This Week in Mental Health
01 New research looks into studying proteins to better Schizophrenia treatments, and effectiveness of antidepressants for Bipolar disorder.
02 Mental health platforms raise money to expand services, studies show women with ADHD have high rates of suicide, and Medicare covers Genomind testing.
03 Advocates and celebrities talk about topics like Depression, OCD, and Bipolar Disorder.
Conversations about mental health have grown exponentially over the last decade, with more and more people committing to personal and collective wellness. While we have a ways to go before mental health awareness, education and treatment are accessible to all, each day brings new and positive strides within the field.
Our This Week In Mental Health series covers the latest happenings in research, treatment, human interest stories, and more. Stay updated on new developments so you’re better equipped to navigate the world, and most importantly, your own recovery.
Here’s what’s happening the week of January 25th.
Medication
Research Collaboration Targets New Treatment for Schizophrenia
The international Psychiatry Consortium announced they will fund a ￡4 million collaboration between pharmaceutical companies and research charities to study brain proteins and effective schizophrenia drug treatments. They will, “...assess which proteins are selectively produced by the kalirin gene in the human brain, and how this differs from other human tissues.” With limited effective treatment options for those with schizophrenia, many of the collaborators are eager to do more genetic research to create better medication.
Study Suggests Antidepressants Not Effective In Treating Bipolar Disorders
A new study suggests that antidepressants are not effective at treating depression or mania for people with bipolar I or bipolar II disorder. 119 participants were randomly assigned to take either an antidepressant, Citalopram, or a placebo. Their depression and mania scores were compared at six weeks and one year, and researchers found that there was no statistically significant difference between those taking antidepressants and those taking the placebo. However, some participants had their symptoms of mania worsened because of the medication.
Bipolar Disorder - When Not To Take Antidepressants
Research
Suicidality Rates Significantly Higher Among People With ADHD
In this podcast episode, Esme Fuller-Thomson, Professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto, talks about a study she published focusing on suicide among those with ADHD. The study found that 24% of women with ADHD have attempted suicide, compared to 9% for men with ADHD. The study suggests women with ADHD are much more vulnerable to suicidality, among other issues like anxiety, depression, and substance abuse that have been studied in earlier articles.
National Eating Disorders Association Partners with UC San Diego to Create Eating Disorder Online Platform
The National Eating Disorders Association provided a grant to the UC San Diego Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research. The center will use the grant to create an accessible treatment and educational online program for those with anorexia, caregivers/parents of people with anorexia, and therapists.
Hurdle Raises $5 Million for Mental Health Platform That Focuses on the Black Community
Digital health platform Hurdle has raised $5 million to expand its mental health resources for its diverse users, specifically for people of color. They aim to “solidify [their] position as the Gold Standard for Culturally Sensitive Teletherapy.” Hurdle offers self care tools, wellness workshops, and teletherapy.
Medicare Provides Coverage For Genomind Test
Medicare recently announced that they now cover and reimburse for the Genomind Professional PGx Express test. Genomind is a mental health company that offers genetic testing to get insight on medication compatibility and effectiveness.
Advocacy
Bianca Belair Opens Up About Battle With Depression and Eating Disorder
WWE wrestler Bianca Blair talks about her depression and eating disorder for the latest episode of WWE Chronicle. She grew up doing track and field while secretly dealing with binge eating disorder. After struggling in college, she attempted suicide and was hospitalized. This led her to having an honest conversation with her parents about her mental health, ultimately giving her hope and starting her recovery.
Bianca Belair opens up about her battle with depression: WWE Chronicle sneak peek
Julien Baker Talks Mental Health on “Going There” Podcast
Indie artist Julien Baker was the latest guest on “Going There”, a podcast where musicians talk about their mental health. Julien opened up to clinical psychologist Dr. Mike about her struggles with depression, panic attacks, and OCD. She describes different coping skills she’s tried, such as exercising, substance use, and finding her values.
Suicide Leads Woman To Create Mental Health Support Network for Indigenous Community
After Melissa Robinson received the news that her niece died by suicide, she was devastated. With high numbers of suicide in Indigenous communities, she was determined to make a difference and created “Biibdaaban”, an Anishinaabe word that means, "the point at which the light touches the earth at the break of dawn.” The Facebook and Instagram community provides a place for Indigenous people to connect and have important conversations.
New Facebook Show "Peace Of Mind With Taraji" Focuses on Black Mental Health
Taraji Henson, best known for her roles like Cookie Lyon in Empire and Katherine Johnson in Hidden Figures, has started a Facebook series about mental health. In one of her latest episodes, she discusses bipolar disorder within the Black community, including high rates of misdiagnosis and issues of misunderstanding with the police during mental health episodes. Other conversations in the series include PTSD and bulimia.
Black Barbers Become Mental Health Advocates
The Confess Project Barber Coalition is a nonprofit that helps Black men and boys talk about mental health. With Black people being disproportionately affected by the pandemic, underrepresented in mental health systems, and exposed to police brutality, this coalition is working to “...[provide] a safe space for people to talk openly about the struggles they face.” The nonprofit has 200+ barbers that have been trained in mental health to help their community.
Monzo Founder Tom Blomfield Leaves Role for Mental Health Concerns
Tom Blomfield, founder of Monzo, has decided to step down from his presidential role to focus on his mental health. Monzo is an online banking system based in the U.K., and with its recent successes, Blomfield explains that managing a larger business turned into an unenjoyable role. He is open about his decision, and is looking forward to working on smaller business ventures.
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