A quick take for clinicians and  curious readers A new class of health devices delivers gentle electrical pulses to the auricular branch of the vagus nerve at the outer ear: so-called transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS). Early trials in psychiatry-adjacent outcomes (insomnia, depressive symptoms, autonomic dysregulation) are promising, while safety appears favorable. But effects vary by device settings and population, and larger, multisite trials are stil

Many of us kept a secret journal as kids, documenting our feelings and moments with colorful pens, stickers, and doodles. But whether journaling was just a childhood phase, an activity that never crossed your mind, or something you have been pondering about, this is a sign to start!  What is Journaling? There is no strict rule for journaling. The activity is meant to be limitless and personal to you! Journaling can be a space for expressing emotions, documenting events, or re

Most people hit the gym to build muscle or lose some weight, but research shows the brain may be one of the biggest winners when we move our bodies. Far beyond burning calories, exercise sparks neurochemical and structural changes that shape how we think, feel, and remember. Reviews of recent studies demonstrate that both single exercise sessions and long-term physical activity directly impact brain function and plasticity. What’s happening in your brain? When you exercise, t

When most people think of meditation, they imagine long retreats or years of practice. But research shows that even short, daily sessions can lead to measurable changes in how our brains function. A 2016 study found that just 10 minutes of guided meditation per day, over the course of two weeks, improved attention, working memory, mood, and emotional regulation in people who had never meditated before. Training the brain through stillness Meditation works by focusing attentio

Good mental health is as crucial as good physical health; neither is achieved or maintained without due effort and planning. In the modern day, when each new day brings its share of stresses and pressures, so does the coping mechanisms and techniques of self-care, helping one lead a life with lessened stress, a good mood, and overall well-being. The self-care practices that could be discussed here are the coping mechanisms necessary for maintaining mental health and resilienc

Drug overdose deaths have dropped nearly 27% in the past year, but drug supply continues to evolve with fentanyl, xylazine, and other threats. This article explains how to recognize an overdose, use naloxone, and support harm reduction strategies during National Recovery Month 2025. Author: Susanna Marrs RN, BSN, CARN

A torch in the dark for people with treatment-resistant depression? Introduction You have probably heard of the drug ketamine.  For many people, there is a stigma around this word.  Things that may come to mind include partying and substance abuse.  However, did you know that a form of ketamine is frequently used as an alternative method of addressing treatment-resistant depression?   What is treatment-resistant depression? Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) occurs when at

Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) is revolutionizing the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, promising earlier detection, better patient stratification, and accelerated drug discovery. Here is a comprehensive overview of how AI is transforming Alzheimer’s care in 2025 Early Detection of Alzheimer's Early Diagnosis and Risk Prediction in Alzheimer's AI has enabled the identification of early risk factors by analyzing large-scale patient data—including

Both have benefits and drawbacks... it's up to personal preference. With more and more people looking for therapy, a critical choice is deciding between online and in-person therapy. Both are viable options — it is up to personal preference to decide which is the best fit for you. This article will cover the benefits and drawbacks of each method, starting with online therapy. Online Therapy: Benefits Accessibility and convenience: take sessions from anywhere, anytime with fle

We all know sleep is important. However, lately, science is proving just how crucial it is, and not just for our physical health but for our mental wellbeing too. Sleep isn't just about resting, it’s when your brain does some serious work behind the scenes. If you're not getting enough sleep, your mind can really start to feel the effects. What happens while you sleep? When we sleep, our brain goes through different stages, with two major phases: REM sleep (where we dream) an

The psychological issues among children and adolescents are getting progressively worse.  Up to 20% of children and adolescents worldwide are struggling with mental illnesses, but most of them never get the help they need.  The disparity is exacerbated by stigma, a lack of child psychiatrists, and restricted access to care, particularly in low- and middle-income nations.    With its ability to provide early detection, digital interventions, and individualized care, artificial

What is Nadi Shodhana? Nadi Shodhana refers to the practice of alternate nostril breathing (ANB) as described in Sanskrit texts on Hatha Yoga dating back to the 15th century. According to yogic philosophy, it cleanses the body, improving physical health and mental clarity. (1) Recent medical studies indicate that it improves blood pressure, lung function, sleep quality, cognitive performance and more. Best of all, it’s easy to do. Image created by author with Leonardo Clinica

We live in a dizzingly fast-paced world. From waking up in the morning to going to bed at night, we are constantly bombarded with blaring noises, heavy traffic, shockingly bright visual stimulation and hectic work. We’re surrounded by devices and machines that have become the crutches of our daily lives. All of this can lead to an overwhelming amount of stress and frustration. We’re also provided many solutions to combat this overstimulation. Whether it’s calming teas, scente

Illustration of a sad person sitting with arms wrapped around knees, surrounded by chaotic scribbles and arrows. Text reads 'What is BPD?' representing Borderline Personality Disorder. Introduction Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that affects how people feel about themselves and how they relate to others. People with BPD often have intense emotions, unstable relationships, and a strong fear of being abandoned. It is more common than many thi

Person meditating in a forest, practicing mindfulness as a coping strategy for high-functioning anxiety. Introduction High-functioning...

Perimenopause is a natural biological transition, yet its psychological toll remains widely underrecognized. While symptoms like hot...

Introduction Intergenerational trauma is defined by the American Psychological Association as “ the transmission of trauma or its legacy,...

What are meditation and mindfulness? Meditation is an ancient mind–body practice that originated in Eastern cultures thousands of years...

What is Cortisol? Cortisol is a steroid hormone that is naturally produced by the body’s adrenal glands sitting atop of the kidneys,...

We’ve all been there, stuck in bed, scrolling endlessly through TikToks, reels, or online shopping, even when we know we should stop. But...