This Week In Mental Health

TW// Mentions of suicidality and eating disorders

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 January 17th, 2022.

Research

Inpatient Hospitalizations for Eating Disorders Doubled In 2020

Inpatient hospitalizations for eating disorders increased during the pandemic. Data from UnitedHealth Group insurance from January 2018 to December 2020 showed that monthly hospitalization rates doubled. Additionally, inpatient stays were longer and outpatient patients increased.

Learn more here.

The Best Way To Fix A Sad Mood: Whatever You Think Works Best

Participating in coping skills that you’re told you’re good at can help improve your mood more quickly. Researchers randomly assigned cognitive or mindfulness therapy skills, telling participants they were either strong or weak with certain therapies. For those who were told they were good at a certain skill, their mood improved more quickly. While the skills themselves were irrelevant, having participants believe they were good at something could indicate how clinicians frame treatment in the future.

Learn more here.

Depression, Anxiety Symptoms Linked To Changes In Biological Rhythms And Nighttime Activity In New Mothers

New mothers may be more susceptible to anxiety and depression depending on their sleep schedule. A study looked at 73 mothers, and found that disrupting circadian rhythms and staying up late increased symptoms of depression. Researchers emphasize the importance of treatment and prevention, especially when mental health is more vulnerable in the three months before and after giving birth.

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Study Finds 65% Of Americans With Mental Health Conditions Want Access To Psychedelics 

A survey shows that 83 percent of Americans with anxiety, depression, or PTSD are interested in psychedelics to help with their mental health. Of the 2,037 participants who were surveyed, over half were willing to try ketamine, psilocybin, or MDMA if psychedelics were proven more effective. For those who reported having a mental health condition, they believed that psychedelics should be accessible for those who are treatment resistant.  

Learn more here.

Survey of Americans Who Attempted Suicide Finds Many Aren't Getting Care 

A new study shows that 40 percent of those who attempted suicide in the past decade did not receive mental health services. Survey data of over 480,000 participants from 2008 to 2019 shows that suicide attempts increased while mental health service use stayed the same. Many participants reported that cost prevented them from seeking care. 

Learn more here.

Students With Attention Problems More Likely To Cheat 

Students with ADHD — more specifically, those who struggle with inattentiveness — are more likely to cheat. Researchers had over 850 youth measure their inattention, hyperactivity, and levels of cheating. They found that inattentiveness caused hyperactivity, which increased rates of cheating. The lead author suggests that lack of diagnoses and support may cause students to cheat.

Learn more here.

Advocacy

Lili Reinhart Shares Struggle With Body Dysmorphia

Riverdale actress Lili Reinhart shared on social media about her struggles with body image. She explains how lately, she’s been struggling with obsessive thoughts about how she looks, and she wants others to know they’re not alone if they are going through the same thing. She also mentions how the entertainment industry has played a part in how she looks at her body. In the past, she has been outspoken about her experiences with body dysmorphia.

Learn more here.

Erin Napier Deals with Mental Health Issues After Past Appendix Problems

TV personality Erin Napier spoke with People Magazine about her struggle with mental health. After suffering with an unknown illness for ten years and going through surgery, she recently discovered that her physical challenges transformed into anxiety. She shares how she deals with panic attacks and “spiraling thoughts,” and how her brain often sends her into fight or flight.

Learn more here.