A mop, a broom, and a calm mind: Why some people see mental health benefits in everyday tasks – The Boston Globe

Monks polished the wooden corridor of the walkway that connects between temple buildings at Soji-ji in Yokohama, Japan.

“Before enlightenment, cut wood and carry water. After enlightenment, cut wood and carry water.” Zen disciples, or “unsui” monks, spend a lot of time cleaning and organizing. “We sweep dust to get rid of earthly desires. We scrub dirt to get rid of attachments,” writes Yoshihiro Matsumoto, a monk living in Kyoto, Japan, in his … Read more

Photographer Mary Ellen Mark turned her lens on mental illness and changed our perceptions.

mary ellen mark [Carol T. in the Mirror, Ward 81, Oregon State Hospital, Salem, Oregon, USA]1976.

In 1975, Mary Ellen Mark accepted a one-week photography assignment that would change her life. Mark was already known as a photographer for his portraits of rock stars and actors, and was scheduled to do similar work on the Oregon set of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. And she did just that, capturing star … Read more

US Senate to investigate sports betting’s ‘mental health crisis’

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listen to article • 0:00 minutes Legalized sports betting is sweeping states across the country, reshaping the relationship between fans, athletes and their favorite pastime in the process. In 2025, Americans bet a record $165 billion on sports. And over the past 18 months, federal authorities have indicted two Major League Baseball pitchers, a former … Read more

A new kind of counselor is shaping the way mental health is treated

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5 minute read Important points As interest in ketamine and psilocybin grows, so does the demand for psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) counselors. Unlike “travel sitters,” PAT counselors typically have degrees in counseling and are trained by training institutions that specialize in psychedelics. Examples of PAT counselor techniques include pushing on someone’s feet to mimic literal ground … Read more

This month’s highlights: Huntsville mother turns tragedy into mission to help mental health first responders

This month's highlights: Huntsville mother turns tragedy into mission to help mental health first responders

Editor’s note: This article contains discussion of mental health issues and suicide. It may be difficult to read. If you or someone you know is struggling, the National Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline 988 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) – In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, … Read more