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On April 21, Hailey Bieber shared a selfie of herself lounging on a couch, and opened up about a recurring health challenge that she has been facing. She wrote on the post "Currently have 3 ovarian cysts", as she uploaded it on her Instagram story.
In her photo, she rolled up her black tank top to show her stomach, which seemed to be bloated. In the photo, she further wrote: "If you deal with ovarian cysts I'm right there with ya!"
She also clarified that she does not have endometriosis or PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome), however, she has had cysts for a few times, and it has been recurring. She said that she had been dealing with it since 2022, and had a cyst "the size of an apple".
She also clarified for any pregnancy rumor, and said that she was "bloated", and the stomach was "not a baby". She wrote: "It is painful and achey and makes me feel nauseous and bloated and crampy and emotional."
As per National Health Service, UK, an ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops on an ovary. They are very common and do not usually cause any symptoms. Most ovarian cysts occur naturally and go away in a few months without the need of any treatment.
The ovaries are 2 almond-shaped organs, which are essential part of the female reproductive system. There is one on each side of the womb or the uterus and have two main functions:
To release an egg approximately every 28 days as part of the menstrual cycle
To release the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, which also play a key role in reproduction
Ovarian cysts could affect both ovaries at the same tie or one at a time.
The common symptoms of an ovarian cyst are:
There are two main types of ovarian cysts:
Functional cysts: These develop during the menstrual cycle. They’re the most common type, usually harmless, and tend to go away on their own.
Pathological cysts: These form due to abnormal cell growth and are much less common.
Sometimes, ovarian cysts can be linked to underlying conditions like endometriosis.
Most ovarian cysts are non-cancerous (benign). However, a small number can be cancerous (malignant), especially in women who have gone through menopause.
If your doctor suspects a cyst, they may refer you for a vaginal ultrasound scan. If a cyst is found, it might be monitored with another scan after a few weeks, or you may be referred to a gynaecologist.
If there's a chance the cyst could be cancerous, your doctor may also recommend blood tests to check for certain chemical markers. Keep in mind, high levels of these markers can also result from non-cancerous issues like:
Treatment depends on:
Often, the cyst goes away in a few months. A follow-up scan may be done to confirm this.
If you're postmenopausal, regular scans and blood tests might be done over a year to monitor the cyst, as the risk of cancer is slightly higher.
Surgery may be needed if the cyst is large, causes symptoms, or might be cancerous.
Most ovarian cysts don’t affect your ability to get pregnant. But in some cases, they can make conception harder.
If surgery is needed, doctors try to preserve your fertility. This could mean:
It’s important to discuss fertility concerns with your surgeon before any operation.
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As mental health conversations have finally found a mainstream platform, TikTok has become a surprising haven for the millions—particularly Gen Z and Millennials—looking for comfort, answers, and reassurance. Yet beneath the emotional appeal and viral potential lies a sinister reality: over half of TikTok's top mental health tips videos are deceptive, a recent investigation by The Guardian has found.
As increasing numbers of users seek mental health advice on social platforms, critics caution that the site's uninhibited suggestions, shrouded in psycho-babble or anecdotal experience, may do more damage than good. As online wellness is becoming all but indistinguishable from overall well-being, here's a closer examination of what the science uncovered, how misinformation gains traction in the digital realm, and what you can do to shield yourself.
TikTok's #mentalhealthtips hashtag has clocked billions of views, with influencers posting raw, real, and frequently intensely personal accounts of trauma, anxiety, depression, and recovery. In theory, this ought to be empowering—taboo-breaking and open to discussion. In practice, though, the standard of advice is seriously questionable.
In The Guardian-led analysis, the 100 most-watched videos under #mentalhealthtips were screened by a panel of licensed psychologists and academic professionals. The results were concerning: 52 of these 100 videos had inaccurate, misleading, or even harmful information.
From encouraging simplistic cures such as showering while eating an orange to fix anxiety, to proposing trauma can be cured in one hour, the tips varied from harmless pseudoscience to perilously oversimplified interventions.
Some authors distort the boundaries between neurosis and ordinary mood swings. For example, nervousness upon rescheduled plans or irritability is represented as borderline personality disorder (BPD) characteristics. Specialists observe that this trend may provoke users toward misdiagnosis, internalization of stigma, and ignoring or misunderstanding deeper-seated issues.
TikTok clips tend to use clinical language inappropriately without explanation or context. One clip implied that people with bipolar disorder have fleeting shifts in mood because they possess a metaphorical "emotional pendulum." In fact, bipolar mood episodes usually persist for days or weeks—not hours or minutes. This oversimplification undervalues the complexity of medical conditions and propagates misinformation.
Maybe most troubling, much of the disinformation was linked to unevidenced treatments. Statements such as curing trauma within 60 minutes with one journaling practice, or promoting supplements such as saffron or magnesium glycinate as cures for anxiety, have no scientific support and can distract individuals from seeking professional treatment.
Certain influencers posted personal anecdotes of psychiatric hospitalization or swift recovery and then encouraged other people to do the same. Whereas personal experiences are true and credible, extrapolating individual experiences can result in unrealistic expectations or ill-informed decisions.
