People suffering from post-traumatic distress disorder report that cannabis reduces the severity of their symptoms by more than half, at least in the short term, according to a recent study led by Carrie Cuttler, a Washington State University assistant professor of psychology. Cuttler and her…
Perhaps no region of the brain is more fittingly named than the claustrum, taken from the Latin word for “hidden or shut away.” The claustrum is an extremely thin sheet of neurons deep within the cortex, yet it reaches out to every other region of…
By Tyler Durden We suggested, at the beginning of April, that a “suicide wave” was imminent considering the economic devastation sparked by COVID-19 lockdowns. In the last nine weeks, 38.6 million Americans have lost their jobs and were thrown into instant poverty. Many were already skating on thin financial ice…
By James Ketler Although state lockdowns have served governors well as a heavy-handed show of force, the policies are a patent neglect of the many nuances inherent in human action. They have led to a host of unintended consequences, including the emergence of a new health crisis—a…
Social and community disruptions caused by the COVID-19 restrictions could have a lasting effect on child wellbeing, Flinders University researchers warn. While health, safety and education responses are the focus of restrictions, the needs of childhood independence, self-determination and play are less acknowledged, Flinders University…
People who attended religious services at least once a week were significantly less likely to die from “deaths of despair,” including deaths related to suicide, drug overdose, and alcohol poisoning, according to new research led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The study…
By Jennifer Atkinson The coronavirus pandemic has set off a global gardening boom. In the early days of lockdown, seed suppliers were depleted of inventory and reported “unprecedented” demand. Within the U.S., the trend has been compared to World War II victory gardening, when Americans grew food at home to support the war…
By Jennifer Giustra-Kozek, LPC, NBCC By practice, I’m a psychotherapist who has been working for over a decade in the world of mainstream medicine, a body of experience that has allowed me to develop a strong understanding of both its strengths and weaknesses. But beyond…
By Daisy Luther Most of us in the United States have been under some form of lockdown or restriction for more than a month now. It has been a stressful time for many due to fear, health concerns, and financial worries. One of the biggest…
By Amelia Cole The coronavirus has shattered the modern world’s invincibility complex and forced the public to deal with a health crisis unlike any other. As countries mobilize to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and ‘flatten the curve’, there is another echo pandemic looming beneath…
Millions of Americans are being impacted by the psychological fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic aftermath, and large numbers may experience emotional distress and be at increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety, according to a new article published…
Scientists prove that psilocybin, a potential drug for treating depression and other psychological conditions can be produced in yeast. Psilocybin mushrooms have been found to have minimal harmful effects and could potentially benefit those with depression. But they remain illegal even though they offer a…
When social distancing rules were enacted to help combat the spread of COVID-19 in the United States, the country adopted some new habits. Several states have issued “stay at home” orders, demanding their citizens stay in their homes except in the event of “necessary” travel…
By Sara Tipton In our current situation of quarantines and lockdowns designed to stop the spread of the coronavirus, it’s important to know that this comes at a cost, especially to those we are trying to protect. Older people are already vulnerable to loneliness, but…
By Tyler Durden Calls to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline have spiked 300% amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to KVLY, while the Sacramento Bee reports that other suicide prevention services have similarly risen for the same reasons. “It’s so scary, it’s almost like … I…
By Susan Boskey We are living through very strange and uncertain times. Given the spread of Covid-19 in the U.S. changes keep happening at a faster and faster pace. Children are out of school. Parents are trying to figure out how to keep bread on…
By Sarita Robinson, University of Central Lancashire People who suspect they may have come into contact with the coronavirus are being advised to self-isolate (stay at home) for 14 days. For some people, the idea of self-isolation may seem like a dream come true. For…
By Alanna Ketler The Facts: A study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine explores sensory deprivation in a flotation tank as a form of preventative healthcare. Its results showed substantial reductions in levels of stress, anxiety, depression and pain. Reflect On: The growth of…
By Barbara Jacquelyn Sahakian, University of Cambridge; Christelle Langley, University of Cambridge, and Muzaffer Kaser, University of Cambridge A bit of stress is a normal part of our daily lives, which can even be good for us. Overcoming stressful events can make us more resilient….
By Rafael Euba, King’s College London There is much written about finding one’s life purpose and reaching self actualisation, but do we really need to have one? My partner is happy pottering around the house with his family around him, watching TV, reading the news,…
