Simone Biles' mental health victory: 5 practices we can all learn
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Simone Biles, one of the best and most beloved gymnasts of all time, once again demonstrated her unrivaled abilities by departing the 2024 Paris Olympics with three gold medals and one silver. However, her achievement extends beyond the medals. Biles' path Read More...
Where to go for help if the Israel-Hamas war is negatively impacting your mental health
As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, many people are feeling overwhelmed by the daily flood of terrible information and imagery. The battle has dominated news and social media, causing political differences at times. The toll on mental health is evident, especially for those who are immediately Read More...
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...
Empathy and compassion: how to help a loved one suffering from PTSD
Supporting someone who is struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) requires empathy, patience, and knowledge. While the path to healing is extremely personal, you shouldn't underestimate the importance of your role in their journey. Understanding the difficulties of PTSD and Read More...
Vent to your friends without bringing them down with these expert-approved tips
We've all had days when everything seemed to go wrong. Workplace drama or an argument with a loved one can really get us fired up. That's where having a good old rant with a pal comes in handy. It's an opportunity to let off steam and talk it out with someone we trust. It’s not uncommon to unload Read More...
On the road to mental health: 3 tips for men who have no idea how to start therapy
When it comes to entering the world of therapy, guys are frequently lost, unsure of where to begin. They may have the desire to become persons who openly disclose their deepest ideas and begin investigating the complexities of human behavior, but they lack the tools and guidance to take the first Read More...
5 resources for men who want to learn about therapy (without being judged)
Despite evidence indicating that men face mental health issues at equal or higher rates than women, men are less likely to seek counseling. "According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], nearly twice as many women as men (24.7 percent and 13.4 percent, respectively) received Read More...
Virtual reality therapy helps those with agoraphobia
We’ve all spent a little too long inside before, especially with the pandemic restrictions of the last couple of years, and maybe we were a little nervous to rejoin public spaces. For those with agoraphobia — an anxiety disorder where someone can feel particularly fearful in public spaces — Read More...
ER patients report less pain after short visit from therapy dog
While hospitals often welcome therapy dogs within their wards as a means to comfort and uplift patients, the therapeutical benefits of these our best furry friends haven’t actually been proven clinically — that is, until now. A new study from the University of Saskatchewan shows that a visit Read More...
An effective treatment for gaming and internet addiction in teens
Everyone loves playing games. Whether that be a physical sport, board games, or video games, there is something innately human about wanting to play them. But for some, these hobbies can become addictive. The World Health Organization now recognizes being addicted to video games as a disease. Read More...