Against this backdrop, TikTok came to the defense of its platform as a vehicle for expression, highlighting the genuineness of creators' experiences. The statement does little to meet the severe concerns regarding misinformation and accountability, though. The platform is already subject to several lawsuits in the U.S., claiming its addictive nature and lack of content regulation have contributed to deteriorating youth mental health.
Legislators and experts in health now urge strong regulatory systems to rein in the proliferation of toxic content. The situation today, they posit, highlights a glaring absence of mental health literacy and digital regulation.
Mental health is a highly personal and emotionally sensitive topic. When users are vulnerable, they might opt for comforting and familiar content rather than evidence-based guidance. Social media's reward system—likes, shares, views—is frequently biased toward engagement, not accuracy.
And, on top of that, nuanced psychiatric data are difficult to reduce to 30-second clips. Without context or subtlety, buzzwords and oversimplifications have the potential to go viral as fast, perpetuating half-truths and stigmatization or misunderstandings.
Since the size of the issue, it's essential to implement a multi-faceted strategy of media literacy and self-knowledge. Here are evidence-based methods suggested by experts:
Pay attention to your digital trail. Before sharing advice or implementing it into your life, evaluate the credibility of the author. Are they licensed mental health professionals? Do they reference peer-reviewed studies or clinical practice?
Rather than accepting content at face value, look for several reliable sources which can both validate and invalidate the advice. This practice of "reading sideways" assists in cross-verifying assertions and enhances discernment.
Free stuff is handy, but sometimes incorrect. Pay for quality publications, visit vetted mental health sites such as NAMI, APA, or NHS, and seek expert-approved facts.
Skepticism is good. Ask yourself: Who stands to gain from this advice? What's the evidence? Could this be harmful? Critical filters provide a buffer against the impact of emotional or persuasive information.
The more isolated we feel, the more we may depend on parasocial relationships online. Strengthening offline community support provides balanced perspectives and helps you validate information through conversation, not algorithms.
On a larger scale, advocate for stricter content regulation, support politicians who prioritize mental health literacy, and demand transparency from tech companies. Misinformation is not just a user problem—it’s a systemic one.
TikTok and other sites are great resources for destigmatizing mental illness, telling your own story, and fostering conversation. But they're no substitute for therapy or medical guidance. As we all move forward in this virtual world, media literacy, affect regulation, and critical thinking are your best friends.
Whether you're struggling, wondering, or just scrolling, take all online mental health material with a grain of salt—and consult a qualified professional.
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Work stress is something most adults have to deal with. It is something you learn to deal with, find ways to avoid it as well as learn how to not let it steep into your personal life. However, more often than not, people get overwhelmed with work and end up causing harm to their personal lives. Not only does it cause harm to your own health, but also to your loved ones. Although people believe that their pets are not affected by
Work stress doesn't always stay at the office. It can follow you home and impact more than just your mood – your dog might be feeling it too. A new study, reported by Psychology Today, suggests that if you have trouble letting go of work worries at the end of the day, your furry friend could be picking up on your stress.
Researchers at Washington State University, published in Scientific Reports, studied 85 working adults with dogs. They found that dogs showed more signs of stress when their owners were highly stressed at work and couldn't fully unwind afterwards.
Participants answered surveys about their work stress, how often they thought about work in their free time, and their dog's behavior. The results showed that dogs whose owners frequently dwelled on work were more likely to act stressed themselves. The dogs would be showing behaviors like pacing, whining, or being less playful. Interestingly, many owners didn't even realize their pets were exhibiting these stress signals.
The study emphasized that it wasn't just high job stress affecting the dogs; rumination made the biggest difference. When you carry work problems into your personal time, you tend to be more tense and distracted. Your body language, tone of voice, and overall behavior can signal this stress, and dogs are incredibly good at picking up on these emotional cues.
If you're a dog owner who struggles to "turn off" work mode at home, researchers offer practical steps to prevent your pet from "catching" your stress
Engage in deep breathing exercises, daily meditation, or simply focus on being present in the current moment. This practice can effectively help you leave those persistent work worries and anxieties behind at the end of your day.
Establish simple yet effective routines, such as taking a brief walk after work or changing into comfortable clothes. These small, consistent actions can help signal to your mind and body that the workday is officially concluded.
Make a conscious effort to put away your phone and fully engage with your furry companion. Dedicate time to play, cuddle, or even embark on a new training session, ensuring you are completely present for them.
Remember that dogs are incredibly perceptive and can easily read your tone of voice and physical posture. Maintaining a calm and relaxed demeanor yourself can significantly contribute to helping your dog feel more at ease.
Strive to create a calm, consistent, and predictable home environment. A stable atmosphere helps your dog feel secure and reduces their anxiety, providing a much-needed sense of stability and peace for them.
If your stress levels feel overwhelming, debilitating, and beyond your control, it's crucial to consider reaching out for professional support. Talk to a therapist or even discuss potential solutions with your employer to find relief.
