As an Asian woman who has faced mental health struggles, I hope sharing my mental health journey encourages greater understanding and openness in our community. The post Celebrating better mental health this South East Asian Heritage Month first appeared on MQ Mental Health Research ..read more

A new study from the Universities of Bath and Southampton, published in the British Journal of Health Psychology, found that just 10 minutes of daily mindfulness practice can significantly improve wellbeing, reduce depression and anxiety, and motivate people to adopt healthier lifestyles, including better exercise, eating, and sleeping habits. The post Daily Mindfulness Reduces Depression and Anxiety, Study Says first appeared on MQ Mental Health Research ..read more

New research from the University of Nottingham reveals that the fear of missing out (FoMO) and information overload in digital workplaces are significant risk factors for employee mental health, potentially leading to increased stress and burnout. The study, published in SAGE Open, analyzed survey data from 142 employees to explore the negative impacts of digital working. Elizabeth Marsh, a PhD student from the School of Psychology who led the study, noted, "The digital workplace is now recognized as a key strategic asset in organizations that enables worker productivity and flexibility in th ..read more

Without research, it’s just guesswork. We must continue to grow investments in research so that everyone can live happy, healthy and productive lives. The post Why understanding neurodiversity and mental illnesses is important for confronting ignorance. first appeared on MQ Mental Health Research ..read more

MQ has long been committed to growing the mental health research workforce. For the last 10 years we have invested in our flagship Fellowships programme. However, the percentage of researchers leaving academia straight after completing their PhD may be as high as 70%. In response, we launched the MQ Scholarships Programme to help support the next generation of ground-breaking mental health researchers.   82 scientists applied to be part of this year’s first cohort and our expert international funding committee chose six projects to support. Of these, one is based in Australia, one in Co ..read more

People who are lonely are more likely to experience bad dreams. The research highlights a connection between loneliness and sleep disorders, both of which are significant public health concerns linked to higher risks of heart disease, stroke, and premature death. Oregon State University's Colin Hesse, a co-author of the study published in the Journal of Psychology, explained that stress is a key factor linking loneliness to both the frequency and intensity of nightmares. Other factors include rumination—worry and anxiety—and hyperarousal, which is described as being overly alert and focused ..read more

Content warning: Mentions of self-harm, suicide, or suicidal thoughts Written by volunteer Ben White, this blog details his journey through a depressive period, and the strength it took to change his life for the better. My name is Ben, I am a 28-year-old medical secretary, from London. When it comes to mental health, everyone has a story to tell, whether it be about themselves, a friend, or a family member. Thank you for taking the time to read mine. It happened at a time when I felt invincible and then my world came crashing down around me. I had never felt so down and upset to the level I ..read more

A world-first study from Flinders University has revealed that doomscrolling—habitual checking of disturbing social media stories—negatively affects our perception of humanity and life's meaning. Doomscrolling involves spending excessive time scrolling through traumatic news such as shootings, terrorism, and conspiracies, often to the point of addiction. The study shows that this behaviour makes people more suspicious and distrustful of others and leads them to feel that life lacks meaning. "Doomscrolling can have some dire consequences on our mental health and wellbeing leaving us feeling s ..read more

Two to three years after being infected with COVID-19, participants scored on average significantly lower in cognitive tests than expected. The post Long-term cognitive and psychiatric effects of COVID-19 revealed first appeared on MQ Mental Health Research ..read more

The 4th August is National Friendship Day, a day to celebrate the importance of loving, platonic relationships. This blog, written by MQ ambassador Amazin LeThi, details how pet ownership, in particular dogs, can profoundly impact our lives.   National Friendship Day highlights the immense value of relationships in our lives. While we celebrate human friends, we must also recognize the profound impact of our four-legged companions on our well-being. As an MQ Mental Health Research ambassador and lifelong dog owner, I can confidently say that a dog's companionship is an unmatched sou ..read more