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 well-being, discover the latest research on how the mind impacts the body, or find out which celebrities are helping continue 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 to combat hyper-fatigue, the impact art has on our mental health, and how to navigate imposter syndrome.

Navigating The Complexities Of Hyper-Fatigue

Are you constantly feeling drained, no matter how much you rest? If so, you may be experiencing a condition called hyper-fatigue. Experts shed light on this concept, examining its causes, symptoms, and potential solutions while exploring the distinction between hyper-fatigue and regular tiredness. Professionals also explore the impact the feeling can have on daily life while providing practical insights and advice to help you comprehend and overcome the debilitating effects of hyper-fatigue. READ.

How The Arts Benefit Our Mental Health And Elevate Our Mood

It’s been found that creating art and engaging in activities such as attending concerts or visiting museums can have a positive impact on mental health. Whether it involves painting, drawing, or photography, artistic expression has been shown to provide a path for self-discovery, healing, and emotional release. Experts explore the connection between art and mental well-being, and offer simple tips to uplift your mood through artistic engagement. READ.

Technology And Its Influence On Our Moral Compass

In the rapidly changing world of technology, our ability to distinguish right from wrong is diminishing. Researchers explore the ethical challenges posed by technology, including the impact social media algorithms may have on shaping our beliefs and the blurring of reality and fiction with deep fake technology. Experts also elaborate on the ways morality is being tested and distorted while offering strategies to maintain moral clarity in a technology-driven world. READ.

How To Overcome The Sunday Scaries

1. Establish a Sunday routine: Set aside time to unwind and prepare for the week by planning tasks, exercising, or reviewing your calendar. Make it a habit, whether for a few minutes or an hour.

2. Monitor your Sunday emotions: Keep track of recurring worries or concerns to develop strategies like delegating tasks or seeking extensions for overwhelming workloads.

3. Plan your Monday morning: Reduce overwhelm by organizing your outfit, breakfast, and schedule in advance. Avoid slotting stressful activities early on Monday and set email boundaries.

4. Indulge in a treat: Look forward to Monday by enjoying your favorite coffee, creating a playlist, or downloading new podcasts as a motivating reward.

5. Transition effectively from home to work: Establish a shift from home to work mode by choosing a professional outfit or designating a specific workspace. Create a transitional period for personal activities like walking, exercising, meditating, or reading to mentally prepare for the workday.

Read MORE.

Imposter Syndrome: What It Is And How To Navigate It

Imposter syndrome, a psychological concept that revolves around experiencing self-doubt and struggling to acknowledge one's accomplishments, has gained widespread attention in the age of social media. However, this concept has been recognized for decades as a psychological phenomenon characterized by feelings of self-doubt and difficulty accepting one's achievements. While imposter syndrome is not officially classified as a medical diagnosis, researchers acknowledge its validity and often associate it with anxiety or depression. Whether you have personally experienced imposter syndrome or wish to gain a deeper understanding of the term, experts offer valuable insights into the five distinct types of imposter syndrome, behaviors commonly associated with this phenomenon, and factors that may increase the likelihood of experiencing it. READ.

Trans Lifeline

This week, we are excited to highlight Trans Lifeline, a 501 nonprofit organization that offers vital support and resources to transgender individuals. Their primary service is a crisis hotline staffed by trained transgender volunteers (the only hotline whose operators are all transgender), available 24/7, providing empathetic support and resources for a wide range of issues. They aim to create a sense of community and connection through online support forums, virtual events, and outreach programs. In addition to emotional support, Trans Lifeline offers referrals to local resources, such as mental health professionals and transgender healthcare providers. To learn more about the Trans Lifeline and ways to support, 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.

 READ MORE | ABOUT | MADHAPPY