Latest news with #mental health
Washington Post
a day ago
- Health
- Washington Post
Children's National Hospital to end gender-transition care
Children's National Hospital announced on Friday that due to 'escalating legal and regulatory risks' the D.C.-based medical system will no longer provide gender-transition care for patients, leaving families reeling. Effective Aug. 30, the hospital's providers will discontinue the 'prescription of gender-affirming medications,' according to a statement on the hospital's website. Mental health and other support services will still be available, the statement says.
CBS News
a day ago
- General
- CBS News
Michigan U.S. Army veteran receives new service dog in passing the leash ceremony
A U.S. Army veteran in Brighton, Michigan, received a new service dog named River on Friday. River, a 1-year-old Bernedoodle, will accompany Yvonne Allen, who served four years in the Army, to work, to the grocery store, and just about everywhere she needs to go. "He's a rock star; he makes things easier for me," Allen said. "I'm able to cope a lot better with him by my side." River is trained to help spot panic attacks, notice when blood pressure or sugar levels are too high or too low, and help Allen improve her quality of life. Kelly Meade took the lead on training River. "They are bred to be service dogs; they start training essentially at three days old, before their eyes are open," she said. Meade said the first thing to look for in a potential service dog is their natural temperament, and on days like Friday's passing of the leash, she said it feels good to give back. "It's very rewarding, extremely rewarding," she said. Roger Deaton, who serves as second vice commander for Michigan's American Legion, says he sees a true partnership between River and Allen. "These dogs are going to be a great way for them to feel loved, feel comfortable with society," he said. "A lot of veterans are coming back, and they have a lot of mental issues, so this dog is going to just be wonderful for the whole family. The dog is going to be loved, and the whole family is going to love this dog as well." If you or someone you know could be a good candidate to receive a dog like River, you can reach out to the Veteran Treatment Assistance Corps here.
BreakingNews.ie
2 days ago
- Health
- BreakingNews.ie
James Wade says being at his best gives a feeling of relief, rather than pride
James Wade says he feels more relief than pride when he overcomes the challenges of bipolar disorder and performs at his best. The 42-year-old was diagnosed with the mental health condition in 2009 just as he had made his way to the top of the sport, having won a raft of major tournaments in the previous two years. Advertisement Wade, who is an ambassador for charity Bipolar UK, has been able to navigate the challenges the illness has presented to remain among the elite players, but concedes that success often comes with a sense of relief rather than pride. 'Proud is probably not a word that would come into it really,' he told the PA news agency. 'When I do well, I tick my own boxes in my mind. 'I know I can still do it, and I still can do it. When I do what I've been doing, at times, I just stand back and I feel probably relieved, because I know I can do it. 'But I also know how hard I can make it for myself. It's nothing to do about anyone else, it's about how I am and how I'm doing.' Advertisement There are many triggers to Wade's illness, including a packed schedule, but he can spot the signs and knows how to manage it. 'I find it exhausting talking to a lot of people like you're expected to because sometimes I just want to sit there and be quiet,' he said. 'If you do that for six days, seven days, doing something that's hard work for you, which other people take for granted, it mentally just drains you. Wade was at the top of the sport when he was diagnosed with bipolar (Sean Dempsey/PA) 'In it you start feeling really negative about everything. It makes you hate everything around that. 'And it can happen that quick. I had a couple, three, four days like that, but I went fishing, came back and felt really refreshed, to be fair. Advertisement 'So you know, quite lucky. It didn't go into a big valley of doom and gloom, which you can do for weeks and weeks and weeks.' In his role as an ambassador for Bipolar UK, Wade is hosting a charity dinner on August 22, to raise some much-needed funds. Darts pals Michael Smith and Gerwyn Price will be in attendance along with songwriter Nicky Chinn and TV presenter Leah Charles-King. Wade, who is preparing for the World Matchplay in Blackpool, said: 'Bipolar UK is probably one of the worst funded charities. You have so many link-ons to other charities that someone's doing this for that charity, then you'll have a link on to another. Advertisement 'Bipolar UK are on their own. They get nothing, which is disgusting. 'I'm lucky enough to have a small platform, and some people, not very many people, listen to me. 'When we approach people that are known, we always ask them to talk about the illness, because they're opening more doors, making more people aware of it, not just for treatment, but also for understanding of how people are at times. 'The last thing you want is someone ending their life because they're having a bad day with their illness. And that happens far too often.' Advertisement :: Tickets for James Wade's 'An Audience With Stars' at Old Thorns Resort & Hotel in Hampshire on August 22 are available at
The Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
James Wade says being at his best gives a feeling of relief, rather than pride
