Last year’s World Mental Health Report found that one in eight people live with a mental health condition. For many, the COVID-19 pandemic and other current events have exacerbated those conditions. Rates of depression and anxiety have increased by 25% since last year, and US teen population—especially teenage girls—are the most impacted demographic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us many things, including the value of our relationships—and this extends beyond human connections. Although contact with other people has been limited over the past year and a half, our furry friends have helped fill the gap when it comes to our emotional and mental health.
In fact, a poll from the University of Michigan recently revealed about 10% of all US adults between the ages of 50 and 80 adopted a new pet between March 2020 and January 2021.
Stressful situations do have silver linings and positive outcomes. For example, while the news related to COVID-19 can be disheartening, the pandemic has had a major impact on air quality in major global cities, from Los Angeles to Wuhan.
Editor's note: This is part one in a series on health & millennials. Check out part two: The Lowdown on Millennials and High Blood Pressure.
’Tis the season for spending. In 2019, the National Retail Federation’s survey of holiday spending estimates the average American will shell out about $650 on gifts. According to Gallup, this number is closer to $950.
While gift giving is a meaningful tradition, there’s another way to celebrate the holidays and show those we love we care. It’s called presence or being present.
Whether you have a loved one with a long-term or sudden illness, or an aging parent who needs your caregiving assistance, you’re far from alone. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, more than 34 million Americans provide unpaid care to an adult age 50 or older.
While feeling stressed or sometimes overwhelmed as a caregiver is normal, these tips can help put your mind at ease:
Bullying is far more common than any of us want to admit, with many children facing it on a daily basis. In fact, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, 1 in 4 students report being bullied at school.
With the advent of social media, bullying is no longer just something kids experience at school or on the playground—it’s become a 24/7 concern. Bullying can be physical, social or psychological and can involve hitting, shoving, verbal threats, excluding others, spreading rumors or shaming.
According to the latest Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Index, of the top 10 health conditions among millennials, six are behavioral-health related. One of those leading health problems is major depression (up 31 percent in 2017 from prevalence in 2014).
You’re pregnant or recently brought your little one into the world, and your excitement is replaced with sadness, irrational thoughts and anxiety. Fifty to eighty percent of new mom’s experience some unexpected weepiness, mood swings and insecurity.
Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Too much sleep or too little sleep. It can be a vicious cycle for those with depression. While insomnia or other sleep problems do not cause depression alone, lack of quality shuteye does play a role.