Mental Health News – April 4

By To Write Love on Her ArmsApril 4, 2015

Panoply works to help reassess negative thoughts, manage mental health

According to Wired, Panoply “trained users to reframe and reassess negative thoughts, embedding an established technique called cognitive behavioral therapy in an engaging, unthreatening interface.” A thesis study at MIT confirmed the site produced the results.

“Like other social networks, Panoply will take up that noble goal of connection, but in a more specific, structured way. As software goes, it’s something of a novelty—a product that aims to enrich lives through precise, clinically-proven means, rather than merely assuming enrichment as a byproduct of its existence.”

Read more on Wired.com

School district hires mental health therapists after student suicides

Four students in the Palo Alto Unified School District died by suicide within four months in 2009, and the district lost another student only a few weeks ago.

The school district has decided to hire two new mental health therapists.

“We’re facing a teen suicide rate in the community of 30 times the national rate,” said board member Ken Dauber. “I spoke with a licensed therapist at Gunn last week who let me know that currently at Gunn we have students who are expressing suicidal ideation nearly every day.”

Read more on SanFrancisco.CBSLocal.com

Most bosses don’t think mental illness is a reason to miss work

Mental illness can make an impact on the workplace, and experts are suggesting employees take time off for mental health treatment. According to WTOP, 70 percent of bosses don’t think that mental health conditions are valid reasons for calling in sick.

“It goes back to a stigma that has existed in our culture forever, that if you have any kind of a mental health disorder somehow it’s something you should have control over, something that is your fault,” says Toni Coleman, a Virginia psychotherapist.

Read more on WTop.com

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Comments (3)

  1. Kamara

    I believe I have social anxiety. Its obviously really difficult to talk about but twloha has helped me open up a bit about it. I haven’t tried professional help yet (just because my parents are a whole other story) but I don’t feel alone anymore. Thank you.

    Reply  |  
  2. Patricia

    Thinking about my own journey, it is so special to seek out another person to walk alongside me as I now shed the addictions and deep depression/isolation. I know in my head that being in community is necessary to move forward, yet am daily challenged to actually get out of bed and make any appointments on time. The memory is sewed to say the least. At 58 I am longing to change my thoughts and engage with life. Any help you would suggest? Portland Or.

    Reply  |  
    1. Claire Biggs

      Hi Patricia,
      We’re so happy to hear from you! Would you please email our team at [email protected]. We’d love to speak more with you.

      Reply  |  
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