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 September 27th.

Research

LGBQ Teens' Risk of Suicide Far Greater Than Their Straight Peers

A new study shows that LGBQ youth are more likely to have suicidal ideation earlier in life. Researchers studied over 1,700 youth from 2009 to 2016, and found that LGBQ youth have twice the risk than heterosexual youth to have suicidal ideation. They also had a higher risk for suicidal planning and attempts.

Learn more here.

Supportive Texts Can Improve Students' Mental Health

Sending supportive texts to a college student can help decrease negative mental health symptoms. A study from Cal State Fullerton looked at over 3,700 college students, and found that stressors like academics and lack of social support can increase risk of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. However, when family members or friends showed their support through text, this helped lessen feelings of depression, isolation, and stress. 

Learn more here.

Kids Whose Mothers Were Depressed During Pregnancy More Likely To Be Depressed

Mothers who experienced pregnancy and postpartum depression were more likely to have children who also had depression. UK researchers looked at data from the 1990’s of over 5,000 women who gave birth. It was found that children with depressed mothers had more symptoms of depression, and their depression escalated faster than the general population. It was also suggested that the timing of symptoms for mothers may affect their child’s mental health.

Learn more here.

Young Boys Who Play Sports Less Likely To Have Anxiety, Depression

Participating in sports lowers likelihood of anxiety and depression in young boys. Researchers from The University of Montreal surveyed over 1,400 parents whose children were born in 1997 and 1998. For middle school boys with higher levels of depression and anxiety, it was found that they were less active when they were younger. For girls, participating in sports did not cause any significant effects.

Learn more here.

One In Five UK Eating Disorder Patients Forced To Pay For Private Care

One in five people in the UK who have an eating disorder pay for privatized treatment. A new study found that families often leave jobs and survive off of credit cards in order to help loved ones through treatment. About 25 percent of participants reported that lack of support from the NHS caused them to pay privately for some of their treatment. The study also found that eating disorders cost the UK about £9.4bn because of productivity loss, healthcare, and carers.

Learn more here.

Study Highlights Difficulty Of Stopping Antidepressants

About half of patients who try to stop taking antidepressants begin taking them again within a year. Researchers looked at over 470 patients in England, with half of them slowly stopping their medication, and half of them continuing to take their normal amount. Those who made no changes had lower relapse rates. The majority of patients in the study were not receiving psychological treatment along with their medication, which could be explained by lack of treatment access in the UK. 

Learn more here.

Advocacy

Why Lele Pons Doesn't Want Anyone To Be "Ashamed" Of Their Mental Health Struggles 

Singer and entertainer Lele Pons talked about her OCD and Tourette’s Syndrome for E!'s Ones to Watch video series. Last year, Pons released The Secret Life of Lele Pons, which showed an in depth look into her mental health. She reflects on how the video series helped to educate the public about the realities of OCD and Tourettes. She’s grateful to have helped push people to receive proper treatment and feel unashamed about their mental health. 

Learn more here.

Amandla Stenberg On 'Dear Evan Hansen' And Mental Health

Actress Amandla Stenberg spoke to Who What Wear about her recent role in Dear Evan Hansen and the importance of Black representation in depictions of mental health. She mentions her excitement for playing a Black girl with anxiety and depression, as she herself struggled with seeking treatment because of lack of normalization. She encourages everyone to go to therapy regularly, not just in crisis, and shares her appreciation for apps like Tik Tok that have helped culturally shift conversations about mental health.

Learn more here.

The New Season of Red Table Talk: The Estefans Addresses Taboos In The Latinx Community 

Singer Gloria Estefan talked to Popsugar ahead of the release of the second season of Red Table Talk: The Estefans. The spinoff show features Gloria Estefan, daughter Emily Estefan, and niece Lili Estefan, where the three talk about topics like mental health, coming out, and abuse, all within the context of being Latinx. Gloria Estefan explains how she studied to be a psychologist and aims for the show to be therapeutic for listeners, especially when mental health treatment isn’t as accessible in Latinx communities. 

Learn more here.