In 2022, beloved actor Bruce Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, a heartbreaking turn that deeply impacted not only him but his whole family. Although the news left fans around the world in shock, it was actually his wife, Emma Heming Willis, who carried the emotional brunt of the diagnosis in the moment. At the Women's Alzheimer's Movement Forum in Las Vegas last month, Emma spoke for the first time about the emotional damage done by that experience and the unseen toll of caregiving—one that millions of people worldwide quietly experience daily.
Emma Heming Willis recalled the day Bruce was formally diagnosed with dementia as one that made her feel "lost, isolated and afraid."
"On the day Bruce got his diagnosis, we walked out of the doctor's office with a pamphlet and an empty goodbye. No plan, no guidance, no hope, just shock," she explained in front of a packed auditorium, People reported.
In one instant, the family's future disappeared. The Oscar-winning actor, famous for his quick wit and performances in Die Hard and The Sixth Sense, would be leaving his career behind. Emma found herself thrust into a whole new role of full-time caregiver at the same time.
She continued to explain, "I found myself having to keep my family intact, raise our two small girls, and tend to the man that I love while dealing with an illness I hardly knew anything about."
Emma's emotional candor resonated with hundreds of families who have received similar diagnoses and encouraged her to author a book, The Unexpected Journey, scheduled for publication in September. In Emma's words, "This is the book I hope will assist the next caregiver. It is packed with encouragement, wisdom, and the encouragement necessary to walk this path.
Frontotemporal dementia is a less prevalent type of dementia that mainly occurs in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. It tends to affect behavior, personality, language, and movement more than memory, particularly in its initial stages.
In contrast to Alzheimer's, which generally strikes older individuals, FTD can hit at an earlier age—sometimes as young as 40. The symptoms can range from changes in personality, emotional flatness, or the inability to show empathy to impulsiveness, so it is especially hard for spouses and children to cope.
Emma's case illustrates how abrupt and disrupting this diagnosis can be—not only for the patient but for caregivers as well.
Whereas Bruce Willis' diagnosis hit global headlines, the mental toll taken by Emma, his caregiver, was largely in the background—until she decided to come forward.
Caregiving is a respectable position, but it's also a challenging and thankless one. For those who are caring for loved ones with dementia or other chronic illnesses, the stress of "keeping it all together" can result in a condition called caregiver burnout.
"Caring for someone is the most intimate and demanding work of love," Emma explained, "but when you're not noticed or supported, it begins to undermine your health—mentally and physically."
Caregiver burnout is a condition of emotional, physical, and mental weariness resulting from long-term and excessive caregiving demands. It tends to lead to feelings of hopelessness, loneliness, and guilt—and is worsened when caregivers fail to prioritize their own health and well-being.
In the United States alone, over 53 million individuals act as unpaid caregivers, reports the National Alliance for Caregiving. While they bear a massive burden, too many of them are without access to support structures or mental health resources.
If you are caring for a loved one—particularly someone with a degenerative condition such as dementia—it's important to look for these early warning signs of burnout:
Chronic fatigue: Being physically and emotionally drained, even after rest or sleep.
Lack of interest in hobbies: Avoiding activities and passions you used to enjoy.
Social withdrawal: Steering clear of friends and family out of exhaustion or feelings of being overwhelmed.
Increased irritability: Becoming angry or resentful with the person you're caring for, or blowing up over trivial inconveniences.
Illness: Persistent headaches, gastrointestinal problems, weakened immune system, or getting chronic illnesses.
Sleep disturbances: Waking up often, insomnia, or sleeping too much.
Emotional numbing or persistent crying: Feeling of being trapped without relief in sight, along with emotional numbing or excessive crying.
Caregiver burnout isn't just hard on the caregiver—it's also destructive to the quality of care received. Burned out and frazzled, it becomes more difficult to bring compassion, patience, and focus to caring for someone with intricate needs.
If left unaddressed, burnout can create depression, anxiety disorders, and even physical breakdown, which is why it is so important to get help before getting to a point of crisis.
Emma Heming Willis's openness to talk about her own challenges brings light to a larger social problem: the invisibility and unavailability of caregiver resources.
Her work strives to make discussion of caregiver mental health common and give others the tools she wishes someone had given her when Bruce was initially diagnosed. "What I needed that day wasn't a pamphlet," she said to the crowd. "I needed someone to look me in the eye and tell me, 'This feels impossible right now, but you will find your footing.'"
To assist in preventing or coping with caregiver burnout, professionals suggest:
Pursuing professional help: Counseling or therapy can be a lifesaver.
Regular breaks: Respite care programs or a reliable family member can take over.
Support groups: Talking with others who experience the same situation can soften the sense of loneliness.
Taking care of your own health: Healthy meals, exercise, and routine check-ups.
Establishing boundaries: Saying no is acceptable, and asking for assistance is okay.
As the global population ages and the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases grows, it’s more important than ever to champion and protect those who give so selflessly.
Caregiving can start as a labor of love—but it needs to be valued, respected, and maintained by community, healthcare systems, and society as a whole.
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