The Local Optimist Digest #23

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 how the spread of misinformation surrounding ADHD is being exacerbated through TikTok videos, why society needs to dedicate more funding and support to mental health, and Tom Brady’s opinions on therapy.

Action required: mental health awareness is not enough

Awareness surrounding mental health is on the rise, opening the door for more important conversations to be had across communities. Unfortunately, however, awareness is not enough to solve the societal problem of mental health and illness. We must find ways to restructure the mental health system, from top to bottom, to better fund mental health research, provide adequate resources to alleviate shortages in inpatient beds, pay healthcare providers sufficiently, and cover medical costs for patients. Until this happens, awareness alone will not carry enough weight to instill systemic change. READ.

Another reason to turn in early: how losing zzz’s impacts your mental health

We have all been told that sleep is important. But did you know that a lack of sleep doesn’t only affect how physically tired we feel the next day? Sleepless nights do not exclusively affect our mood on a surface level: they can seriously impair our mental health as well. According to research, our sleepless nights might lead to increased anxiety and difficulty managing emotions, decreased interest in social interaction, reduced levels of activity, and less desire to help others. READ.

The slippery slope of using TikTok videos to understand ADHD

These days, TikTok is full of short, viral clips relating to ADHD. Many of these videos are helpful in spreading awareness about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. However, many clips perpetuate stereotypes, spread misinformation, and encourage self-diagnosis. A study published in The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry even found that of the top 100 most viewed ADHD videos on TikTok, about half of them contained oversimplified and misleading information. READ.

Try incorporating these into your morning routine to beat the winter blues:

1. Wake up at the same time every day (including weekends)

2. Wake up with natural light or simulated natural light

3. Get active in a way that works for you

4. Eat a nutrient-packed breakfast as often as you can

5. Use a SAD lamp 30 minutes daily as early as September

Read MORE.

Tom Brady goes to therapy too

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' star quarterback, Tom Brady, recently opened up about using physical and mental therapy to support both his professional and personal life. Speaking on his “Let’s Go!” podcast last week, Brady spoke about the intense amount of stress he has faced over his 22-year NFL career, emphasizing that mental health conversations need to be addressed more throughout the league. He shares, “I think there was a part of us where we felt like [we had to] suck it up and deal with it,” adding, “We are only human. We’re not inhuman. We’re not immune to a lot of the things that life brings us. We’re not robots.” LISTEN to his podcast or read more HERE. 

The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation

Established by actress Taraji P. Henson, The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation exists to improve access to mental health services for Black communities in hopes of eradicating the stigma around seeking help and support. The foundation focuses its efforts on building culturally-competent resources, programs, and education across the country. To utilize their resources and tools or donate to the cause, head HERE.

Get Rewarded for Sharing the Digest

Welcome to our new referral program, in which we give you some goodies for sharing the Digest with people who might enjoy this mental health news recap (and its bad jokes) as much as you do. 

Here's how it works:1: Use the 'Click To Share' button below to access your personal link.2: Send this unique referral link to friends or family through email or text.3: Earn rewards like Local Optimist stickers, The Madhappy Journal, and Madhappy hats when they subscribe to the digest. Must be based in the U.S.

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