50 m. ago Voices: Should smartphones be banned in schools? Join The Independent Debate

Many schools and parents are pushing to ban smartphones for teens, arguing they're harmful to mental health and learning, while others see it as an oversimplified fix to deeper issues

Events

2 h. ago US colleges criticise Trump ‘political interference’ after Harvard lawsuit

Harvard University has announced it is suing the Trump administration over a funding freeze

Politics

3 h. ago ‘I hope I’ll one day be at peace’: civilians seek mental health help in war

People traumatised by conflict have queued outside the Saint Vincent de Paul neuropsychiatric hospital in Goma each day since free scheme launchedOn a sunny morning in the city of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where fighting between the M23 rebel group and the Congolese army raged earlier this year, men and women rushed towards a line of chairs outside a medical facility.Since 24 March, the Saint Vincent de Paul neuropsychiatric hospital, a medical facility for people with mental health issues, has been offering free consultations on a first-come first-served basis for people affected by the fighting. Dozens have lined up to be seen each day. Continue reading...

Events

5 h. ago 19 Adult Disability Payment health conditions providing people with up to £749 each month

The devolved disability benefit can support people with a disability, long-term illness, physical or mental health condition.

Economics

19 h. ago Simone Biles’ coach says gymnast suffered from ‘twisties’ before 2016 Olympics

Condition disrupted American’s performance in 2021Former coach reveals new details in bookSimone Biles suffered from the “twisties” in the run-up to the 2016 Olympics, five years before the condition severely disrupted her performance at the Tokyo Games.Aimee Boorman, Biles’s longtime coach, outlines the story in her new book, The Balance: My Years Coaching Simone Biles. The twisties cause gymnasts to lose their orientation while in the air, a dangerous situation in a sport where falls can cause serious injury. The condition, along with mental health concerns, caused Biles to withdraw from all but one final at the Tokyo Olympics, where her only medal was a bronze on the beam. Continue reading...

Sport

20 h. ago Simple tweak can cut dementia risk by 15 per cent and prevent mental decline, experts discover

Nearly 34,000 individuals aged 40 and over were studied to see if treating high blood pressure with pills and lifestyle changes had an impact on cognitive impairment over four years.

Events

24 h. ago Lewis Capaldi looks happy and healthy on rare outing as he spends Easter with TV star amid career hiatus due to Tourette's battle

The Scottish singer, 28, announced he would be taking a break away from the spotlight for his mental health after performing at Glastonbury in June 2023.

Society

25 h. ago The Pope's health battles revealed in full and how pneumonia can silently kill

Here MailOnline details Francis's health history, from the lung problems in his youth that left him more vulnerable to pneumonia to his mobility issues and mental health struggles.

Events

26 h. ago The promise of diagnosis: how it can open a door to true self

Too often, a diagnosis is seen as the end of the story, rather than the beginning. But it has the potential to launch us on a curious and profound journey of discoveryThere is a national conversation – or perhaps more a national talking at each other – taking place at the moment, about an “overdiagnosis” of mental health conditions. The health secretary, Wes Streeting, is concerned too many people are being “written off” in this way. I spend quite a lot of time thinking about this subject, alone, with colleagues, with patients as a therapist, and as a patient in therapy myself. I think our response is crucial for building not just a better life but a better society.I think that diagnosis can be a vital part of mental health treatment. It is not something I do as a psychotherapist; I respect my psychiatrist colleagues who do it for their skill, knowledge, experience and compassion. When the system works, a diagnosis can bring relief, it can open the door to the best therapy and medic...

Politics

40 h. ago Scottish designer Sophie McGown wins top fashion award for jewellery brand loved by Princess of Wales

Fashion Designer Sophie McGown has raised thousands for mental health causes with her ‘Issy Star’ earrings.

Politics

46 h. ago Black Mirror's Siena Kelly admits 'I'm weak' as she opens up on life

Black Mirror star Siena Kelly has opened up about her decision to quit social media, saying she was "weak" and it was "not good" for her mental health

Politics

62 h. ago Smartphone ban at Brianna Ghey's school "transforms" pupil behaviour

The initiative was launched to tackle bullying and mental health issues, with results so far proving positive.

Politics

62 h. ago Phones have been banned at Brianna Ghey's school following her murder

It was hoped te measure at Birchwood would help curb bullying and improve students' mental health.

Events

3 d. ago Ronnie O’Sullivan: ‘I was scared to go near a snooker table and I’ve lost my bottle’

Seven-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan opened up about the mental health struggles causing his break from the game and also admitted he could yet withdraw from the World Snooker Championship at short notice

Politics

3 d. ago More people aged 65+ are trying out cannabis. Here’s what to know about the risks and benefits

US adults in the age group are using cannabis to treat pain and poor sleep – and they’re a fast-growing marketPolls suggest Americans aged 65 and older are trying cannabis for the first time more than any other group in the country. This trend is propelled by decreased stigma and increased legalization, with 24 states and the District of Columbia allowing recreational use (in the UK, recreational use is still illegal).But there’s something else too. Getting older comes with its challenges, physically and emotionally. Some people are betting on cannabis as a way to navigate these hurdles. Research indicates older adults primarily use cannabis for health-related issues, like poor sleep, pain and mental health concerns such as anxiety. Continue reading...

Events

3 d. ago Robbie Williams says being approached by fans leaves him ‘crawling inside’

The singer is pleading for fans to give celebrities ‘the dignity of their privacy’

Politics

3 d. ago Doctor shares would happen if you stopped eating sugar for two weeks including improved mental health

What happens to our bodies when we completely cut out sugar for a fortnight? You may be surprised at the answer.

Society

4 d. ago Club World Cup teams facing tax threat in new blow to expanded tournament

Fifa is yet to secure exemption for 32 clubs taking partTax rate may vary according to where games are playedFifa is facing complex negotiations with the US authorities before the Club World Cup after failing to secure tax exemptions for the 32 competing clubs.The world governing body announced a huge prize fund for the tournament of $1bn (£754m) in March, including up to $125.8m for the winners, but without tax agreements clubs could be left with bills of tens of millions of dollars to the US tax authorities on top of tax payable in their home countries. At least 29 clubs from outside the US, including Chelsea and Manchester City, will be competing. Continue reading...

Society

4 d. ago AI companion for mindfulness can help ‘bridge gaps’ in mental health care

Mindfulness app Headspace’s chief clinical officer said its new AI companion can help support human mental health care workers.

Science

4 d. ago Freddie Flintoff admits he 'didn't leave the house for 8 months' after horror Top Gear crash

Freddie Flintoff has spoken out for the first time about his Top Gear crash and the impact it had on his mental health, as he struggled with anxiety and isolation for months

Events