Blog
The Problem with Cannabis Culture
In recent years, cannabis has become one of the most popular recreational drugs in youth populations; roughly 30% of high school seniors (living in states where cannabis is legal) report having used this drug in 2022. Furthermore, more states have started legalizing cannabis without properly addressing or even considering the long-term implications.
Depression and its Glum Outlook
Depression is one of the most widespread and prominent mental disorders, with 18.4% of the population in the United States suffering from it. Major Depressive Disorder is characterized by feelings of helplessness, loss of interest in hobbies, a lack of motivation, and an overall saddened mood. When it comes to depression, individuals generally have a very pessimistic view of their lives and future.
Here’s what science tells us about the
link between nutrition and mental health
Before discussing which foods can help our brains, we need to talk about the foods that could harm our brains. However, this only occurs when you consume an excessive amount of these foods; don’t forget to enjoy all the kinds of food you love. Diets (not individual foods) that are high in fats and sugars or are highly processed can lead to something called oxidative stress.
Is Social Media Bad for Teens?
The widespread use of social media has a serious impact on people’s daily lives. The average American spends 7 hours and 4 minutes looking at a screen each day, and the latest figures suggest that the average person spends upwards of 40% of their waking hours on a screen with a connection to the internet. Between 2019 and 2021, the average time spent on a mobile device screen increased by 30 percent, from just under three hours to over four hours, and global screen time averages are likely to continue growing. Meanwhile, public concern has grown regarding the potential harm that social media could do to people’s mental health; general awareness of mental health is higher than ever before, including among teenagers. Yet so many adolescents continue to spend hours on their screens instead of socializing with friends or going outside.
allcove. A space designed by youth, for youth.
I recently visited allcove, another incredible youth wellness center, located in Palo Alto. The allcove centers are a place for youth to access a variety of emotional, physical and social support services, and are designed to adapt to the young person's individual comfort zone. The allcove model was developed by Stanford Medicine faculty members and staff, who also assisted in the implementation of these centers. allcove's mission is to develop a network of integrated youth mental health centers that reduce stigma, embrace mental wellness, increase community connection, and provide access to culturally-responsive services.
Wellness Centers: The Next Step in Making Mental Health Resources More Accessible
Imagine, for a second, that you are a teen struggling with your mental health, living in a poor neighborhood, and dealing with unstable conditions at home. Who would you turn to? Who would you talk to? If not your home, what would your safe space be? Wellness centers. A place where you could get some rest, take a shower, do your laundry, eat some food, or listen to some music. A place where you can talk freely and find people who will listen. A place where you could meet and interact with kids just like you: people who are struggling, but are willing and hoping to heal and find support. A place that would make you truly feel cared for and understood, instead of alone.
Op-Ed: Mainstream Mental Health Awareness Can Hurt People With Mental Illness
Mainstream mental health “awareness,” at least how it's done now, hurts people with mental illness. The movement was never meant for those who are actually stigmatized. Feeling “blue” has never been stigmatized, so why are people talking about it and pretending that they are doing something revolutionary? Our mission is different. We aim to make important information more accessible, to advocate for those who actually face stigma and bias, and to create more resources and/or make them more available.
The Intersection Between Psychiatric Misdiagnoses of Schizophrenia and anti-Black Racism
The word “schizophrenia” originates from ancient Greek and roughly translates to “split mind,” indicating a split or break from objective reality. This pertains more specifically to schizophrenia spectrum illnesses such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, but not other psychotic illnesses like the primary mood disorders.
