Become more zen in the City to boost your mental health and wellbeing

Modern work demands have never been greater. Read 4 tips to relax here

Using Screens in The Dark Can Hinder Preteens’ Sleep

Preteens who look at a phone or television screen in the dark an hour before bed are at risk of not getting enough sleep compared to those who use these devices in a lighted room or do not use them at all before bedtime, according to a new study by U.K. and Swiss researchers. Click here to read PsychCentral article

The shocking amount of work sickness in Birmingham mental health is responsible for

Charities said the revelation showed the “huge impact” poor mental health had on the economy as well as individuals. Read news piece here

Employees With Little Control at Work May Be Prone to Weight Gain

A new Swedish study finds that male and female employees who feel they have a low degree of control at work are much more susceptible to weight gain. Click here for PsychCentral article

Stress and dream sleep are linked to pathways of brain cell death and survival

The first and most distinct consequence of daily mild stress is an increase in rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep, a new study reports. The research also demonstrated that this increase is associated with genes involved in cell death and survival. Read ScienceDaily article here

Physical Activity Can Reduce Risk of Depression

While many studies have found links between physical activity and lower rates of depression, a key question has remained: Does physical activity actually reduce the risk of depression, or does depression lead to reduced physical activity? Read PsychCentral article here

Offer digital CBT to young people with mild depression, NICE says

Children and young people can be offered digital cognitive behavioural therapy (digital CBT, also known as computer CBT) as a first-line treatment for mild depression.  Click here to read further.

Emergency caesareans put new mothers at higher risk of developing postnatal depression

A major study provides new evidence that emergency C-sections put new mothers at greater risk of experiencing mental health problems after giving birth.  Click here to read further.

Childhood lead exposure linked to poor adult mental health

Lead exposure in childhood appears to have long-lasting negative effects on mental health and personality in adulthood, according to a study of people who grew up in the era of leaded gasoline.  Click here to read further.

Utah Study Finds Suicide Increase Among Those With Autism

Based on a 20-year population study in Utah, researchers have discovered that among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), suicides, though rare, have increased over time compared to the general public.  Click here to read further.

New Training App Shown to Aid Concentration

A new research study at the University of Cambridge shows training on a computer application can improve attention and concentration. Scientists say the new “brain training” game could help individuals deal with daily distractions in a busy world.  Click here to read further.

Offer digital CBT to young people with mild depression, NICE says

Children and young people can be offered digital cognitive behavioural therapy (digital CBT, also known as computer CBT) as a first-line treatment for mild depression. Read NICE news here

Development of Psychological Boundaries Important for Young People

An international research effort suggests a person’s culture plays less of a role in the formation of personal boundaries than individual, personal factors. Click here to read PsychCentral article

Missing Doctor Appointments Linked to Increased Risk of Death – Especially for Those With Mental Health Conditions

A new study finds that missing doctor appointments is associated with early death, with people who have long-term mental health conditions at particular risk. Read PsychCentral article here

Managerialism in UK schools erodes teachers' mental health and well-being

Performance targets, increased workload, curriculum changes and other bureaucratic changes are eroding teachers' professional identity and harming their mental health, a new study finds. Click here to read ScienceDaily article

Leaky Blood Vessels in Brain May Signal Dementia Early On

Leaky capillaries in the brain may be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study published in the journal Nature Medicine. Read PsychCentral article here

Military Wives May Have Greater Risk of Perinatal Depression

Women whose partners are away on military deployment are at greater risk of developing depression during pregnancy and just after giving birth, according to a new U.K. study published in the Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps. Click here to read PsychCentral article

Recalling Happy Memories in Adolescence Can Cut Depression Risk

In a new study, University of Cambridge researchers found that  recalling positive events and experiences can help young people build resilience against depression in later life. Click here to read PsychCentral article

Mental health services for children and young people

This report examines mental health services for children and young people and finds most young people with a mental health condition do not get the treatment they need.  It says government should step up action to increase staff numbers and develop required skills and cross-departmental planning must improve, with focus on prevention and early intervention. Click here to link to report

B-group vitamins can improve concentration among people with first episode psychosis

A new study explored the impact of increasing a person's intake of vitamins B12, B6, and folic acid [vitamin B9] after studies in people with schizophrenia revealed that increased intake of these vitamins could decrease patients' levels of an amino acid called homocysteine and improve their symptoms.Read ScienceDaily article here

CCG allocations revealed: The winners and losers

New funding allocations which favour more deprived areas will see some clinical commissioning groups receive cash growth of up to 15 per cent next year, with others receiving increases of less than 5 per cent. Click here for HSJ article - any log in issues please contact the library

NHS long-term plan: Full coverage

Health Service Journal’s comprehensive full coverage of the important changes proposed in the NHS long-term plan,which was published today. Click here for link - can difficulties please contact the library service

What is the NHS long-term plan and can it achieve its aims? - The Guardian

Despite extra funding, central idea of plan for NHS England is to do more with less. read full newspaper article here

Royal College of Occupational Therapists response to the NHS Long Term Plan

The long awaited publication of the NHS Long Term Plan was warmly received by the team at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists as a sound roadmap for the future of health care in England. Click here for response

The NHS 10 year plan won’t work unless we embrace new technology

The focus of the new NHS 10 year plan is clear – prevention rather than cure. Whilst hospitals will still see budget rises, it’s GPs, mental health and community services who are in line for the biggest boost. read The Spectator article here

NHS Long Term Plan to tackle major killer conditions and alcohol and smoking

 Read NHS England news article on major diseases here and on alcohol and smoking here

Mental Health Foundation's response to the new NHS long-term plan

Read Mental health Foundation response to PM's NHS long-term plan here

Long-term plan ambition is one thing and action is something else, says NHS Confederation

Read NHS Confederation response to PM's NHS long-term plan here

PM: Launch of the NHS Long Term Plan marks an historic step to secure its future

From getting the best start in life, to supporting you into old age, the NHS Long Term Plan will be hailed by the Prime Minister as a historic moment for patients across the nation. Click here to read DoH press release

Hearing Loss Tied to Depressive Symptoms in Elderly

A new study suggests that treating age-related hearing loss — an often underrecognized and undertreated condition among the elderly — may help lower the risk of late-life depression. Click here to read PsychCentral article

The mental health impact of therapy dogs in prisons

This report presents the evaluation findings of a pilot scheme to introduce two therapy dogs to people with histories of self-harm in three prisons in England’s North East. The pilot found that the therapy dogs had a calming influence on prisoners, helped increase coping skills and strategies, and provided a safe space for them to explore ways of expressing and processing emotions Click here for link

Schizophrenia May Disrupt Bodily Experience of Emotion

A new study shows that how people experience emotion through their bodies is radically altered in people with schizophrenia. Click here to read synopsis

Modernising the Mental Health Act: a summary of the final report of the Independent Review of the Mental Health Act.

This briefing provides a summary of the final report which includes proposed changes to CTOs, the nearest relative provision, hospital manager hearings, the introduction of a statutory care and treatment plan and calls for a sustained focus on improving the inpatient ward environment. Click here for link

Spotting heart problems early could prevent dementia in tens of thousands

Making a New Year’s resolution to take up a free NHS health check could stop people developing dementia as well as catching physical conditions, a top doctor said today. Read NHS news piece here