Blog Posts: Mental wellbeing

Research explores the effects of group art-based programs on depressive symptoms.

Learn about depression, anxiety disorders, and social isolation through the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal’s interactive e-learning lessons.

Research continues to support the effectiveness of certain medications in treating anxiety.

Tai Chi and Qigong! Research showcases the effect of traditional Chinese exercises on symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Grief can feel isolating at any age, but in later life, it can come with added challenges. But, no one has to navigate grief alone—find out how to get support.

Bipolar I disorder is a mental health condition characterized by depressive and manic episodes. While it is often diagnosed in younger adults, it can also emerge later in life. Watch this 3-minute video overview with psychiatrist Dr. Fabiano Gomes, and then learn about the unique challenges and treatment options for older adults.

Is nature calling us back? Research looks at the health benefits of forest therapy.

Getting to the heart of it! Psychological therapies can play a role in improving the mental health of people living with heart disease.

Research spotlights a range of psychotherapies and lifestyle therapies that aim to enhance psychological health and mental well-being.

Making connections! Looking at the impacts of home-based strategies for improving social connectedness and loneliness.

Are you a caregiver for someone with a chronic health condition? Acceptance and commitment therapy (aka ACT) can hold benefits for your psychological health.

What do we know about the impact of eating alone or with others on health and well-being?

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have long been used in the workplace and have recently seen a new boost due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many workers are encouraged, and under the obligation, to use technologies: computers, softwares, virtual communication platforms, mobile applications. ICT makes work easier, but it can also be stressful and even harmful to health. Are you "technostressed"?

Immigrant and refugee seniors are at greater risk of suffering from social isolation and loneliness than their Canadian born peers because they face unique challenges: linguistic differences, cultural barriers, racism and discrimination, limited social networks, and obstacles to social participation. Learn more about how support the social engagement of immigrant and refugee seniors.

Joy among older adults has received little attention in the scientific literature, even though it is highlighted as being important to older adults themselves in terms of health and well-being.

As society pays increasing attention to addressing bullying in schools and workplaces, bullying among seniors remains a taboo and neglected issue. Did you know that recent studies show that about 1 in 5 seniors are bullied?

The majority of bereaved people come to terms with the loss and move on. However, some people (up to 1 in 5) experience great distress that does not go away despite the passage of time. Learn more about what is known about interventions to address grief symptoms.

Access to safe, stable and adequate housing is recognized as a fundamental human right and is essential to create the conditions for people to live healthy, safe and happy lives. However, a growing number of people are experiencing homelessness.

You do not have to go it alone! From exercise to reminiscence therapy, research illustrates there are various strategies that help to reduce loneliness and social isolation.

It is estimated that 425 million people around the world owns cryptocurrencies (also known as digital or virtual currencies). There appears to be a relationship between trading in high-risk cryptocurrencies or stocks and compulsive gambling. Learn more about cryptocurrencies and their associated health risks.