The Federal Department of Education (FDE) in Pakistan has introduced measures to combat drug usage among young people. The department has launched a curriculum highlighting the effects of drugs and conducted random checks in schools. In collaboration with Taskeen APP and Umre Rawan, FDE is providing psychological assistance to students suffering from mental illness. Additionally, DIG ICT reported 78 registered cases, 735 arrests, and 131kg of seized drugs since 2023. The ICT Police has launched a 'Friends of Police' campaign to raise awareness among young people about the dangers of drug usage. UNICEF's Deputy Representative, Sharmeela Rassool, highlighted improvements in children's nutrition status through joint efforts with the Punjab Government.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1313686-17m-varsity-students-found-addicted-to-drugs-senate-panel-toldPaul's thorn, described as "dangerously sharp and spiked" by the Greek word "Skolops", was a source of immense pain for him, prompting him to plead with God three times to remove it. However, God replied that His grace is sufficient for Paul, emphasizing that power is perfected in weakness. The author suggests that what matters is not the specific nature of Paul's thorn, but rather our ability to identify with his experience and recognize that our own "thorns" - whether past traumas, personal struggles or emotional afflictions - can be just as tormenting if we allow them to.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/features/faith/stuck-with-a-thorn/article_1a0d25a8-97ba-5fb1-a303-c9761b7ae9d0.htmlThe FIG Public Health Unit is using real people in their advertising campaign to raise awareness and promote social change, aiming to reduce stigma around mental health. They are seeking individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges to share their stories, with the goal of empowering them to become faces of the campaign in the future. Those interested can submit photos for inclusion by contacting wideskies.openminds@horizon.co.fk or https://www.facebook.com/FIGPublicHealthUnit. Support services are also available, including the Emotional Wellbeing Service (28082), GP appointments (28000), and helplines such as Samaritans (51515) and Childline (28888).
https://en.mercopress.com/2025/05/21/falklands-mental-health-project-wide-skies-open-mindsThe Indonesian Child Protection Commission has criticized West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi's discipline program, which sends adolescents to military barracks. The program has been linked to health issues, with children experiencing fatigue and falling ill. Many of those involved were not provided with adequate information before being taken to the barracks.
https://en.tempo.co/read/2009410/kpai-some-children-sick-with-exhaustion-in-west-javas-military-barracksThe health and well-being of adolescents worldwide are at a critical juncture, with declining rates of smoking and alcohol use offset by rising obesity-related diseases and mental health disorders. Prof Sarah Baird warns that the challenges faced by young people will be exacerbated by climate change, global conflicts, and digital technology. Adolescents in low- and middle-income countries disproportionately bear the global disease burden, yet receive only a small percentage of development aid. Investing in adolescent health is crucial for safeguarding the future, with initiatives such as strengthening schools and ensuring universal access to healthcare being key priorities.
https://www.thenationalnews.com/health/2025/05/21/global-adolescent-health-at-a-tipping-point-as-obesity-blights-middle-east/A study of 12,000 US children aged 9-12 found that depressed kids were not more likely to spend time on social media as they approached age 13, but 12-13 year-olds who spent the most time online showed high rates of depressive symptoms. The researchers suggest that excessive social media use may contribute to the development of depression in this age group. Dr. Jason Nagata, a pediatrician at the University of California San Francisco, notes that cyberbullying and lack of sleep are potential drivers of depression, but parents and children face a dilemma as social media is often their primary means of connecting with peers.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14735275/warning-parents-smartphones-children-depression.htmlA grand jury indictment has charged Happy House Behavioral Health LLC with defrauding Arizona's Medicaid program by $60 million. The scheme allegedly involved billing for mental health treatment and addiction rehabilitation services that were either never provided or only partially completed, including to deceased and incarcerated clients. Sober living homes referred clients to Happy House, which received money from the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System and then paid the homes in violation of state law. The company faces charges of conspiracy, fraud, forgery, theft, and money laundering, with $5 million paid to Hope of Life International Church in July 2023.
https://www.boston25news.com/news/20-people-health/3K6ILXG7IBCTROLFSVOPMUFKHA/Kingski's parents advise individuals considering LASIK surgery to thoroughly research and seek support if complications arise. They also recommend reaching out for crisis services, such as the New York City hotline (1-888-NYC-WELL) or the National Suicide Prevention hotline (988), for those struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health crises outside of NYC.
https://nypost.com/2025/05/21/us-news/pennsylvania-cop-died-by-suicide-after-suffering-nightmare-complications-from-lasik-eye-surgery/Research by Kayla Levy for Charlie Health highlights the negative impacts of mental health stigma, citing examples of social exclusion and employment barriers faced by individuals with serious mental health conditions.
https://www.boston25news.com/news/real-impacts-mental-health-stigma-according-research/UOMTJ566NFNKRAZLWVFCPYECNA/