Health and Me

Ishita Roy

5 Things We Learned About Mental Health This In 2025

2025 had been a year of changes in more ways than one can count for, and there is something we all have learnt. Today, our focus is on <span>mental health</span>. This year, we focused on mental health a little bit more, and the focus is right, as it is the need of the hour. So here are top five things that we learned about mental health in the year 2025, starting from its diagnosis, ways to manage mental illness, to banning social media to protect kids' mental health. Here's a 2025 wrap for you. 

<h2>Mental Health Is Over Diagnosed And Under Treated</h2>

This year, we learned that many mental illnesses are in fact over diagnosed, and many patients are still under treated. According to a latest BBC report, GPs think that many people in England are being over diagnosed with mental health problems. Being stressed does not mean an illness. As per the commonly held view by family doctors, the society tends to over medicalize normal life stresses. However, the doctors are also concerned about the difficulty for the patients who actually have a mental health condition.

<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/family-doctors-say-mental-health-is-over-diagnosed-and-under-treated-article-153256803" data-type="tilCustomLink">Over-diagnosis</a> was far from the only issue. Many GPs said they were deeply worried about the lack of meaningful support available for patients who come to them in distress. The questionnaire included both multiple-choice questions and an open invitation to leave anonymous comments, which many used to explain their frustrations.

<h2>A Common Acne Treatment Was Linked To Drop In Schizophrenia Risk</h2>

A new investigation by the University of Edinburgh found that a common antibiotic routinely used for acne, called <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/doxycycline-common-acne-treatment-linked-to-a-notable-drop-in-schizophrenia-risk-article-153245430" data-type="tilCustomLink">Doxycycline</a>, is linked to a lower likelihood of developing schizophrenia. Although these early findings cannot confirm that doxycycline prevents schizophrenia, the researchers suggest that its influence on immune activity, inflammation, and programmed cell death may help protect the brain from changes associated with the disorder. “Because this research relies on observational records, it cannot prove that doxycycline directly lowers the risk of schizophrenia, so more studies are needed,” the authors explain.

“Even so, the results raise the possibility that doxycycline could play a role in lowering schizophrenia risk among young psychiatric patients and open new avenues for prevention-focused mental health research.”

<h2>ADHD Prescriptions Shot Up By 157%</h2>

A new <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/adhd-prescriptions-shot-up-by-157-since-2015-especially-among-women-study-article-153281330" data-type="tilCustomLink">Ontario study</a> found that from 2015 to 2024, ADHD prescriptions were shot up by 157%, and women made the most of these patients. According to the study, prescription rates began climbing steadily before the pandemic but accelerated sharply from 2020 onward. Between 2020 and 2023, stimulant prescriptions rose nearly four times faster each year compared with the period between 2015 and 2019. This shift suggests that life disruptions during lockdowns may have pushed many people to seek help for long-standing attention and focus struggles.

Using data from Ontario’s Narcotics Monitoring System, the researchers tracked prescriptions for stimulant medications, the primary treatment for ADHD. These drugs increase dopamine and other chemicals in the brain, helping people concentrate, regulate emotions and think more clearly.

The overall result was a 157 percent rise in new stimulant prescriptions over eight years.

<h2>This Is How Nordics Are Dealing With Long Hours Of Darkness</h2>

<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/the-nordic-guide-of-staying-mentally-and-physically-well-through-long-dark-winters-article-153260785" data-type="tilCustomLink">Nordic winters </a> are long and dark, without any daylight for days. This is a time when anyone can slip into depression or what experts call seasonal depression. However, there are ways people deal with it. Experts recommend using a dawn simulator, often called a sunrise alarm clock, which gradually brightens the bedroom and helps the brain ease into waking up. Experts also note that people tend to withdraw socially during the winter and may become more irritable. Staying connected to friends and maintaining relationships can soften the impact of the winter blues. Pairing social time with exercise, such as going for a walk or a workout together, can also help maintain energy and mood.

Seasonal depression affects millions worldwide. Many people experience symptoms in the fall and winter that ease once spring arrives. Researchers have discovered that certain cells in the eye respond to blue wavelengths of light, triggering alertness and affecting mood. Sunlight is naturally rich in blue light, so shorter winter days can have a significant impact. Morning sessions with a light therapy box that emits around 10,000 lux can help reset the circadian rhythm and boost serotonin. Devices can range from seventy to four hundred dollars, and insurance may help cover costs for people diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder. Experts advise using a sunrise simulator along with a light therapy lamp before noon.

<h2>Australia Bans Social Media For Under 16</h2>

Citing the cause as to protect the mental health of kids, Australia introduced a new law that <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/australia-social-media-ban-explained-why-government-plans-to-restrict-accounts-of-under-16s-article-153364107" data-type="tilCustomLink">banned anyone under the age of 16 to use social media services</a>, including platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, and streaming platforms Kick and Twitch.

