Targeting Unhealthy Lifestyles May Increase Longevity in Those With Severe Mental Illness

Addressing unhealthy lifestyle factors among people with severe mental illness could potentially provide the greatest benefit in increasing life expectancy, according to a new U.K. study conducted by researchers at King’s College London. Click here for link to PsychCentral articlee

Royals back coronavirus mental health campaign - BBC News

Click here to read news piece - with links to PHE advice

COVID-19: guidance for the public on mental health and wellbeing

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COVID-19: guidance on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing

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For Mental Well-Being, Live in Moment But Plan For Future

People who manage to balance living in the moment with planning for the future are best able to weather daily stress without succumbing to negative moods, according to a new study by researchers from North Carolina (NC) State University. Read PsychCentral article here

These are the easy steps to take to look after your mental health during coronavirus

These are the easy steps to take to look after your mental health during coronavirus, Click here to read article

Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel advice for educational settings

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COVID-19: guidance for domestic abuse safe accommodation provision

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ADHD Drugs Cause Brain to Focus on Benefits of Work, Not the Costs

It has long been assumed that stimulant drugs, such as Ritalin and Adderall, work by helping people focus. Click here to link to PsychCentral article

Mental Stress May Predict 2nd Heart Attack or Dying from Heart Disease

For some people who survive a heart attack, mental stress may be a stronger predictor of a repeat heart attack or dying from heart disease than physical stress, according to new research. Click here for PsychCentral article

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on vulnerable children and young people

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RCOT issues advice to help those who are social distancing

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Racial disparities in mental health: literature and evidence review.

The Racial Equality Foundation has published a report on the persistent racial disparities in mental health. Click here to access it

Being Mindful of Your Mental Health During the COVID-19 Outbreak

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Government to make emergency changes to Mental Health Act

The government is set to make changes to the Mental Health Act, due to concerns there will be a lack of psychiatrists available to assess people that may need to be sectioned and admitted to hospital. Read HSJ article here

People Addicted to Running at Risk for More Severe Injuries

The psychological, health and social benefits of running are well-known, but when the sport becomes an addiction, it can cause more harm than good, according to a new study by University of South Australia Adjunct Professor Jan de Jonge and his team.
Click here to access PsychCentral article

CQC suspend routine inspections

Routine inspections suspended in response to coronavirus outbreak. Click here for news piece

Coronavirus: How to protect your mental health

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COVID-19: guidance for hostel or day centres for people rough sleeping

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COVID-19: guidance for primary care

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COVID-19: prisons and other prescribed places of detention guidance

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Shrewsbury and Telford choir members raise thousands for specialist dementia nurses

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Parents share diary of daughter's mental health battle

Family 'thrown into a world we didn't understand'  BBC News. Read news piece here

Reasons for Loneliness May Differ by Generation

New research suggests loneliness persists in equal measure among various generations. However, the origin of feeling lonely may be different over the course of life.
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Kids Who Blame Themselves for Mom’s Sadness More Likely to Face Depression, Anxiety

Children who feel a sense of responsibility for their mother’s sadness or depression are more likely to face depression and anxiety themselves, according to a new study led by researchers at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Texas.
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Gratitude interventions don't help with depression, anxiety

Go ahead and be grateful for the good things in your life. Just don't think that a gratitude intervention will help you feel less depressed or anxious.Click here for ScienceDaily article

Family Meals Can Provide Mental and Physical Benefits

New research finds that more frequent family meals were associated with better dietary outcomes and family functioning outcomes.
Click here for PsychCentral article
Click here for full text article - you will been Athens password - (Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 2019-11-01, Volume 51, Issue 10)

Virtual Workshop: Transforming the Practice of Mental Health Care

On April 2, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) will host a virtual workshop on Transforming the Practice of Mental Health Care. Click here for details on how to join

Large Study Adds New Evidence to Genetic Map of Psychiatric Disorders

A new international study of approximately 230,000 patients has identified 109 genetic variants associated with eight psychiatric disorders: autism, attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Tourette Syndrome.
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Social Media Messages to Inspire Exercise May Backfire

A new Australian study suggests an Instagram movement to promote better health is flawed. Researchers discovered the images associated with an online program appear to make many women feel worse about themselves and their bodies rather than inspiring them to exercise.
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'You might feel nobody cares, but I do'

Link to BBC video here

Unhealthy Diet Linked to Anxiety Disorders

New research shows that adults who have low fruit and vegetable intakes have a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. This finding helps to explain the discovery of an association or correlation between body composition and anxiety disorders. Click here to read PsychCentral article

Mental health crisis services rolled out across england

Mental health crisis teams will be strengthened and new alternative forms of provision such as safe havens and crisis cafes will open across the country as part of the NHS Long Term Plan. Read NHS news here

Occupational therapy’s role in social prescribing

RCOT has been working on the topic of social prescribing and the unique contribution occupational therapy can make for a considerable time – it’s been a thread woven throughout much of our work over the past few years. Read RCOT news piece here

How Culture Impacts Our Reaction to Being Sick

A new study suggests that a person’s culture and personal values may shape their internal views on how to be “socially appropriate” when they are sick. The findings are published in the journal Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience.
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NHS to celebrate ‘health and care heroes’ with parliamentary awards

The NHS has today (4 March) launched the NHS Parliamentary Awards 2020, to celebrate and give national recognition to staff who go above and beyond the call of duty. There is a category for Mental Health. Click here to access government news website. Click here to award site

Delivering health and care for people who sleep rough

See King's Fund guidance here

7 Ways Traveling Can Be Good For Your Mental Health

Read article from The Science Times here

Race Inequality In The Workforce: Exploring Connections Between Work, Ethnicity And Mental Health

Read King's Blog report here

Health matters: smoking and mental health

This edition of Health Matters focuses on smoking among people living with a broad range of mental health conditions. Click here to read government guidance