Mind & Mood Archive

Mind & Mood

What is neurodiversity?

Published November 23, 2021

The term neurodiversity conveys the idea that there is no single right way of thinking, learning, or behaving, and is often used in the context of autism spectrum disorder. A growing self-advocacy movement aims to increase acceptance and inclusion of all people while embracing neurological differences.

Mind & Mood

The effects of marijuana on your memory

Updated November 16, 2021

Mind & Mood

Do weighted blankets help with insomnia?

Published November 15, 2021

Insomnia affects approximately 10% of adults in the United States, and it is common with mental illness. Insomnia is unlikely to get better on its own if not actively treated. Many people are interested in treatment options that do not involve prescription medications, and a study from Sweden investigated the effectiveness of a weighted blanket on insomnia symptoms for people with insomnia and mental health problems.

Mind & Mood

Navigating holiday pressures in the COVID-19 reality

Updated November 9, 2021

The pandemic makes coping with holiday pressures a little tricky. If one is concerned about COVID-19 exposure at a holiday event, it may help to chat with loved ones to get support for a decision about whether to attend. If one must celebrate the holidays alone, it may help to grieve what is lost, savor past holiday gatherings, watch online religious services, and continue to practice special traditions—such as making holiday foods or putting up holiday decorations.

Mind & Mood

Navigating tricky relationships during the holidays

Updated November 8, 2021

Almost everyone has a challenging relationship with someone in their life, and it may be someone you see only once a year. As we anticipate upcoming holiday gatherings, there are ways to prepare to navigate tricky situations and conversations thoughtfully and calmly.

Mind & Mood

A conversation about reducing the harms of social media

Published November 5, 2021

Social media can connect people across the globe, with a potential audience of millions of users. But no matter how many likes a post gets, it can feel like it's not enough, opening users — particularly young people — to potential mental health issues, and raising the question of whether the government should impose regulations on social media companies.

Mind & Mood

Can friends who listen help protect your memory and thinking skills?

Published November 1, 2021

A study published online Aug. 16, 2021, by JAMA Network Open suggests that older adults with good listeners in their lives have better thinking skills—despite decreases in brain volume—compared with people who don’t have good listeners in their lives.

Mind & Mood

Too much coffee may raise dementia risk

Published November 1, 2021

Drinking coffee daily can provide a welcomed mental jolt for many people. But new research suggests regular coffee drinkers should stop at five or six cups per day, as drinking more may increase their risk for dementia.