Pandemic Pet Therapy: What's So Special About A Critter Friend? "Relationships with animals are simple," notes one researcher. In a year when life feels fraught, pets have been healers, helping human companions get exercise, quell anxiety and make new friends. Patti Neighmond
Rigorous Study Backs A Psychedelic Treatment For Major Depression Psilocybin, the hallucinogenic substance found in "magic" mushrooms, appears to relieve the symptoms of major depression. Jon Hamilton
Nasal Spray Is A New Antidepressant Option For People At High Risk of Suicide Doctors have a new option for suicidal patients. It's a fast-acting nasal spray containing a version of the anesthetic ketamine. Jon Hamilton
Michelle Obama Says She's Dealing With 'Low-Grade Depression' Amid Quarantine Obama described trouble sleeping and periods throughout the quarantine in which she has felt down: "Spiritually, these are not ... fulfilling times." Laurel Wamsley
Solastalgia and you. ‘The pain was necessary to know the truth.’ Dr. Jennifer Atkinson shares strategies for handling existential distress caused by environmental change John O'Brien
World 'Some Of The Greatest Causes Of Misery': U.N. Warns Of Pandemic's Mental Health Costs The United Nations' policy brief laid out concerns that the spread of COVID-19 and its economic consequences will take a heavy toll in ways that may not be immediately obvious. Colin Dwyer
Documenting Self-Isolation: 14 Days Through 14 Instant Photos While self-quarantining amid the coronavirus pandemic, photographer Kisha Ravi took instant photos to help process her time isolating in a triggering place: her childhood bedroom. Kisha Ravi
For Some Women Nearing Menopause, Depression And Anxiety Can Spike Women with a history of depression and anxiety are at a higher risk of having a flair up during the time leading up to menopause. And getting doctors to take the issue seriously can be challenging. Rhitu Chatterjee
Start Fresh: 6 Tips For Mental Health In 2020 Joy can be cultivated. Hostility often masks depression. As one year ends and another begins, these six insights and tips from psychologists offer hope for a good new year. Emily Vaughn
Positive Childhood Experiences May Buffer Against Health Effects Of Adverse Ones Researchers asked adults to reflect back on their happy childhood memories. They found those who recalled more were less likely to have depression in adulthood and had more supportive relationships. Selena Simmons-Duffin