How West African hairdressers offer mental health support and a pathway to healing
DECEMBER 21ST, 2023 UPDATE: This solution is a Reader's Choice selection of 2023! Here's why one of our fellow optimists nominated this story: "A few days before [this article was published], I was at my favorite salon getting my hair done. As she was conditioning my hair and massaging my scalp Read More...
Breaking the ice: Swedish city combats winter loneliness with "say hello" campaign
In the frozen embrace of Luleå, where daylight dwindles to mere hours, plunging into icy seawater becomes a ritual. For Katariina Yliperttula, a dip before work is about more than braving the cold—it’s an invigorating thrill. "It’s like a happiness rush afterwards," she says, recounting her Read More...
Protecting ourselves and our children from overexposure to images of war and violence
At a time when our media feeds are rife with distressing images and heartbreaking news, it is critical to learn how to shield ourselves and our children from the overwhelming emotional toll. Dr. Arash Javanbakht, a renowned trauma psychiatrist and researcher, has dedicated his career to assisting Read More...
Ideas for solo dates: how to enjoy "me time" and practice self-care
In a world full of social interactions and shared experiences, dating yourself may appear unusual or even scary at first. However, as Cassie Ekstrom, a therapist who specializes in anxiety and life transitions, argues, going on solo dates can lead to personal growth, better self-confidence, and a Read More...
A virtual solution for hoarding: Stanford study harnesses VR to declutter lives
Decluttering one's house can be a daunting and emotionally charged undertaking for anyone, but especially for people suffering from hoarding tendencies. Instead of signing up for dramatic reality TV shows as a call for help, assistance may soon come in the surprising form of virtual reality Read More...
Healing together: navigating collective grief with compassion and resilience
Grief is a profound human experience, and when it manifests as communal grief, its repercussions ripple throughout society, affecting our emotional well-being and even our nervous systems. As grieving and trauma therapist Gina Moffa, LCSW, points out, sadness isn't confined to the loss of loved Read More...
Thrills and chills: how horror films can improve your mental health
The mere mention of legendary horror films such as "The Exorcist" and "Silent Night, Deadly Night" conjures up images of terror and revulsion. But did you know that, despite making spectators squirm and cringe, some films may be beneficial to their mental health? In this investigation, we look into Read More...
Overcoming job search depression
Starting a job hunt can be an emotional experience. It's full of excitement, hope, and possibilities, but it may also lead to "job search depression." This mental turmoil can show as dissatisfaction, self-doubt, and worry, particularly when faced with multiple job application rejections and Read More...
In response to high demand Oregon boosts legal psilocybin access
Epic Healing Eugene is now the epicenter of Oregon's blossoming psilocybin movement, thanks to its captivating environment and dedicated facilitators. Epic Healing Eugene, which opened this June, is America’s first licensed psilocybin service center. It is open to individuals over the age of 21 Read More...
New York schools commit to nurturing mental health through mindful breathing
Meet Noah Hill, a third-grader at Brooklyn's Dr. Ronald E. McNair Public School 5. He's discovered a simple yet significant technique for finding peace in the midst of chaos: "Breathe in through your nose, and breathe out with a whisper," he says. This technique, known as "ocean breathing," has Read More...