It was a big year for mental health in our headlines.
What follows are some of the most interesting and encouraging mental health news stories of the past year.
Seeing this bang out of movement on a national level is a big step in the right direction.
Experts say the shorter number is easier to remember and allows someone in need to reach help more quickly.
In just a short time frame, the new hotline has made a difference.
President Trump signed the law to change the hotline number in 2020.
The unprecedented call volume to the new hotline has highlighted staffing shortages and underfunding in crisis call centers.
Schools and state legislators recognize the impact of mental health on kids ability to function.
They are taking definitive steps to help students.
Several states have put laws into place that let students usemental or behavioral health as reasons to miss school.
A number of other states have bills that have been proposed.
For some dealing with more severe or treatment-averse conditions, research-backed psychedelic treatments are becoming an increasingly popular option.
Fortunately, several states are taking a closer look at reintroducing psychedelics for medicinal and therapeutic purposes.
Ayahuasca/DMT and ketamine are also legalized in various parts of the nation.
MDMA is legal for use in clinical trials, or when deemed medically necessary.
LSD is not legal for use in the United States.
Some states have taken the path of decriminalizing the use of psychedelics.
This means the drugs are still illegal but are the lowest priority for law enforcement and prosecution.
Several problems can lead to drug shortages.
Without access to the drug, patients can experience symptoms ofwithdrawal.
So can getting enough rest, eating healthy foods, and exercising.
Experts say the shortage may last through the beginning of 2023.
They also say patients should talk to their healthcare providers about alternative treatments.
The Kids Are Not Alright
Three major pediatric organizations sounded the alarm on kids mental health.
Parents are also noticing the decline in the state of their kids mental health.
Mental health issues are affecting children in the classroom andin their households.
Officials, parents, and educators acknowledge the vast scope of the problem.
Some are taking decisive action.
Several states have implemented mental health days for kids to take a break from school if needed.
Legislators proposed laws to bring mental health care to the forefront of the nations agenda.
Therapy and medication options are available to treat symptoms.
More than 13% of Americans aged 18 and older take some form of antidepressant medication.
More women use the medication than men.
In fact, almost 25% of women aged 60 and older take the medication.
If they’re working then this news shouldn’t trigger people to stop treatment.
If you choose to do so be sure to consult a medical professional.
Researchers just need to better figure out why and how they work.
Quiet Quitting and Workplace Burnout
Quiet quitting was a major trend amongst working professionals this year.
Particularly for millennials and Gen Z .
Quiet quitting means that people put clear boundaries between work and their life outside of work, into place.
It also means becoming less emotionally involved with work as a whole.
In essence, it’s separating work life and personal life, and protecting mental health in the process.
By taking back some of their individual autonomy, people gain a more reasonablework/life balance.
What also disappears is the potential for workplace burnout.
Still, the trend can have its drawbacks.
Employers and colleagues may misconstrue quiet quitting as a lack of interest in work, or advancement.
Mental Health America.The State of Mental Health in America.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.988 Lifeline Performance Metrics.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Facts About Suicide.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Mental Health.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Suicide: Pediatric Mental Health Minute Series.
National Institute of Mental Health.Children and Mental Health: Is This Just a Stage?
John Hopkins Medicine.Mental Health Disorder Statistics.
2021;41(5):891-900.
Smith WR, Appelbaum PS.Two models of legalization of psychedelic substances: reasons for concern.JAMA.
2021;326(8):697-698.
Windward Way.The Long-term Effects of Adderall Addiction: Harm Reduction Tips.
Adderall Addiction Support.Common Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms.
American Academy of Pediatrics.AAP-AACAP-CHA Declaration of a National Emergency in Child and Adolescent Mental Health.
Kaiser Family Foundation.Mental Health and Substance Abuse Considerations Among Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
2021;175(11):1142-1150.
Published online July 20, 2022:1-14.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Antidepressant Use Among Adults: United States, 2015-2018.
Deloitte.The C-Suite’s Role in Well-Being.
