive strides within the field. 

Our This Week In Mental Health series covers the latest happenings in research, treatment, human interest stories, and more. Stay updated on new developments so you’re better equipped to navigate the world, and most importantly, your own recovery.

Here’s what’s happening the week of May 24th.

Research

Texas Clears Bill To Study Psychedelics To Treat Vets With PTSD

Texas has approved a first-of-its-kind study that will have veterans use psychedelics as treatment for PTSD. Treatment options currently available for people with PTSD, such as psychotropics, may not be effective for many veterans. With this new bill, the Baylor College of Medicine will be able to test drugs such as psilocybin, ketamine, and MDMA.

Learn more here.

Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Effective for Social Anxiety in Youth

Cognitive behavioral therapy delivered through telehealth proved to be effective in treating social anxiety in youth, according to a study done in Sweden. Researchers randomly assigned 103 youth, aged 10 to 17 with a social anxiety diagnosis, to ten weeks of online CBT. Those who did internet-delivered CBT saw a greater reduction in symptoms than those doing supportive therapy. Researchers say that offering CBT through telehealth helps with barriers such as time and nervousness when doing in-person sessions.

Learn more here.

Young Adults With Schizophrenia Have Highest Suicide Risk

A new study found that young people with schizophrenia have the highest risk of suicide compared to older adults with schizophrenia. Researchers from Columbia University looked at the records of over 660,000 participants with schizophrenia who were 18 and older. Alongside identifying high risk groups, they also found that people with schizophrenia have a 4.5 fold increased risk of dying from suicide. 

Learn more here.

Instagram, Snapchat Linked with Increased Alcohol Use by New College Students

Researchers from Loyola Marymount University found that college students who see alcohol-related content on social media increase their alcohol consumption. The study looked at the Instagram usage and newsfeed of over 300 students, as well surveys that participants completed. In addition to an increase in alcohol consumption, they also found that those with private “finsta” accounts had an increased likelihood of being heavy alcohol users.

Learn more here.

Can TV Shows Help Teens Navigate Bullying, Depression And Other Mental Health Issues?

A new study from UCLA found that television shows and movies can help teens with mental health issues if resources are given and the portrayals are done empathetically. Researchers randomly assigned youth to watch season three of “13 Reasons Why”. Of the 68 teens who watched the show, 62 said they looked for information about the mental health topics depicted in the show. They also discussed the issues from the show with those close to them.

Learn more here.

Advocacy

Dr. Jennifer Ashton Opens Up About What It's Like To Live With Anxiety

ABC News' chief medical correspondent and OBGYN Jennifer Ashton talked about her mental health on Good Morning America. Her personal journey with anxiety began when she experienced anaphylactic shock from an allergic food reaction. After the incident, she would often have panic attacks when she would eat, thinking she would have an allergic reaction again. As a doctor, she breaks down what anxiety is, the different types of treatment options, the effect of COVID-19 on her patients, and the societal stigma surrounding mental health.

Learn more here.

Falcons' Hayden Hurst Opens Up On Suicide Attempt, Mental Health In Letter To Younger Self

Atlanta Falcons Hayden Hurst went on CBS This Morning to read out loud a letter to his younger self. In the letter, he describes his career in sports, and his struggle with depression and substance use. After a suicide attempt, Hurst went to therapy and promised to stay sober. Five years later, he has maintained his sobriety, got drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, and is a mental health advocate.

Learn more here.

Miguel Talks About His Depression and Mental Health

Singer Miguel opened up about his mental health on Sony Music's Certified in light of his newest EP, Art Dealer Chic 4. He describes how mental health was more stigmatized when he grew up in the 90’s, and the difficulties he has today with navigating fame and social media. He also talks about his depression and what has helped him maintain his mental health.

Learn more here.

Jordin Sparks, Alyson Stoner and Others Talk Mental Health in the Digital World

Jordin Sparks, Alyson Stoner, Bethany Mota, Ian Paget and Chris Olsen, and PEOPLE Editor at Large Janine Rubenstein came together for a virtual conversation about mental health and social media. The discussion was a part of a series on mental health and youth with PEOPLE and the non-profit Bring Change to Mind. From Youtubers to singers to Tik Tokers, the guests talk about the pros and cons of social media, how to deal with negative comments, and the importance of therapy.

Learn more here.