APA Blogs
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Vaping is Unhealthy. Tips and Resources to Help Quit.
- By John A. Fromson, M.D.
Electronic (e-) cigarettes, or vaping devices, were first introduced to adults in the early 2000s as a potential smoking cessation aid. They gained popularity due to their perceived reduced harm compared to traditional cigarettes. The devices often resemble traditional tobacco cigarettes (cig-a-likes), cigars, or pipes, as well as pens and USB memory sticks. Users inhale an aerosol (vapor), containing nicotine or marijuana/THC, flavorings, and other chemicals. E-cigarettes have evolved over time, with newer devices offering higher nicotine concentrations and customizable flavors.
Five Ways to Support LGBTQ+ Mental Health
Family and friends can play a valuable role in supporting the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals. LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely than others to experience mental health challenges.
Fostering Community Inclusion for Recovery for People with Serious Mental Illness
Meaningful community participation such as employment, education, recreation and leisure activities, religious and spiritual activities, and engagement in civil life is a critical part of recovering from serious mental illness (SMI). In a session at APA’s Annual Meeting in May, speakers provided an overview of how to promote community inclusion for persons with SMI from a variety of perspectives.
A Few Phone Calls From Trained Volunteers Can Make a Difference for People with Depression
New research finds that volunteers who make a few empathetic phone calls can significantly improve others’ loneliness and depressive symptoms among adults. This type of program could help address the significant shortage of mental health professionals and improve mental healthcare, the study authors suggest.
Maternal Mental Health: A Brief Look at the Impact of Birth Trauma
For some women, childbirth can be a traumatic event often associated with birth complications or a near miss for maternal mortality 1. A traumatic birth involves a perceived or life-threatening series of events that result in severe injury or death of the infant or mother. This traumatic experience increases the risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after birth and can lead to challenges with attachment between the birthing parent and their infant