Happy Monday!
Today is National Positive Media Day focused on encouraging the consumption and sharing of uplifting, constructive, and inspiring stories across mainstream and social media. The day aims to counteract the heavy focus on negative events and promote global sentiment toward happiness and compassion.
Observing the day comes down to actively highlighting good news and building a more supportive digital community.
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🗞 In The News
Credit: LA Times | American Community Media
Kaiser Permanente quietly rolled out an AI "ambient listening" scribe called Abridge that records entire mental health sessions, but the consent process doesn't explain how that deeply personal information is stored, for how long, or who has access to it. One Kaiser social worker described feeling unable to advocate for her vulnerable patients, while a patient interviewed shared genuine fear that intimate therapy conversations "can get into the wrong hands" — possibly reaching employers or family members.
The therapeutic relationship is built on trust and confidentiality, and patients deserve full transparency about exactly how their most vulnerable disclosures are being recorded, stored, and protected before any AI tool ever enters the room.
Read More: Your Mental Health Provider Might Be Secretly Tracking Sessions With AI (Los Angeles Times)
Credit: People Magazine | Getty Images
The Saved by the Bell star Lark Voorhies, who lives with schizoaffective disorder, opened up to PEOPLE about embracing new acting and creative projects, sharing, "I am glad that I can support as a platform of hope for anyone who might be struggling. I am strong, and I am powerful."
Her mom Tricia added that she's proud of how openly Lark has spoken about her diagnosis and how she's learned to "rise above some of the obstacles" while still showing up for her craft.
🆘 Help for All
Credit: Pexels
Mental Health: In Crisis? Call or Text 988
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press ‘1’ or Text 838255
Youth Helpline: 2NDFLOOR - (888) 222-2228
National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-SAFE (7233)
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-TALK (8255)
Addiction: Start Your Recovery - (800) 662-4357
🫶 Better Me
Credit: Vice Magazine
"Just be yourself" might be the most well-meaning, least useful advice we've ever collectively given each other! Psychologist Stephen Joseph argues the phrase fails because it's too vague — most people are unconsciously performing for internalized voices of parents, teachers, and authority figures absorbed so long ago they no longer even recognize them as separate from their own thoughts.
True authenticity isn't about radical transparency or saying whatever's on your mind — it's an inside job, starting with being honest with yourself and then deciding what to do with that, and it's less about preserving who you already are than becoming who you could be.
Read More: Why ‘Just Be Yourself’ Is Terrible Advice, According to Psychology (Vice)
🛍 Product Review
Meet the squishy little stress ball that has taken over TikTok and sold out everywhere — NeeDoh! These palm-sized, dough-filled sensory fidget toys went viral in late 2025 and early 2026, fueled by ASMR-style squeeze videos and "NeeDoh hunting" content, causing widespread shortages at retailers across the country.
Therapists use these toys as tools for patients managing stress and anxiety, and teens in particular find them helpful for self-regulation. Sensory tools like this can help ground anxious minds and busy hands.
Read More: What Is The Viral NeeDoh Toy, And Why Is It Out Of Stock Everywhere? (Mashable)
📞 Share the Health
The Mental Minute is your #1 source for the latest mental health news, tips, key resources and product reviews. Our goal is to make mental health an everyday conversation.
Don’t keep us all to yourself. Sharing is caring - so share The Mental Minute with all of your friends!
Thanks, and Be Well.
— The Mental Minute
