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Trending mental health topics and research findings 2023
Trending mental health topics and research findings in 2023
Looking back at 2023, there are many mental health discussions and discoveries that you should ideally get up to speed with. Whether you are a mental health professional, a patient, or simply looking to make some New Year resolutions regarding your mental health and well-being, these trending mental health topics and research findings can help you make the right decisions.
Below, we highlight some trending mental health topics of 2023 that you may find relevant for discussion or your personal well-being.
Mental health topics for discussion 2023
1. How social media affects our wellbeing is not always as we thought
While it’s easy to mention the potential negative consequences of social media, the impact is more about how you use social media. Heavy social media users who ACTIVELY interact with the platforms tend to have better overall happiness and well-being. But heavy users who only scroll through PASSIVELY tend to be on the other end of the well-being spectrum.
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Social media intensity, social connection, and wellbeing: The link
Negative social comparison linked with suicidal ideation and social media use
Reducing social media use to 30 minutes daily can reduce depression
2. The Impact of one’s beliefs and perceptions on depression
It’s a common belief that how people perceive themselves can lead to either feelings of self-confidence or low self-esteem, which may consequently manifest as depression. One study links high Body Mass Index (BMI) and an elevated risk of depression among teenagers. People who believe they are on the right track to healing are also more likely to recover faster from depression.
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High BMI linked to high rate of depression among teens
How Your Beliefs and Perceptions Influence Your Depression Treatment
The Power of Positivity in Battling Depression
3. More understanding of how antidepressants work
Antidepressants are highly effective. But let’s face it; the exact mechanism of how they work is still a mystery. But one 2023 study was able to shed some light. The findings hint at these medications' ability to modify negative memories in depressed patients. This cognitive effect may significantly contribute to how the drugs influence moods and emotions.
Bipolar disorder: Antidepressants may prevent relapse in patients
How to prevent weight gain from antidepressants
Why Do I Feel Emotionally Numb After Taking Antidepressants?
4. Mental illness and medications
While medications are one of the most effective methods of treating mental illnesses, how they are prescribed and used may be the difference between whether a particular drug works or not. The same drug may not work the same way for two different patients. And some patients may even get addicted.
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Safe Prescription Best Practices to Reduce Addiction Risk
Genetic testing improves depression treatment outcomes and saves costs
Lithium for Mental Illness: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More
5. Impact of psychological distress during pregnancy
Multiple studies have found that a pregnant woman’s psychological state can affect the pregnancy and even the child after birth. From preterm birth and low birth weight to ADHD-prone kids, the effects are usually negative, which is why women should seek as much support as they need during pregnancy. Not just for their own good but for the children yet unborn.
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How psychological distress during pregnancy may affect the child
Can stress during pregnancy lead to postpartum depression?
Anxiety can alter the immune system of pregnant women
6. The impact of early-life traumatic experiences on well-being
No one deserves traumatic experiences in life, and certainly not kids. An interesting 2023 study suggests that the consequences of childhood stress may even be worse than those of a physical brain injury. Some of these kids grow up to develop debilitating psychiatric conditions like substance abuse, PTSD, and ADHD. Some even pass on the consequences to their descendants.
Early-life stress may cause even worse outcomes than brain injury
One's traumatic childhood may influence their descendant's behavior
How Childhood Trauma and Contrast Avoidance Influence Anxiety
7. How personal differences impact the onset of mental disorders
While many encounter traumatic experiences, not everyone develops PTSD. In the same vein, two people in similar circumstances may not both experience depression at the same time. Why is that? Some studies in 2023 explored various risk factors influencing susceptibility to PTSD, depression, and more, discovering an interplay of genetics, environment, and individual resilience.
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PTSD: Why are some people more at risk than others?
One's traumatic childhood may influence their descendant's behavior
Consistent sleep deprivation linked with future risk of depression
8. Overlap in mental disorder diagnoses
Did you know that a person with depression is also likely to be diagnosed with bipolar or anxiety? No, it’s not simply that one mental illness increases the risk of the other. There is usually an overlap in the mechanism of certain psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia, allowing the same patient to be diagnosed with multiple conditions.
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Why are multiple diagnoses common with mental disorders?
Does Depression Increase Your Risk of Other Illnesses?
Anxiety and depression may be early signs of multiple sclerosis
9. More understanding of ADHD
There's still so much we don't know about ADHD, but we learned a lot in 2023. While some study results hold potential for more targeted treatments, some of the recent research findings compel ADHD patients to be more cautious and to take their treatment seriously.
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Drivers with ADHD 2X more likely to be involved in car crashes
Reducing Crash Risk for Teens with ADHD: A Promising Training Program
Early Signs That May Help Predict ADHD Risk
Is ADHD real? Insights into the roots of all mental health issues
10. How social connection and self-care can be key to battling mental health issues
While drugs and therapy are great, people will strong social connections may not even suffer from depression at all. And depressed people who feel emotionally close to others may recover faster than those in isolation. The bottom line? Do not ignore the power of having people around you. We are social creatures. We all need one another.
Social Support Can Be Key To Preventing Depression
Acts Of Kindness: An Easy Way Out Of Depression
Battling loneliness? Here's how to fight it in today's world
The importance of self-care in improving mental well-being
Healthy lifestyle can prevent depression: Recent research proves why
What does 2024 hold in the world of mental health? We promise to bring everything your way. Latest findings and more.
And if you’re currently battling any psychiatric challenge or have a loved one who is, we’d love to help. Contact us today.
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