New York is also considering a mental health warning for the young social media users. Social media platforms with infinite scrolling, auto play and algorithmic feeds will now be required to display warning labels about the harm to young users' mental health. This is under a new law, announced New York Governor Kathy Hochul.

Not just this, but even India could be considering bringing in a social media ban for teens. While hearing a write petition, the Madras High Court asked the Union Government to look for possibilities in passing a legislation similar to the ban of under 16s using social media in Australia. The petition was to emphasize on the awareness of the stakeholders and parental windows in the device that could control the menace of pornographic material which is easily accessible to children.

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2025 had been a year of changes in more ways than one can count for, and there is something we all have learnt. Today, our focus is on mental health. This year, we focused on mental health a little bit more, and the focus is right, as it is the need of the hour. So here are top five things that we learned about mental health in the year 2025, starting from its diagnosis, ways to manage mental illness, to banning social media to protect kids' mental health. Here's a 2025 wrap for you. Mental Health Is Over Diagnosed And Under TreatedThis year, we learned that many mental illnesses are in fact over diagnosed, and many patients are still under treated. According to a latest BBC report, GPs think that many people in England are being over diagnosed with mental health problems. Being stressed does not mean an illness. As per the commonly held view by family doctors, the society tends to over medicalize normal life stresses. However, the doctors are also concerned about the difficulty for the patients who actually have a mental health condition.Over-diagnosis was far from the only issue. Many GPs said they were deeply worried about the lack of meaningful support available for patients who come to them in distress. The questionnaire included both multiple-choice questions and an open invitation to leave anonymous comments, which many used to explain their frustrations.A Common Acne Treatment Was Linked To Drop In Schizophrenia RiskA new investigation by the University of Edinburgh found that a common antibiotic routinely used for acne, called Doxycycline, is linked to a lower likelihood of developing schizophrenia. Although these early findings cannot confirm that doxycycline prevents schizophrenia, the researchers suggest that its influence on immune activity, inflammation, and programmed cell death may help protect the brain from changes associated with the disorder. “Because this research relies on observational records, it cannot prove that doxycycline directly lowers the risk of schizophrenia, so more studies are needed,” the authors explain.“Even so, the results raise the possibility that doxycycline could play a role in lowering schizophrenia risk among young psychiatric patients and open new avenues for prevention-focused mental health research.”ADHD Prescriptions Shot Up By 157%A new Ontario study found that from 2015 to 2024, ADHD prescriptions were shot up by 157%, and women made the most of these patients. According to the study, prescription rates began climbing steadily before the pandemic but accelerated sharply from 2020 onward. Between 2020 and 2023, stimulant prescriptions rose nearly four times faster each year compared with the period between 2015 and 2019. This shift suggests that life disruptions during lockdowns may have pushed many people to seek help for long-standing attention and focus struggles.Using data from Ontario’s Narcotics Monitoring System, the researchers tracked prescriptions for stimulant medications, the primary treatment for ADHD. These drugs increase dopamine and other chemicals in the brain, helping people concentrate, regulate emotions and think more clearly.The overall result was a 157 percent rise in new stimulant prescriptions over eight years.This Is How Nordics Are Dealing With Long Hours Of DarknessNordic winters  are long and dark, without any daylight for days. This is a time when anyone can slip into depression or what experts call seasonal depression. However, there are ways people deal with it. Experts recommend using a dawn simulator, often called a sunrise alarm clock, which gradually brightens the bedroom and helps the brain ease into waking up. Experts also note that people tend to withdraw socially during the winter and may become more irritable. Staying connected to friends and maintaining relationships can soften the impact of the winter blues. Pairing social time with exercise, such as going for a walk or a workout together, can also help maintain energy and mood.Seasonal depression affects millions worldwide. Many people experience symptoms in the fall and winter that ease once spring arrives. Researchers have discovered that certain cells in the eye respond to blue wavelengths of light, triggering alertness and affecting mood. Sunlight is naturally rich in blue light, so shorter winter days can have a significant impact. Morning sessions with a light therapy box that emits around 10,000 lux can help reset the circadian rhythm and boost serotonin. Devices can range from seventy to four hundred dollars, and insurance may help cover costs for people diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder. Experts advise using a sunrise simulator along with a light therapy lamp before noon.Australia Bans Social Media For Under 16Citing the cause as to protect the mental health of kids, Australia introduced a new law that banned anyone under the age of 16 to use social media services, including platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, and streaming platforms Kick and Twitch.New York is also considering a mental health warning for the young social media users. Social media platforms with infinite scrolling, auto play and algorithmic feeds will now be required to display warning labels about the harm to young users' mental health. This is under a new law, announced New York Governor Kathy Hochul.Not just this, but even India could be considering bringing in a social media ban for teens. While hearing a write petition, the Madras High Court asked the Union Government to look for possibilities in passing a legislation similar to the ban of under 16s using social media in Australia. The petition was to emphasize on the awareness of the stakeholders and parental windows in the device that could control the menace of pornographic material which is easily accessible to children.