James Wade says he feels more relief than pride when he overcomes the challenges of bipolar disorder and performs at his best. The 42-year-old was diagnosed with the mental health condition in 2009 just as he had made his way to the top of the sport, having won a raft of major tournaments in the previous two years. Wade, who is an ambassador for charity Bipolar UK, has been able to navigate the challenges the illness has presented to remain among the elite players, but concedes that success often comes with a sense of relief rather than pride. 'Proud is probably not a word that would come into it really,' he told the PA news agency. 'When I do well, I tick my own boxes in my mind. 'I know I can still do it, and I still can do it. When I do what I've been doing, at times, I just stand back and I feel probably relieved, because I know I can do it. 'But I also know how hard I can make it for myself. It's nothing to do about anyone else, it's about how I am and how I'm doing.' There are many triggers to Wade's illness, including a packed schedule, but he can spot the signs and knows how to manage it. 'I find it exhausting talking to a lot of people like you're expected to because sometimes I just want to sit there and be quiet,' he said. 'If you do that for six days, seven days, doing something that's hard work for you, which other people take for granted, it mentally just drains you. 'In it you start feeling really negative about everything. It makes you hate everything around that. 'And it can happen that quick. I had a couple, three, four days like that, but I went fishing, came back and felt really refreshed, to be fair. 'So you know, quite lucky. It didn't go into a big valley of doom and gloom, which you can do for weeks and weeks and weeks.' In his role as an ambassador for Bipolar UK, Wade is hosting a charity dinner on August 22, to raise some much-needed funds. Darts pals Michael Smith and Gerwyn Price will be in attendance along with songwriter Nicky Chinn and TV presenter Leah Charles-King. Wade, who is preparing for the World Matchplay in Blackpool, said: 'Bipolar UK is probably one of the worst funded charities. You have so many link-ons to other charities that someone's doing this for that charity, then you'll have a link on to another. 'Bipolar UK are on their own. They get nothing, which is disgusting. 'I'm lucky enough to have a small platform, and some people, not very many people, listen to me. 'When we approach people that are known, we always ask them to talk about the illness, because they're opening more doors, making more people aware of it, not just for treatment, but also for understanding of how people are at times. 'The last thing you want is someone ending their life because they're having a bad day with their illness. And that happens far too often.' :: Tickets for James Wade's 'An Audience With Stars' at Old Thorns Resort & Hotel in Hampshire on August 22 are available at
Forbes
4 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
Still Burned Out While Working Remote? Your Home Setup Might Be Why
Physical clutter and visual distractions can drive up stress, reduce focus, and lead to emotional ... More exhaustion. Physical clutter and visual distractions can drive up stress, reduce focus, and lead to emotional exhaustion. While many assume burnout is mostly tied to in-person work environments, that's no longer the full picture. In 2025, even with the rise in remote work, 66% of American employees still report experiencing burnout. One overlooked reason is that many remote workers aren't fully leveraging one of their biggest advantages: the ability to design a home setup that supports their mental health and productivity. The environment in which we work can either deplete or restore us. When people take control of their environment, they often see real improvements in wellbeing, engagement, and stress levels. Here are four critical elements of home office design that affect wellbeing: 1. Nature Studies suggest access to daylight significantly impacts how employees feel and function. Natural light boosts mood and energy while reducing eye strain. Add elements like houseplants and nature-inspired textures. Even artificial plants and nature imagery have positive effects. Biophilic design is the idea that humans naturally feel better and less stressed when we're around nature. It uses things from the natural world to help people focus better, feel calmer, and stay healthier, even if you're stuck inside all day. Nature isn't just a nice-to-have, it's a powerful tool for emotional regulation and cognitive recovery. 2. Ergonomics Adjustable chairs, properly positioned monitors, and standing desks help reduce back pain, eye strain, and repetitive stress injuries. OSHA confirms that using ergonomic principles helps prevent chronic physical injuries caused by poor workplace setup. 3. Visual Layout The visual tone of a workspace matters. Muted, calming colors like greens and blues are proven to reduce anxiety, while organized layouts help improve focus. If possible, create task-specific zones (e.g., focus, video calls) and include nature-inspired elements. Personalized home offices that allow employees to add their own touches can increase job satisfaction and a sense of ownership. 4. Clutter One evidence-backed technique to refresh your space is to continuously audit your home office. Minimal, organized spaces are linked to lower cortisol and better task performance. Hold onto items that are useful, used often, or help you feel productive, but recycle old papers, outdated tech, or anything you haven't used in the last 6–12 months. If you're sharing your home office with family in a space like the kitchen, bedroom, or living room, or working alongside a child, activity-based zones support focus and reduce visual chaos. Research confirms that children respond well to consistent visual cues and clutter-free shared spaces help regulate stress in both adults and children. UNC's Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute notes that visual cues help children understand routines and expected behaviors, supporting independence and reducing confusion or problem behavior. What about noise? For working parents, noise is going to happen. We can't avoid that. But instead of trying to eliminate it entirely, you can use noise-canceling headphones or a white noise machine to help maintain focus. Simply saying 'Mommy's working!' isn't enough to set boundaries with a child. Instead, set up a mini 'office' nearby with crayons, puzzles, or a toy laptop so they feel included but can work independently. Use a visual schedule or a timer to show when you're available, and plan intentional breaks to connect. Predictability and routine help children feel secure and support your ability to focus. Burnout can easily come from environments that chip away at our focus, comfort, and peace of mind. Fortunately, remote work gives us the rare opportunity to take control of that environment, even for working parents. By intentionally designing a home setup that includes natural elements, supports healthy posture, reduces clutter, and accommodates the realities of family life, we can create a place of restoration, focus, and resilience. Small, thoughtful changes today can make a meaningful difference in how productive we feel tomorrow.
