Mental Health - Harvard University
50%
of the world’s population will experience a mental health disorder
Source
1 in 5
people under 18 experience a mental illness each year
Source
11 years
is the average delay between onset of mental health symptoms and treatment
Source
35%
increase in suicide rates over the past two decades
Source
Normalizing mental health check-ups
Promoting a proactive approach to mental health can help catch problematic symptoms early on.
Normalizing mental health check-ups
Seeking solutions for bipolar disorder
Seeking solutions for bipolar disorder
Creating a drug discovery platform for mental health conditions
Creating a drug discovery platform for mental health conditions
Using a machine-learning tool for assessing suicide risk in patients
Using a machine-learning tool for assessing suicide risk in patients
Diagnosing psychiatric disorders through genetic testing
Diagnosing psychiatric disorders through genetic testing
Treating drug-resistant depression with TMS
Treating drug-resistant depression with TMS
Walk
Studies show that spending time in natural environments can
lower biomarkers for stress and reduce cycles of negative thoughts
Eat
Eating an orange a day may
lower a person’s depression risk by 20%
, according to a study led by Harvard Medical School’s Raaj Mehta.
Breathe
Meditating for five minutes a day, consistently for a month, has shown
reductions in standardized measures of depression and anxiety
The kids aren’t alright
In this issue of the Harvard Medicine magazine, experts at Harvard Medical School explore the mental health crisis among young people through a number of different approaches.
Explore Harvard Medicine magazine
Exploring how early development impacts mental health
Researchers are exploring early means of
mental disorder prediction through teeth analysis
, and better understanding how
independent play can help with resilience, self-reliance, and mental health
Understanding the power of the parent-child relationship
Harvard scientists are exploring the link between
the mental health of parents and the mental health of adolescents
, and offering
advice and at-home interventions
to improve issues.
Learning how school impacts mental health
With colleges seeing an
increase in demand for mental health services
on campus, Harvard experts are
working to help colleges design meaningful systems of support
for all students.
Why is AI use associated with depressive symptoms?
Learn more about the study
Learn more about the study
Do mood tracking apps help with mental health?
Learn more about the research
Learn more about the research
Is social media responsible for its impact on mental health?
Learn more about the connection
Learn more about the connection
Psychological safety at work is essential
A Harvard study found that workplaces where workers believed speaking up would not lead to embarrassment, rejection, or punishment had less incidence of employee burnout and less turnover.
Psychological safety at work is essential
Teachers
Why it’s important that schools create space to acknowledge and respond to the stress of the job.
Teachers
Executives
Why it’s important for organizations to address mental health and how executives should handle pressure at the top.
Executives
Factory workers
Research shows that a one-size-fits-all approach to worker wellbeing initiatives aren’t as effective as ones catered to workers specific needs.
Factory workers
Doctors
Sharing stories of personal struggle can help doctors become better at their jobs.
Doctors
Athletes
A study found that NFL players face an increased risk of suicide compared to basketball and baseball players.
Athletes
Want to be happier?
Harvard professor Arthur C. Brooks co-wrote a book with Oprah Winfrey, “Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier,” which presents small improvements readers can make in their daily lives.
Read more about their tips for happiness
Read more about their tips for happiness
Talking about suicide saves kids’ lives
Authors of “Life Under Pressure,” Anna S. Mueller and Seth Abrutyn recommend talking with students and showing concern for their mental health as the guiding principle for responding to a suicide.
Learn more about their book
Learn more about their book
Why mattering matters
“Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose,” a book by Jennifer Breheny Wallace, explains the power of feeling valued and asking for help.
Read more about Jennifer’s book
Read more about Jennifer’s book
Harvard Thinking
“The Things We Carry”
This episode of the Harvard Thinking podcast features experts discussing how trauma and adversity affect our biology and what that might mean for health care in the future.
Colloquy
“The Graduate Student Mental Health Crisis”
This episode features alum and clinical psychologist Emily Bernstein who studies the challenges faced by graduate students and why she thinks our smartphones could become an important vehicle for delivering mental health care.
Supporting wellbeing and mental health
Harvard is raising awareness of available mental health services, improving access to and availability of these services, and implementing new services on campus.
Learn more about mental wellbeing at Harvard
Support at the theater
Harvard's American Repertory Theater worked with a Harvard-trained psychologist to design resources in case a production unintentionally activates distressing or traumatic memories.
Learn more about the resources
Increased rest, decreased stress
Harvard SEAS students spent a semester working to address both mental wellness on campus and the challenges students face finding the wellness resources to promote it.
Learn more about their research
Managing your mental health abroad
While abroad, it's important to be kind to yourself and take time for self-care. Harvard's Global Support Services have collected strategies and tips to help manage, adapt, and recover from difficult situations.
Learn more about the guide
Supporting spiritual care
In their commitment to religious pluralism, Harvard Divinity School offers students spiritual care, counseling, and other resources to deepen their intellectual and spiritual lives.
Learn more about the resources
Bringing mindfulness to the Harvard Longwood community
When Mallory Hackett isn't working as an administrative coordinator at Harvard's School of Dental Medicine, she is active with the Health and Wellness Committee where she helps promote mental and physical wellbeing for all Dental School students.
Learn more about Mallory's work
Mindfulness & Meditation
Happiness
Healthy living