The Local Optimist Digest #9

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 other week. This week, we're looking at the benefits of microdosing psilocybin, how a recession could impact mental health, and the one good thing to come out of the new Elvis movie.

Math we can grasp: a recession = bad for mental health

Adding to the "everything's burning" vibe of the past year (or five), 70% of economists believe that a recession will begin in the U.S. at some point next year as the Federal Reserve pursues a series of rate hikes that aim to combat rising inflation. Unfortunately, experts say, this would bring with it an increase in mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and even suicide at a time when the world really needs to see them trending in the opposite direction. Here's hoping the economists are wrong. READ

Yes, your microdosing friend is onto something

In case you haven't heard, microdosing psilocybin (the artist formerly known as shrooms) is very hot right now, but, unlike most passing fads, this one may have real legs. A new study in Scientific Reports found that subjects who microdosed (taking doses small enough not to impair cognitive functioning) psilocybin for a month reported greater improvements in mood and mental health than those who didn't. Sign us up? READ

The Body Positivity movement continues to forget about men

It turns out there's one area where we aren't thinking about men enough, and it's the Body Positivity movement. Although women are disproportionately affected by eating disorders, they affect men too, with roughly 1 in every thousand living with anorexia at some point in their lives. Many others struggle with muscle dysmorphia, or an obsession with getting bigger than they naturally are. By shining a light on this reality, experts say, men will be more likely to open up about an issue that has long been seen as "female only."  READ

Hear us out, city dwellers: camping could be really good for you

If the thought of sleeping on the ground in a shoddy tent for a few days doesn't make your heart sing, well, we feel you, but it may have longer-term benefits than simply taking a lunch break in the park. Among its many benefits, immersion in nature has been shown to lower the stress hormone cortisol and increase feel-good serotonin, and experts believe that the longer your time spent in nature is, the better. Perhaps it's time to channel Cheryl Strayed and take a (really long) hike? READ

Competing with robots is... not great for mental health

It turns out that all of those sci-fi movies about robots taking over and ruining our lives were, well, onto something. A new study out of The University of Pittsburgh found that American workers who work alongside robots are more likely to suffer negative mental health effects, including an increase in drug or alcohol-related deaths. Much of this comes from increased pressure to compete with super-human machines. Hmm... maybe we should rethink our obsession with optimization? READ

Spending too much time on social media might be bad for your kids, too

We all know by now that scrolling the day away can do a negative number on our own mental health, but, for those with children, the impact can be twofold. Recent research found that depression was higher amongst adolescents whose parents spent more than 7 hours a day on social media and the more time parents spent on social media, the less warm and engaged their parenting style. This is as good a sign as any to set that Instagram timer. READ

Another perk of the pandemic? More online bullies

Just when it seemed we could count all the ways the Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on our lives, a new study out of Malaysia indicates that it may have increased incidents of cyberbullying as well. The researchers tie this increase to the uptick in social media usage that took place as many people quarantined at home, but even as the world has opened up again, its troubling effects have lingered. READ

Just like your physical health, the best way to stay on top of your mental health is to have regular "checkups." While this might look like therapy for some, you can also use the FUEL method, below, to check in with yourself on a weekly or monthly basis.1. FRIENDS – Ask yourself how much you've seen the people closest to you lately. If it's been a while, make plans to reconnect.2. UTILITIES – How's your diet and sleep schedule been lately? If it's not as nutritious or restful as it should be, set yourself up for a healthy reset.3. EXERCISE – Movement has been proven to re-energize us and uplift our moods, so if your exercise routine has fallen off, try to re-prioritize it.4. LEISURE – If you've been grinding hard at work and spending all your free time running errands, make an effort to carve out some (truly) chill time.

The new Elvis movie has us reconsidering his health struggles

Terrible as it may be (seriously, don't see it), the new Elvis movie starring Austin Butler shines a more empathetic light on the singer's battles with drugs and alcohol that were once a source of mockery. Looking back on it now, it's clear that his instantaneous fame paired with a grueling recording and concert schedule were a recipe for mental health disaster – a story that is eerily reminiscent of that of Britney Spears. The overarching takeaway? Idolatry by the public is not all it's cracked up to be. READ

Ken Burns takes on the youth mental health crisis

If you're looking for something to watch this weekend (and have already finished The Bear) consider Ken Burns' latest documentary "Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness" which is now streaming on PBS, Apple TV, and YouTube TV. The famed documentarian takes an unflinchingly honest look at the state of mental health in this country by following 20 young Americans from all different backgrounds. It might not be the film you want to watch, but iis the film you need to. READ

Equality Florida

Florida's despicable "Don't Say Gay" law is starting to take effect throughout the state, prohibiting teachers from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity in primary grades. To help combat this backward step, Equality Florida – Florida's largest civil rights organization dedicated to equality for the LGBTQ+ community – is doing vital work fighting the legislation in courts, provide community education, and advocate for gender-affirming care. To support this important work, consider making a donation HERE.

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