Climate change, wars, inflation, political polarization — it’s enough to cause you migraines. Maybe it’s time for a breather? Let’s help you decompress.
A woman has a migraine. (Illustration by News Decoder)
May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, but 15 May is dedicated as Mental Health Action Day.
Beyond spreading awareness, Mental Health Action Day serves to transform individuals into active changemakers by empowering them to improve their own well-being, support others and engage in advocacy work. This growing movement started as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and spreads the message that mental health action is not only possible, but necessary.
To explore actionable steps to improve mental health we present a range of News Decoder stories that explore different aspects of mental health and the actions that people have taken to stay mentally healthy. So get the kettle on, sit back, relax and read these stories over a nice cup of tea.
Teens talk about mental health: A Decoder Dialogue
News Decoder gathered five teens across three continents in a Decoder Dialogue to share their thoughts and experiences around mental health.
Depression stole me. So I fought back — with help
At age 15, I was no longer me. Learning about depression taught me about myself, my support group and growing efforts to fight mental illness.
Can AI therapists really help you sort out your problems?
You can get an appointment with an AI therapist 24/7 and talk through your problems from your own comfy couch. Any downsides to that?
An ancient art form connecting two continents
For one Canadian artist, the vibrancy of Japanese washi pulled her out of the darkness of mental illness.
Climate change is stressing us out. Can good come of that?
Anxiety about the fate of the planet is harming the mental health of young people. Can we help them funnel their frustration into a force for change?
Reporting on trauma can be traumatic for those reporting on it
Journalists who shine the light on the world’s trouble spots often keep their own troubles to themselves. And that’s a problem.
Student athletes struggle to stay mentally fit
Your coach and team count on you to play your best. You’ve got class assignments due and tests to study for. Your friends want you to go out. Where’s the time?
Medicine that’s a breath of fresh air
To reduce your stress your doctor might prescribe a walk in the woods. Careful, though. This type of medicine is definitely addictive.
When musicians get the blues
Musical artists all over the world suffer from depression and other mental health problems. Can the music industry help them?
Being alone is not the same as lonely
Society places value on being social. When we choose to bow out, people wonder what’s wrong. But sometimes healthy “me time” means: Just me.
