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Welcome to The Mental Minute where our goal is to make mental health a daily conversation. Take a few minutes to enjoy today’s news, tips, key resources and product reviews.

The holidays aren’t always magical for kids — in fact, therapists say anxiety and depression often spike this time of year. With school out, many kids lose their daily routine and the social support they rely on, which can make them feel lonely or overwhelmed. Add in family stress, financial pressure, or conflict at home, and the season can get heavy fast.

Experts say to watch for mood changes, sleep issues, or sudden outbursts — they’re often signs a child is struggling, not “just acting out.” Giving kids choices, keeping some structure, and creating calm moments can make a huge difference.

Bottom line: the holidays can be tough on young minds, so a little extra patience and connection goes a long way.

Prince Harry popped up unexpectedly in New York this October — not for fashion or buzz, but to spotlight a serious issue: the mental-health crisis many men are facing in the U.S. He joined Movember to unveil a new report called “The Real Face of Men's Health: USA,” which reveals alarmingly high death rates among men and calls out the shame and silence around asking for help. Harry got real — sharing that in conversations with veterans and others, he’s learned “the silence is killing people.” His message: mental health isn’t a woman’s issue, a “celebrity issue,” or some niche concern — it’s a human crisis, and it’s time we talk about it out loud.

For anyone reading this: this isn’t just news — it’s a wake-up call. If you’re male, questioning, or ever thought you might “just be overthinking,” this matters. And if you’ve got people you care about, checking in can change everything.

Binge eating disorder is a disorder marked by recurring discrete periods of uncontrolled consumption of abnormally large quantities of food and by distress associated with this behavior. There is an absence of inappropriate compensatory behaviors (e.g., vomiting, laxative misuse, excessive exercise, fasting).

Know someone struggling with binge eating? Experts say that common triggers include shame, poor body self-image and other negative emotions, and suggested treatments such as therapy and medication would address these and related mental health conditions, such as depression.

What you eat can shape more than your body — it can seriously affect your mental health too. Experts say diets loaded with whole foods (like veggies, nuts, fish, whole grains) help support brain chemistry, reduce inflammation, and boost mood and focus.

On the flip side, a heavy intake of ultra-processed foods or sugary snacks seems linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression. So when you feel foggy, irritable, or down — your snack choices might be part of the reason. Eating clean isn’t a magical cure, but making smarter food choices can be a simple, powerful tool to feel more balanced, energized, and mentally sharp.

Online screening is a quick and easy way to see what mental health symptoms you may be experiencing. It’s quick, free, confidential, and backed by science.

Mental health conditions are real and common.

Take the Eating Disorder or the Universal Mental Health Quiz

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Thanks, and Be Well.

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