Mental Health NewsFeed

May 6, 2025

Police Missed Chances to Save Schizophrenic Killer Joel Cauchi

A coroner is likely to recommend systemic changes after Queensland Police failed to connect with Joel Cauchi, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a teenager and had been experiencing psychotic symptoms before killing six people and injuring 10 at Sydney's Westfield Bondi Junction in April 2024. The police force had several chances to reconnect him with mental health treatment and medication but missed these opportunities.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/queensland/qld-police-failed-to-get-bondi-junction-killer-help-before-stabbing-spree-inquest-told-20250506-p5lx39.html

May 6, 2025

Priscilla Coleman's Abortion Study Criticized for Flaws

Priscilla Coleman's research on abortion and mental health has been widely criticized for its methodological flaws, with several studies being used to limit women's access to abortion in US legal cases despite repeated critiques from academics. Coleman's work was published in the British Journal of Psychiatry in 2011 and again in 2002, but an analysis by Julia Littell found "serious methodological problems" that were not corrected. The BMJ initially criticized the original article, but later decided not to retract it after the author threatened legal action. In contrast, The Lancet retracted a study on hearing aids and dementia in December 2023 due to serious errors, with two editorial board members resigning in protest.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14682693/How-shocking-flaws-way-treat-dementia-illnesses-covered-highly-respected-medical-journals.html

May 6, 2025

Rebekah Harding Warns Against Inflammatory Foods

A recent article by Rebekah Harding for Hone Health highlights the potential negative impact of certain foods on inflammation in the body. According to Harding, specific foods such as those high in sugar and unhealthy fats can trigger or exacerbate inflammation, leading to various health issues. The article suggests replacing these inflammatory foods with healthier alternatives like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to promote overall well-being.

https://www.boston25news.com/news/these-5-foods-may-be-secretly-causing-your-inflammation/XL7ASRIGMZITRCFTGH35JUXGCU/

May 6, 2025

Singapore Limits Kids' Screen Time to Two Hours Daily

A survey by Singapore's Ministry of Communications and Information found that two-thirds of respondents encountered harmful online content, with half of parents reporting their children also experienced it, particularly sexual content and cyberbullying. To promote healthier lifestyles, the government released new guidelines limiting screen time for primary schoolers to under two hours a day, unless related to schoolwork, and discouraging unrestricted internet access and social media use for children, citing age restrictions that typically require users to be at least 13 years old.

https://channelnewsasia.com/living/smartwatch-children-myfirst-fone-5077531

May 6, 2025

Australia Bans Social Media for Under-16s Nationwide

The Australian government has passed a world-first bill that would ban social media platforms from allowing children under 16 to use their services. The legislation, which was approved by the Senate in November 2024, requires companies like Facebook and Instagram to classify specific platforms as age-restricted and face fines of up to $50 million if they fail to prevent minors from using them. The responsibility for enforcing the minimum age limit will fall on social media companies, not children or their parents.

https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/new-zealand-lawmaker-proposes-social-media-ban-for-under-16s/

May 6, 2025

Girl Scouts Empower Girls to Be Themselves

The Girl Scouts of the USA is empowering girls from diverse backgrounds and abilities to be themselves, discover their strengths, and overcome challenges through various programs. With the support of volunteers, mentors, and millions of former members, they are leading the way in finding their voices and driving positive change on issues such as environmental justice and friendship.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/girl-scouts-of-the-usa-presenta-el-programa-exclusivo-preparate-con-girl-scouts-tm-para-ayudar-a-las-ninas-de-preescolar-y-jardin-de-infantes-a-prepararse-para-el-proximo-ano-escolar-850303099.html

May 6, 2025

Indian Court Warns Over Student Suicide Epidemic

The Indian apex court has expressed concern over a disturbing pattern of student suicides at various educational institutes, highlighting the need for a more effective mechanism to address factors that lead to such tragedies. The court emphasizes the importance of seeking help and counseling, particularly through the Sanjivini Society for Mental Health hotline (011-40769002) available from 10 am to 7:30 pm on weekdays.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-wants-to-know-if-firs-filed-over-suicides-of-iit-student-neet-aspirant/article69544648.ece

May 6, 2025

Police Missed Chances to Save Nikita Cauchi's Life

A Queensland Police inquest has revealed that officers had opportunities to intervene in the life of Ashlee Good's killer, Nikita Cauchi, before his tragic death. Cauchi, who was homeless and living apart from his family in Toowoomba, had stopped taking medication and ceased seeing a psychiatrist in 2020. In January 2023, he called police to report his father for theft, claiming the knives were essential to him. Senior Constables Matthew McDonnell and Hope Porter responded, noting Cauchi's fixation on the knives and irrational fears about homelessness. However, an email from McDonnell seeking follow-up mental health support was forgotten due to the officer's distraction with other duties.

https://www.9news.com.au/national/bondi-junction-inquest-coroner-likely-to-recommend-improvements-after-police-failed-to-link-joel-cauchi-mass-killing-to-mental-health-system/304a788e-b7be-4f63-a816-bbdcf7b80b98

May 6, 2025

Fetterman Fires Aide Over Leaked Medical Records

Senator John Fetterman has responded to concerns about his mental health, citing a New York Magazine article that he believes is a "hit piece" with anonymous sources. In December 2023, Fetterman's former chief of staff, Adam Jentleson, took action that compromised his confidential medical records, prompting Fetterman to sever access for Jentleson. Fetterman has been open about his past struggles with depression and a stroke, which he recovered from after suffering the attack in May 2022. The article also mentions Fetterman's support for Israel, which has sparked criticism from some of his progressive supporters, including former campaign officials who wrote an anonymous letter expressing their disappointment.

https://nypost.com/2025/05/06/us-news/sen-john-fetterman-fumes-over-one-source-hit-piece-claiming-erratic-behavior/