Verywell Mind

When participants engaged with online art exhibitions for less than 5 minutes, it improved their moods, feelings of loneliness, wellbeing, etc. These changes were associated with aesthetic appraisals and cognitive-emotional experiences of the art exhibition. These findings hold promise for how online art can be utilized to improve mental health...

Researchers reviewed the potential benefits of tourism for individuals with dementia. Travel may help to improve well-being for those struggling with mental distress. Exploring a new environment through travel may assist individuals with distress, so these insights should inform future policy. We know the benefits of art therapy and music...

Netflix’s four-part limited docuseries How to Change Your Mind, based on the book of the same name by Michael Pollan, covers the history and promise of psychedelics. Divided into episodes on LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, and mescaline, Pollan serves as the series’ narrator and the figure that connects each episode.

Recent research shows that a father's attachment style may impact their child's anxiety levels. Paternal attachment styles can also change the child or adolescent’s attachment to their parents. Increased awareness of this connection could improve father-child relationships and prevent the transfer of generational trauma. Understanding the attachment style of...

July was Disability Pride Month, but there’s a difference between shouting from the rooftops and speaking in hushed tones. For many in the disability community, the idea of disability pride itself is a complicated topic. Whether it’s because of societal expectations, privacy concerns, or a lifelong curiosity about what...

A new study found that combining VR exposure therapy and CBT via an app was successful in helping people treat their phobias. People with common phobias such as a fear of dogs, flying, and needles reported an average reduction in their phobia symptoms of 75% after six weeks. Some people...

Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a less common form of dementia, and one that not as many people are aware of. It primarily affects speech and language, with memory loss becoming more apparent further on in the condition. While it's less common, research into PPA is ongoing and there is...

Ayahuasca is a psychedelic drink that's been used for hundreds of years in South America for ritual purposes. A new study suggests ayahuasca usage is linked to physical and mental health benefits, as well as overall better quality of life. Advocates hope research like this will help lawmakers, health professionals,...

A recent study found that body odor may lead to "click" friendships, where people feel an instant mutual connection. Researchers used a device designed to be an "electronic nose" to find that "click" friends have similar body odor. Friendship brings many mental health benefits, including combatting loneliness and providing encouragement...

When grown-ups see kids playing, they see games of hide and seek, freeze tag, or games of make-believe. What they don’t see is that kids are building confidence and self-esteem, nurturing curiosity, and developing coordination and stamina. Research shows that when children play, they are enhancing numerous cognitive, social,...

The benefits of physical exercise are long-known and far-reaching. A workout at the gym or a brisk walk can keep you sharp mentally, help you maintain a healthy weight, and build up muscle. But if you can’t physically work out, or mobility is an issue, you may still be able...

The so-called "serotonin theory" claims that the activity or levels of serotonin in the brain are responsible for depression. A major review of prior research says there is no convincing evidence to support this theory. Many people take antidepressants because they've been led to believe in a biochemical cause for...

Spoiler alert! This article contains spoilers for the film Thor: Love and Thunder, currently playing in theaters. The title character of Thor: Love and Thunder has never come across like a traditional god. Despite his roots in Norse mythology, neither Thor (Chris Hemsworth) nor any of the members of his family have ever seemed concerned about attracting and retaining worshippers.

A child's brain is still developing at age 12, and the brain's changing nature may make it more vulnerable to mental health distress. Having another indicator of mental health concerns in youth can be beneficial for parents, therapists, and teachers. One out of seven kids aged 10 to 19 has...

The model minority myth or stereotype is harmful to Asian Americans, as it sets expectations for them to act a certain way, which can prevent them from seeking support. Stereotypes stem from such historical context as telling Japanese Americans to assimilate into white society in the 1940s after they were released from internment camps.

At this point, most of us are familiar with the concept of mindfulness. Through this ancient practice of focusing on sensory stimuli like our breathing or bodily sensations, we can be more present in the moment, and that can effectively reduce distress. The benefits of mindfulness-based therapy, which have been...

A new study suggests depression can be transmitted from parent to child whether they're genetically related or not. The findings reveal a strong association between the psychopathology of fathers and children in both biological and blended families. Depression can present differently in children than adults, and parent-child conflict can have...

The Childhood Trauma Test is the latest viral mental health trend on TikTok. The company behind the test is collecting a lot of user data—more than the young people taking the test may realize or feel comfortable with. It's sparked discussions around the safety of young people online, as...

Parental smoking may lead to the development of anxiety, addictive behaviors, and cognitive deficits, in children. Researchers studying rats found that male offspring of rats who consumed nicotine developed anxiety-like behavior and cognitive deficits. It's the latest evidence to suggest that parental smoking can negatively affect the mental health of...

A direct two-way link was found between chronic loneliness and greater mental health distress. Individuals who are young, disabled, or members of the LGBTQIA+ community are at higher risk of chronic loneliness. The pandemic contributed to feelings of loneliness, so such findings are crucial to supporting more vulnerable groups. For...