Warning signs can be detected sooner through universal screenings for student mental health

Whenever a massacre takes place at a U.S. school, like the one at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, discussions often follow about whether school officials may have missed any “red flags.” As a researcher who specializes in supporting student mental health, I believe these discussions are overlooking important issues. To prevent school violence, the discussion must shift. Rather than what schools missed, the emphasis should be placed on how schools can be more proactive about identifying students with mental health needs before they display signs of distress. Ideally, schools should be…

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‘Prolonged Grief Disorder’ Is Now an Official Mental Health Condition—These Are the Symptoms to Know

An extended grieving period may now be classified as a mental health condition, according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA). The new diagnosis—prolonged grief disorder—provides a new framework for treating patients affected by loss, and allows providers to bill insurance companies for treatment services. The March addition to the APA’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) comes after years of debate as to whether grief should be classified as a mental illness. According to a press release by the APA, recent events have shown the necessity to distinguish and treat “incapacitating feelings of grief.”…

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6 ways to start a conversation about mental health

Talking is good for us, and speaking about mental health can prevent problems from getting worse. When you encourage the people in your life to open up about what they’re going through, it gives them the space to air their thoughts and feelings. It also lets them know you’re there for them. It’s not about trying to fix anything, it’s about listening to them. You can also let them know about the professional support available, so they know how to seek help if needed. Here are 6 ways into a…

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From taking a break to communicating with spouse, how women can ease mental burden of unpaid work during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic forced a large part of the population to stay at and work from home. This, in turn, gave a lot of people a rare glimpse into what actually goes into maintaining a smooth-running household — the mind of the woman. Yes, the average woman — whether she is working from home or not — does a lot more work around the home, and does it both seamlessly and effortlessly. Or so it appears. Invisible labour and women’s role The fact is that while the extra labour a…

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Mental Health Tips: Five ways to practise self-care during the COVID-19 pandemic

Self-care, often ignored, is essential for your physical and mental health. What it means is to pay attention to your body and mind, understand what they need and making time to give them that. In times like these, this becomes even more important – the COVID-19 pandemic has lead to a massive increase in stress and anxiety levels. And while it may seem like you can’t possibly find the time for it — given you’re managing your home as well as work — it’ll be better for you in the…

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Mental health patients in crisis because of coronavirus cutbacks

People with mental health problems are ending up in crisis and at higher risk of suicide because they cannot get their usual help from the NHS during the lockdown, a leading charity has warned. Those struggling with serious conditions have found it hard to cope because their appointments have been cancelled and they have had trouble getting support from their GP, the mental health charity Mind said. The lack of care increased the danger of them self-harming, it said. One in four people who have tried to access help to…

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