Welcome to The Local Optimist Digest, your crib sheet for the latest news in mental health. Whether you want to know how the government is (or is not) investing in our wellbeing, discover the latest research on how the mind impacts the body, or find out which celebrities are helping destigmatize the conversation by opening up about their own mental health struggles, we’ll be covering it all here every week. This week, we're looking at why it is becoming more and more of a challenge to find affordable mental health care, 5 tips to relieve work stress, and Megan Thee Stallion's new mental health website and resource page.

What is hindering affordable mental health care? Therapist shortages are only part of it

Young people are reporting higher rates of emotional distress and mental illness than older generations. However, the existing mental health care supply chain is not able to keep up with the increased demand for support. High out-of-pocket therapy costs, lack of insurance support, and therapist shortages are prevalent throughout the nation, making it difficult for people to find the support they need on a consistent basis. Gen-Z, and people without the monetary resources to find licensed help, are turning to DIY coping strategies, which often creates more harm than good, especially when social media enters the picture. READ.

Can an apple a day keep the doctor away?

Researchers from Aston University in Birmingham, England, recently found that frequently snacking on fruit can reduce the risk of developing low mood while choosing to munch on less healthy snacks such as potato chips may lead to psychological harm and memory problems. Published in the British Journal of Nutrition, the study also highlights the benefits of consuming fruit in its raw form to maximize the absorption of nutrients with antioxidant properties. What else? It was found that even eating a portion of fruit, say a handful of grapes, boded well for participants' mental health. READ. 

Does the advancement of Telehealth technology actually help the masses? It depends.

Since 2019, the rate of remote offerings related to mental health and substance use outpatient treatment visits at hospitals and clinics has jumped from 1 to nearly 40 percent. The pandemic served as a catalyst for Telehealth. However, does this increase in digital technology really mean that therapy will become more accessible for the masses? Dr. Adrian Aguilera says it depends; depends on if America chooses to take advantage of the moment and work to design technology to help the millions in need or if, instead, America’s capitalist greed allows the already existing inequalities to deepen. READ.

Feeling stressed at work? Try these five tips. 

1. Consciously withdraw from thoughts of workIdeas: go for a run, pick up a book, cook a comforting meal

2. Take a ten minute micro-break during the work dayIdeas: eat a snack, chat up a colleague, practice conscious breathing

3. Unwind with an activity of your choiceIdeas: join a book club, go for a walk, watch a movie with friends

4. Incorporate a high-effort activity into your daily routineIdeas: practice guitar, go to the gym, learn to sew

5. Surround yourself with natureIdeas: eat lunch in a green space, work in natural light, get a desk plantRead more HERE.

Even NBA All-Stars struggle with mental health

“It’s bigger than basketball, what I’m talking about. It’s LIFE, right??” - John Wall

John Wall, in his essay published by The Players’ Tribune, shares his mental health journey, opening up how he went from seemingly having it all together and being one of the best players in the league to having serious thoughts of ending his own life in 2020. Read John’s story HERE.

If Megan Thee Stallion says it, it must be true: bad b-tches have bad days too

Taken from a line in her single “Anxiety,” Megan Thee Stallion launches the website “Bad Bitches Have Bad Days Too,” focused on providing mental health resources to her community. From therapy platforms to helplines to resource directories, Megan has created a site to spread awareness of legitimate resources with the goal of helping her fans. Real hot girl sh-t to say the least. VISIT.

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