This plant’s been called ‘nature’s Valium’ — it can help fight anxiety, reduce stress and treat insomnia

This plant’s been called ‘nature’s Valium’ — it can help fight anxiety, reduce stress and treat insomnia

Modern science is just catching up to what folk and traditional healers have known since Homeric times. While lab-developed pharmaceuticals can help manage anxiety, you might also want to check your local botanical garden. Native to parts of Europe and Asia, valerian root has a long-established history as a sedative, with records of its use … Read more

Chill pill? Being in shape may actually make you less angry: study

Chill pill? Being in shape may actually make you less angry: study

Work hard in the gym, stay cool under pressure. The benefits of exercise have long been recognized, from improved heart health and lower risk of cancer to some surprising side effects. One more bonus can be added to the list, and it’ll come in handy the next time you get into a big argument or … Read more

Exclusive | More and more women are popping pills for depression — but are SSRIs actually being overprescribed?

Exclusive | More and more women are popping pills for depression — but are SSRIs actually being overprescribed?

It’s become common to talk about and SSRIs (short for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, a class of antidepressants) the way people talk about supplements: a passing mention, a joke in a group chat, a “same” under a TikTok about Lexapro, even a line tucked into a dating profile bio.  For many young women, the cultural … Read more

What is ‘bigorexia’? Inside the gym goal that’s taking over young men’s lives

What is ‘bigorexia’? Inside the gym goal that’s taking over young men’s lives

It’s a growing problem that’s long been overlooked. For decades, body image issues have been pegged as primarily a female struggle, with one study finding that 53% of American girls are “unhappy with their bodies” by age 13. Now, experts say the epidemic is increasingly reaching boys and young men — and while their female … Read more

Medical marijuana’s pain promise is under fire — again

Medical marijuana’s pain promise is under fire — again

Is marijuana getting too high on its own promises? New research published Monday adds to the evidence that medical cannabis benefits for chronic pain are often overstated. The scientific review comes as Americans are increasingly turning to the plant to cope with chronic pain, sleep difficulties, anxiety and a wide range of other health concerns. While many people … Read more

Dear Abby: I’m about to retire and have anxiety over my new spare time

Dear Abby: I’m about to retire and have anxiety over my new spare time

DEAR ABBY: I am a 66-year-old woman who has worked full-time for 47 years, in addition to raising two children and maintaining a home. I will be retiring in three months because, honestly, I’m tired of the rat race. I’m single and don’t have a boyfriend. I have plenty of friends and family, but I’m … Read more

Afraid to ask for a raise? How to get past the anxiety and land your dream salary

Afraid to ask for a raise? How to get past the anxiety and land your dream salary

Lost sleep, a stepped-up heart rate and an upset stomach can all be symptoms of an upcoming performance review. That may help explain why, according to a Payscale survey, only ”43% of survey respondents have ever asked for a raise in their current field.”  The problem: While it’s easy to hope that your work will be recognized … Read more

The simple mental trick for easing flight anxiety revealed, according to author Mel Robbins

The simple mental trick for easing flight anxiety revealed, according to author Mel Robbins

Author and podcast host Mel Robbins recently opened up about her experience with flight anxiety, sharing a simple mental technique she says helped her manage it. She discussed the approach on a recent episode of the “Delusional Diaries” podcast with hosts Halley Kate and Jaz. Flight anxiety isn’t always about the plane itself, the Vermont-based Robbins said … Read more

Can these supplements fight depression and anxiety through your gut — without medication?

Can these supplements fight depression and anxiety through your gut — without medication?

Long live bacteria! You’ve surely heard of probiotics, which can help maintain a healthy gut for better digestion, nutrient absorption and immune support. But a budding class of probiotics called “psychobiotics” is being touted for mental health benefits, too, with promises of improving mood, cognition and anxiety — without medication. Psychobiotics are a type of … Read more

How chronic lateness can cost your relationships — and why you’re never on time: expert

How chronic lateness can cost your relationships — and why you’re never on time: expert

Chronic lateness is known to be a common annoyance, often leading to strain within relationships, experts have confirmed. And for some people who struggle to be on time, the reasons may go far beyond poor planning. Psychotherapist and author Jonathan Alpert told Fox News Digital that chronic lateness often stems from a combination of psychological patterns and … Read more

