It’s Earth Day! Earth Day is an annual global event celebrated on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection, featuring activities like cleaning up, planting trees, and education. Initiated in 1970 to fight pollution, it is now the largest secular observance worldwide, with over a billion people in 190+ countries taking action for a healthier, sustainable planet.

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Our hearts are shattered for the Shreveport community. On Sunday morning, eight children — seven of them his own — were shot and killed by their father in what has been called the nation's deadliest mass shooting in more than two years. Prior to the attack, Elkins had expressed suicidal thoughts, attempted suicide months earlier, and received mental health treatment — raising urgent questions about domestic violence warning signs and the systems meant to protect families.

For anyone experiencing domestic violence or mental health crises - we urge you to reach out — the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233.

Read More: Haunted by ‘Dark Thoughts,’ Louisiana Father Kills 8 Children (NY Times)

Some genuinely hopeful news in mental health! A new JAMA study found that since the launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, suicide deaths among young people ages 15 to 34 dropped 11% compared to projected rates — and states with the biggest increases in call volume saw the largest declines. This is a powerful reminder that accessible crisis support saves lives — and if you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 anytime, day or night.

Read More: Increased Calls To 988 Hotline Associated With A Drop In Suicides Among Young People, Study Finds (Stat News)

New research published in the Journal of Personality & Social Psychology found that people consistently and dramatically underestimate how often failures happen — from crime and healthcare to everyday breakups and product returns — a phenomenon researchers are calling the "failure gap." The culprit? Failures simply don't get talked about as much as successes because they're embarrassing or socially uncomfortable to share, skewing our perception of reality.

When people were given accurate information about how common failure really is, they became less judgmental and more supportive of policies that address root causes rather than punishment. Turns out, knowing that struggle is normal actually makes us kinder — to others and ourselves!

Read More: New Psychology Research Shows People Consistently Underestimate How Often Things Go Wrong Across Society (PsyPost)

Autophobia (aw-toh-FOH-bee-uh), or monophobia, is an intense, irrational fear of being alone, separated from loved ones, or isolated, often leading to severe anxiety and panic attacks. It is commonly rooted in childhood trauma, abandonment, or separation from significant others. Treatment typically involves psychotherapy and exposure therapy to manage symptoms and reduce fear.

Autophobia is distinct from temporary loneliness, representing a constant, debilitating fear that often requires professional interventio

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