A single dose of psychedelic drug eased cancer patients' anxiety and depression for years

"We exploited the biological clock," is how an Italian psychiatrist describes what he has been testing to treat those suffering from bipolar disorder and depression. The approach, which has received both praise and criticism, requires patients to go through sleep deprivation, and so far, many are reporting successful outcomes from it.

In the United Kingdom, loneliness is an epidemic. Those who feel chronically lonely may have weaker immune systems, an increased risk of cancer, and shorter life spans. These afflictions and risks associated with loneliness put a strain on the country's National Health Service. Many organizations like AgeUK, which offers companionship matching, and Silverline, which offers a 24-hour conversation helpline, specifically target the elderly. But research shows that young people are lonely too, which is why these solutions are an important addition to fighting loneliness.

In Minneapolis, a collaboration between the Division of Race and Equity, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the city’s procurement department has helped establish an emergency mental health fund that aims to more equitably supply resources to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The reimbursement-based fund provides clinical counselors with the financial support necessary to increase their caseloads and focus on "helping people of color, women, indigenous people, disabled people, and those who are undocumented."

There is a movement amongst clinicians and researchers involved in suicide prevention to reclassify suicide as a "condition in its own right" in order to better teach and treat symptoms. In some places, such as Detroit's Henry Ford Health System, it is already classified as a specific mental health category which played a part in an 80 percent decrease in patience suicide rates.

In rural farming communities, it's not uncommon for those working in the agricultural industry to struggle with anxiety and depression. Because mental health professionals often aren't readily available in these areas, many turn to online resources such as #AgTwitter. However, a farm bill pilot program that piggybacks off of this type of communication is aiming to fill more of the gaps by strengthening outreach resources.

Providing senior citizens with animal-assisted therapy has been known to lessen rates of loneliness while also aiding in brain health by reducing cases as dementia. Because taking care of a living animal is not always a reality, robotic pets may help fill that void by being requiring commitment while still providing companionship.

In rural parts of Wyoming, many people have trouble accessing mental health care resources, but telemedicine is changing that. Employing graduate students as counselors, people can access a telehealth clinic in order to obtain support in the form of specialized trauma care.

Sleep deprivation can help alleviate depression, but only in the short-term. This discovery may be helpful to implement in future treatments for depression.

A unique program at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center is combining prenatal care with psychiatric treatment for low-income women who might otherwise not seek help for mental health issues during pregnancy.

North Carolina has expanded a network of peer-run mental health programs, including peer cafes, respite houses, and support hotlines, staffed by people with lived experience of mental health and substance use challenges. These spaces offer free activities, crisis support, and community connection as alternatives to clinical settings. Research found that peer programs reduce emergency department visits by more than 40% over a three year span.