Revisiting the Biggest Mental Health News of 2022

Introduction:

2022 was a landmark year for mental health. The news shifted from destigmatizing and spreading awareness to tangible shifts in care approaches. Politicians, the federal government, school systems, celebrities, and medical researchers joined forces to address mental health issues. This article highlights noteworthy and positive mental health news stories from the past year, emphasizing the significance of covering mental health in a way that resonates with the nearly 50 million adult Americans facing mental illness.

Legislative Changes:

• New Legislations: Several mental health-focused legislations were introduced and passed, signaling a national movement towards improved mental healthcare. The Mental Health Reform Reauthorization Act of 2022 aims to increase mental health care workers, scrutinize employer coverage, and support various programs.
• Mental Health Matters Act: This Act allocates more funding for mental health service providers in schools, benefiting youth struggling with major depression. It also establishes an occupational research program on mental health.
• Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022: This Act fortifies substance abuse disorder care and extends funding for 30 mental health programs.
• Increased Funding for Student Mental Health Services: The Biden Administration dedicated $300 million to fund mental health services for students and children, expanding pediatric mental health care.

Accessible National Suicide Hotline:

• 988 Suicide Hotline: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline was simplified to a three-digit number (988) for easier memorization and quicker access during mental health crises.
• Positive Impact: In a short time frame, the new hotline has seen a substantial rise in calls, chats, and texts, with calls being answered more efficiently.
• Highlighting Underfunding: The unprecedented call volume has exposed staffing shortages and underfunding in crisis call centers, encouraging discussions to address these issues.

Mental Health Days:

• Recognizing Mental Health: The isolation during the pandemic has significantly impacted adolescents' mental health on a larger scale.
• Legislative Action: Several states have implemented laws allowing students to use mental or behavioral health as reasons to miss school, promoting mental health care.
• Mental Health Signs: Identifying signs like low energy, excessive dieting, isolation, and self-harm behaviors in children can help pinpoint mental health struggles.

Psychedelic Therapy:

• Growing Interest: With traditional treatments failing to provide relief, psychedelic treatments are gaining popularity for severe or treatment-averse conditions.
• Study Findings: Research shows promise in using psychedelics to treat depression, PTSD, anxiety, and cognitive problems.
• Legalization and Decriminalization: States like Colorado are legalizing the use of specific psychedelic substances for medicinal purposes, while others are decriminalizing their use.
• Medical Supervision: Experts recommend using psychedelics only under the supervision of a medical professional.

Adderall Shortage:

• Impact on Patients: The widespread shortage of Adderall, a commonly prescribed stimulant for ADHD, caused severe concern among dependent individuals.
• Reasons for Shortage: Issues with drug quality, manufacturing delays, and discontinuation of ingredients led to supply constraints.
• Symptoms of Withdrawal: Without access to the drug, patients might experience symptoms like fatigue, depression, irritability, and anxiety.
• Alternative Treatment Options: Healthcare providers can suggest alternative treatments and coping mechanisms during the shortage.

Children's Mental Health Crisis:

• Declaration of National Emergency: Three prominent pediatric organizations raised the alarm on kids' mental health, declaring a national emergency.
• Statistics: Mental health statistics support the call for action, highlighting increased instances of depression and emergency room visits for self-harm among children.
• Pandemic's Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the situation, with increased depression and anxiety among children.
• Legislative Action and Treatment Options: Some states implemented mental health days for kids, and therapy and medication options are available to address symptoms.

Serotonin Imbalance Theory Upended:

• Challenge to the Theory: A large-scale meta-analysis raised doubts about the theory that depression is caused by a serotonin imbalance.
• Antidepressant Effectiveness: The findings challenge the effectiveness of antidepressants, questioning their mechanism of action.
• Treatment Considerations: If antidepressants are effective for an individual, they should continue treatment but consult a medical professional for clarification.

Quiet Quitting and Workplace Burnout:

• Trend Among Professionals: Quiet quitting, or setting boundaries between work and personal life, became a popular trend, particularly among millennials and Gen Z.
• Benefits for Mental Health: Quiet quitting helps prevent workplace burnout by reducing pressure to overachieve and promoting a reasonable work/life balance.
• Drawbacks: Misinterpretation by employers and colleagues as lack of interest in work or advancement can occur.

Conclusion:

2022 witnessed remarkable strides in addressing mental health issues, with tangible solutions emerging from diverse sectors. Although roadblocks were encountered, the overall sentiment was one of cautious optimism. This article highlighted some of the most impactful mental health news stories, reiterating the importance of covering mental health in a way that raises awareness and encourages care. Mental health remains a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and ongoing efforts to destigmatize and improve care are essential.