#mental-health

Scientists argue that banning social media for teenagers lacks sufficient evidence of effectiveness and may pose unintended risks, warning that such bans cannot solve the youth mental health crisis on their own.

Bipolar Tracker is an LLM-based journaling tool that analyzes natural language entries to detect signs of bipolar disorder escalation, aiming to help users and clinicians identify mood episodes earlier.

Some experts argue psychopathy may not exist as a distinct disorder, suggesting its traits are better understood through brain function, development, and social factors rather than as a fixed personality type.

Empathetic, caring individuals are struggling disproportionately in a world shaped by burnout and systemic pressures. Those most sensitive to suffering face the greatest emotional tolls while being expected to function without support.

The article explores practical strategies for building self-confidence, emphasizing that confidence is a skill developed through small, consistent actions rather than innate talent. It suggests starting with achievable goals, reframing negative self-talk, and focusing on progress over perfection to foster a sense of self-trust.

Naval argues that the human brain is not built to handle constant exposure to breaking global emergencies as they happen in real time.

A blog post examines "AI psychosis," where users interacting with chatbots develop delusional beliefs about AI consciousness or intentions, exploring whether this is a new digital phenomenon or an extension of existing cognitive biases.

Schoolboys are increasingly using AI-powered apps and chatbots to create virtual girlfriends, raising concerns among educators and child safety experts about the impact on social development, emotional wellbeing, and attitudes towards real-life relationships. The trend involves students generating realistic digital companions that can simulate intimate conversations and interactions.

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that walking, whether outdoors or on a treadmill, boosts creative thinking more than sitting. Researchers from Stanford University conducted experiments showing that walking significantly increased creative output, with the effect lasting for a short time after sitting back down.

Michael Phelps discusses his post-swimming life, focusing on mental health advocacy and water safety initiatives. The Olympic champion emphasizes finding purpose beyond competition and using his platform to promote drowning prevention and mental wellness.

The article examines "AI Brain Fry," a phenomenon of cognitive overload caused by constant engagement with AI tools. It discusses how the rapid pace of AI-generated information and interactions can overwhelm human cognition, leading to mental fatigue, reduced decision-making ability, and diminished critical thinking.

The article argues that worrying is a self-fulfilling prophecy that impairs judgment and performance, and offers practical alternatives such as focusing on actionable steps, adopting a stoic mindset, and building resilience to break the cycle of anxiety.

Esquire's 2014 investigation examines the sharp rise in ADHD diagnoses and stimulant medication prescriptions for American boys, raising concerns about overdiagnosis, the influence of pharmaceutical companies, and the pressure on schools and parents to medicate normal childhood behavior.

Actress Hannah Murray (Game of Thrones, Skins) discusses her experience joining a wellness cult after her mother's death, which she says led to a severe mental breakdown and being sectioned. She describes how the group, which she does not name, exploited her grief and how she eventually escaped the controlling environment.

A loneliness researcher who has studied social disconnection for 25 years warns that AI companions could worsen the epidemic of loneliness by providing a substitute for genuine human connection, potentially making people less motivated to seek real relationships.

A man became addicted to a romantic chatbot he created, spending hours daily in conversation and neglecting his real-life relationships. His obsession grew so severe that he decided the only way to recover was to permanently delete the AI companion, despite the emotional difficulty of doing so.

The author advises against reading online comments, arguing that comment sections often contain toxicity, negativity, and low-quality discourse that can undermine the value of the original content and negatively affect the reader's mindset.

The article examines dissociative identity disorder (DID), a widely misunderstood diagnosis, through personal stories and clinical insights, detailing how patients experience fragmented identities and memory loss while navigating stigma and barriers to proper care.

The article argues that constant phone use disrupts the natural ability to tolerate boredom, leaving people unable to sit with their thoughts. By providing endless distraction, smartphones weaken the mind's capacity for reflection and creativity. The piece suggests reclaiming moments of stillness to rebuild focus and mental resilience.

The article encourages developers to reach out and thank someone who has positively impacted their work or career, emphasizing the power of a simple message of appreciation.

Suicide remains the leading cause of death among South Korean adolescents and young adults for the 14th consecutive year, according to recent data. The report highlights a persistent mental health crisis among the nation's youth, with suicide rates far exceeding other causes of death in that age group.

The article explores how exercise, while generally healthy, can become an unhealthy obsession for some individuals, leading to compulsive behavior, injury, and negative psychological effects, blurring the line between fitness and addiction.

The author explains their decision to stop blogging and step away from the indie web community, citing a decline in genuine connection, rising performance pressure, and a desire to reclaim time for real life. They describe feeling that the act of blogging had become less authentic and more about maintaining a presence, ultimately choosing to log off for personal well-being.

Shitfixer.app is a web tool designed to help users reframe negative experiences and cultivate a more optimistic perspective by transforming frustrating situations into positive learning moments.

After months of using an AI companion, the author describes the experience as leaving them feeling more isolated than being alone, highlighting the emotional limitations and hollow nature of artificial intimacy.

The author recounts how a therapist's unusual assignment—writing a letter to her future self—profoundly shifted her perspective, helping her break cycles of self-doubt and anxiety. The exercise encouraged self-compassion and long-term thinking, leading to lasting personal change.

A UK education committee has recommended banning social media for under-16s, citing evidence that platforms like Instagram and TikTok are harming young people's mental health. The proposed measures include age verification obligations for platforms and potential fines for non-compliance.

The article offers a survival guide for maintaining mental well-being while navigating the online world. It provides strategies to avoid emotional overload, set boundaries, and preserve one's humanity amid digital interactions and social media pressures.

In his commencement address at NYU, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt warns graduates about the cognitive and societal costs of constant smartphone and social media use. He argues that fragmented attention is undermining deep thinking, relationships, and democratic discourse, urging the graduates to reclaim focus and resist the pull of endless digital distractions to lead more meaningful lives.

A new study has found that poor grip strength is associated with higher odds of developing depression, suggesting that physical weakness may serve as an early indicator of mental health decline. Researchers analyzed data from thousands of participants and identified a significant link between lower handgrip strength and increased depression risk over time.