A.B.L.E.

02/20/2026

https://theconversation.com/exercise-can-be-as-effective-as-medication-for-depression-and-anxiety-new-study-272243

Certain kinds of exercise were more effective at reducing symptoms. And some people benefited more.

02/20/2026

https://www.the74million.org/article/rising-mental-health-costs-leave-too-many-children-behind-schools-can-help/

Durham: The costs of youth behavioral health care nearly doubled between 2011 and 2022 and now account for 40% of all health spending for U.S. kids.

02/04/2026

❤️Can love transform mental health?❤️

In a world increasingly focused on pharmaceutical interventions and clinical treatments, we often overlook one of the most powerful medicines available to us: love. Not just romantic love, but the full spectrum of human connection—compassion, kindness, belonging, and genuine care.

❤️The Science Behind the Heart❤️

Research consistently shows that love and social connection aren't just nice-to-haves—they're fundamental to our mental wellbeing. When we experience love and connection, our bodies release oxytocin, often called the "bonding hormone," which reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and promotes feelings of calm and security.

Studies have found that people with strong social connections have:

💜50% increased likelihood of longevity
💜Lower rates of anxiety and depression
💜Stronger immune systems and faster recovery from illness
💜Greater resilience in facing life's challenges

❤️Prescribing Love in Daily Life❤️

The medicine of love doesn't require a prescription—it requires practice:

💜Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness you'd offer a dear friend. Self-love isn't selfish; it's the foundation for mental health.
💜Meaningful Connection: Quality matters more than quantity. One genuine conversation can be more healing than dozens of superficial interactions.
💜Acts of Kindness: Both giving and receiving kindness activate the brain's reward centers, creating a natural antidepressant effect.
💜Community Belonging: Finding your people—whether through shared interests, values, or experiences—provides a sense of purpose and acceptance.

❤️When Love Feels Hard❤️

It's important to acknowledge that accessing love can be challenging, especially when struggling with mental health issues. Depression, anxiety, and trauma can make connection feel impossible. In these moments, remember:

Professional help is also an act of self-love
Small steps count—even a text to a friend matters
You are worthy of love, even when you can't feel it

❤️The Takeaway❤️

Love won't cure all mental health conditions, but it's a powerful complement to other treatments. In a society that often emphasizes individual achievement and self-sufficiency, choosing connection is a radical act of wellness.

The prescription is simple: love yourself, love others, and let yourself be loved. It's medicine that costs nothing but gives everything.

Original source:
Clinical Insights: Love as Medicine: The Healing Power of Connection @ Telus Health

01/31/2026

💙 Now Hiring: Shelter Advocates 💙

Room at the Inn is looking for compassionate, dependable people to join our frontline shelter team. Shelter Advocates help create a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for individuals experiencing homelessness while supporting daily shelter operations.

✨ Positions available:
• Full-time
• Part-time / Weekend
• Shifts: 5pm–1am and 1am–9am

✨ What you’ll do:
• Support guests using a trauma-informed, non-judgmental approach
• Help maintain safety and calm within the shelter
• De-escalate conflicts and respond to crises
• Assist with check-in/check-out, light cleaning, meals, and documentation

✨ What we’re looking for:
• High school diploma or GED
• Experience with vulnerable populations (preferred)
• Strong communication and de-escalation skills
• Reliable, team-oriented, and calm under pressure
• Ability to work evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays
• Training provided

If you’re passionate about dignity, compassion, and making a real impact in our community, we’d love to hear from you. 💛

👉 Download the application here:
https://www.vacmo.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Employment-Application-Form_Fillable.pdf

📧 Submit completed applications to:
vac@vacmo.org

01/29/2026

https://www.emdria.org/blog/emdria-statement-on-fridays-day-of-action/

In alignment with its values, EMDRIA will observe a half-day office closure on Friday in solidarity with therapists and others participating in a national day of action centered on preventing harm and supporting community well-being.

01/23/2026

https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/07/business/character-ai-google-settle-teen-suicide-lawsuit

Character.AI has agreed to settle multiple lawsuits alleging the artificial intelligence chatbot maker contributed to mental health crises and suicides among young people, including a case brought by Florida mother Megan Garcia.

01/19/2026

Today is Blue Monday, which is rumored to be the most depressing day of the year. But is it? Research hasn’t proved that there is any one day more depressing than all the others. It’s a PR stunt that has cemented itself into modern culture.

01/16/2026

https://youngmindandbody.com/workshop

Dr. Sydney Young offers a mind-body (nervous system informed) approach to emotional and physical wellbeing through 1-on-1 therapy sessions and educational workshops.

12/19/2025

https://www.mindful.org/wellness-washing-and-the-rise-of-mandated-mindfulness/

On the surface, it might seem like requiring mindfulness in schools is a great idea. But are there potential downsides? Alex Tzelnic explores what mandated mindfulness might be missing, and how we can make it truly beneficial for students and teachers.

12/18/2025

https://www.positive.news/society/good-news-stories-from-week-50-of-2025/

Scientists treated the ‘untreatable’, economies decoupled from emissions, and a ‘lost’ bird is returning to London, plus more good news

12/17/2025

https://www.fastcompany.com/91454771/ai-therapists-dangerous-rise

When you pour your heart out to an AI therapist, you’re not speaking into a void—you’re creating data.

12/16/2025

https://www.npr.org/2025/12/02/nx-s1-5627156/social-media-digital-detox-depression-anxiety

Young adults who took just a one-week break from social media showed improvement in depression, anxiety and insomnia symptoms, a new study says. Plus, tips for how to take a break from your feed.