Ukraine has signed a Memorandum with the Czech Republic's National Institute of Mental Health, marking another step forward in its efforts to enhance mental well-being. The agreement was announced by Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska during her official visit to the Czech Republic alongside Health Minister Viktor Liashko and Head of the Coordination Center for Mental Health Oksana Zbitneva. This move reflects Ukraine's commitment to adopting international best practices in addressing mental health, sharing its own experiences, and fostering global collaboration on trauma, resilience, and community building.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-society/3989306-ukraine-czech-republic-sign-memorandum-on-mental-health-cooperation.htmlA recent survey in Wisconsin has found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth have high rates of mental health concern, with trans youth facing even higher levels of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. The Department of Health Services attributes these elevated conditions to bullying, discrimination, and societal rejection, rather than the youth's sexual orientation or gender expression.
https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/health/2025/05/05/trump-administration-wants-to-cut-sepathe-government-may-defund-the-988-suicide-line-for-lgbtq-youth/83231588007/The Faqiri family is demanding an apology from Ontario's government for failing to implement recommendations made in a coroner's inquest into the death of Soleiman Faqiri, who died in jail due to physical and mental abuse. The inquest jury had recommended changes to improve treatment of inmates with mental health issues, but over 16 months have passed without any action being taken. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has also called for implementation of these recommendations, citing the need to protect society while treating inmates humanely.
https://thestar.com/news/ontario/faqiri-family-demands-answers-on-implementing-coroner-inquest-recommendations/article_7873feed-928f-5d76-abc8-8701e41d95ce.htmlIn January 2023, Australian man Cauchi called police after his father Andrew took out his collection of knives, including one used in a mall attack. A body-worn video from Queensland Senior Constable was played at the NSW Coroners Court during an inquest into the tragedy, which occurred in Toowoomba, near Brisbane.
https://www.9news.com.au/national/bondi-junction-inquest-mass-killer-laid-hands-on-dad-in-dv-spat-over-knives/8f887bd9-a823-40f1-8d9c-9046b39c5f63A quarter of young adults in the UK believe they have been given drugs or alcohol without their knowledge or consent, with 23% saying they've definitely been spiked and 41% including those who think they may have been. St John has advised victims to stay hydrated, alert bar staff and police if suspicious behavior is noticed, and know how to perform CPR in case someone stops breathing. The organization's medical director, Dr Lynn Thomas, emphasizes the importance of recognizing spiking symptoms to provide critical care and protect victims from further harm.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14680635/enjoying-night-pals-screaming-pain-drink-spiked.htmlLuke Coutinho, a Lifestyle Coach, recommends the 4-7-8 breathing technique to instantly calm the mind, reduce stress, and lift one's mood. This ancient yogic method involves inhaling for 4 seconds, holding breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds. Research supports its benefits, including reducing stress, improving heart health by increasing heart rate variability and lowering blood pressure, and helping to regulate anxiety symptoms.
https://www.ndtv.com/lifestyle/stressed-lifestyle-coach-luke-coutinho-shares-how-a-simple-breathing-method-can-calm-your-mind-8332626#pfrom=home-ndtv_lifestyleA recent study found that while convenience services offer time savings and stress relief, their high cost is a significant barrier to adoption for many consumers, particularly those living paycheck to paycheck, with 67% of all consumers facing financial uncertainty as of January. The report highlights accessibility and affordability as the primary drivers of usage, suggesting that cost concerns outweigh other factors such as service quality when making decisions about using or cutting back on these services.
https://www.pymnts.com/economy/2025/fiserv-consumers-shifting-focus-to-essential-spending/Families of individuals with autism are expressing outrage over a potential national registry that would require the collection of confidential information. Seven states already have mandatory registries in place, and the National Institutes of Health is exploring partnerships to build a database. Autism psychologist Amy Marschall fears her rights will be taken away if she's forced to provide personal info without consent, saying "Don't research us without any of us on your research team – and find ways to support us, not ways to eradicate us."
https://www.rawstory.com/autism-database/A recent study by researchers at Curtin University in Australia found that simple everyday habits such as chatting with friends, spending time in nature, and mentally engaging activities can significantly improve mental health. The study, which surveyed over 600 adults in Western Australia, revealed that daily conversations with others increased mental well-being scores by 10 points, while daily exposure to nature boosted scores by five points. Regular social catchups, physical activity, spiritual practice, and helping others also contributed to improved mental wellness, according to lead researcher Prof. Christina Pollard.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/technology/study-finds-everyday-habits-boost-mental-well-being-1/