How social media can impact a child’s mental health, as Australia enacts ban

How social media can impact a child’s mental health, as Australia enacts ban

Australia is pulling the plug on its teens’ social media habits. The country enacted the world’s first ban on social media for children under 16 this week, threatening tech giants with multi-million-dollar fines if they fail to take “reasonable steps” to kick underage users off their platforms. Officials say the crackdown targets the site’s “design … Read more

Scientists find key brain nutrient from everyday foods lacking in people with anxiety

Scientists find key brain nutrient from everyday foods lacking in people with anxiety

Millions of Americans battle chronic anxiety — but new research claiming a missing brain nutrient may be partly to blame is already drawing skepticism from experts who say the findings are far from conclusive. Using a non-invasive MRI-based technique that measures brain chemicals, researchers at UC Davis Health in California looked at data from 25 previous studies, … Read more

My energy drink habit nearly killed me — what happened when my body finally crashed

My energy drink habit nearly killed me — what happened when my body finally crashed

Talk about a jolt. Many people reach for energy drinks when they need an extra boost, with 64% of Gen Zers leading the charge. But doctors have long warned that these beverages can cause heart problems, anxiety, insomnia, headaches and dental issues. Excessive consumption of energy drinks can pose serious health issues, like strokes, as … Read more

Forget ‘fart walks’ — how ‘phone-sober walks’ can immediately improve your well-being

Forget ‘fart walks’ — how ‘phone-sober walks’ can immediately improve your well-being

Step aside, “fart walks.” While breaking wind on a stroll has gained a following for its health perks, you might want to consider adding another element to your walking regimen. Or, rather, taking one away: your phone.  Ditching your phone while taking a walk may help you get even more out of the popular exericse. … Read more

Mom diagnosed with brain cancer after arm tingle was dismissed as anxiety

Mom diagnosed with brain cancer after arm tingle was dismissed as anxiety

A mom was diagnosed with brain cancer after the tingling in her arm was dismissed as anxiety. Kelsey Stokstad, 32, started experiencing numbness and tingling in her left arm and hand but doctors told her it was anxiety-related and prescribed her Beta blockers. But when she had a grand mal seizure – a loss of … Read more

Antidepressant prescribed to millions is ‘no better than placebo’ for children — with greater side effects

Antidepressant prescribed to millions is ‘no better than placebo’ for children — with greater side effects

A medication meant to lift spirits may be falling flat. New research suggests that an antidepressant commonly prescribed to children and teens may not be as effective as once thought.  Now, some experts are raising doubts about whether young people with depression should be taking the drug at all, citing concerns that the risk of … Read more

Feeling sad and tired? This supplement can help with seasonal depression

Feeling sad and tired? This supplement can help with seasonal depression

Feeling down is trending up. The days are getting colder and shorter, and instances of seasonal depression are on the rise. Starting as early as November, those who struggle with seasonal depression have little sunlight to brighten their spirits on dark days. Formally known as seasonal affective disorder (or, appropriately, SAD), seasonal depression is spurred … Read more

Microdosing this popular psychedelic for just 8 weeks can ease major depression: new study

Microdosing this popular psychedelic for just 8 weeks can ease major depression: new study

This trip might just be worth taking. New research suggests that microdosing a popular psychedelic may provide relief for people struggling with major depressive disorder. That’s noteworthy, since traditional antidepressants can be slow to work, cause side effects and fail to help many patients. Major depressive disorder is one of the most common mental illnesses … Read more

How sexy spanking can help with anxiety — and why ‘pre-scene negotiation’ is so important

How sexy spanking can help with anxiety — and why ‘pre-scene negotiation’ is so important

This slaps! You’ve tried yoga, meditation and long walks to reduce stress — but have you taken a whack at spanking? “While it may sound counterintuitive, for some people, ‘impact play’ like spanking can actually help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety through pain, or as many players would term it, ‘intense sensation,’ ” Lisa … Read more

Everything K-pop star HyunA has revealed about her health — after she collapsed on stage in China

Everything K-pop star HyunA has revealed about her health — after she collapsed on stage in China

K-pop fans panicked this week when HyunA collapsed on stage at a music festival in Macau, China. The 33-year-old singer was performing her 2011 hit song “Bubble Pop.” She was dramatically carried off stage, later apologizing to fans on Instagram. K-pop singer HyunA collapsed on stage this week at a music festival in Macau, China. … Read more