Happy Hump Day! Today is Tax Day!

Tax Day in the United States is the annual deadline—typically April 15—for individuals to submit their federal income tax returns to the IRS. It is not a federal holiday, but it marks the final day to file taxes or pay taxes owed for the previous calendar year to avoid penalties. Tax Day was first introduced in 1913, when the Sixteenth Amendment was ratified

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

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A disturbing incident involving an attack on OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s home is now raising deeper questions about the intersection of mental health and public safety. Attorneys for the 20-year-old suspect say he was in the middle of an acute mental health crisis when he allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at Altman’s house and later threatened his company’s headquarters. 

While no one was physically harmed, prosecutors argue the act was planned and serious, highlighting the tension between treating mental illness with care and holding individuals accountable for dangerous actions. The case is sparking broader conversations about before situations escalate into harm.

Read More: Suspect Was in Apparent Mental Health Crisis During Attack on Sam Altman’s House (KQED)

A new long-term study is pushing back on a common fear, finding that fluoride in drinking water does not harm IQ or cognitive function. Researchers tracked more than 10,000 people over decades and found no difference in intelligence or brain performance between those exposed to fluoridated water and those who weren’t. 

The findings challenge ongoing debates fueled by claims that fluoride could impact brain development — especially since most of those concerns come from studies involving much higher exposure levels than what’s used in the U.S. 

While scientists say more research is always helpful, this study reinforces that current fluoridation levels are considered safe and still beneficial for public health, particularly for preventing tooth decay. 

Read More: Fluoride In Drinking Water Has No Negative Effect On IQ Or Cognitive Function, Study Says (ABC News)

Actress Jennie Garth is opening up about her long journey through depression, divorce, and self-worth struggles, revealing that fame didn’t protect her from feeling isolated and overwhelmed. After her painful split from Peter Facinelli, she says she spent years dealing with anger, grief, and unhealthy coping habits, even reaching a breaking point before choosing to get sober and rebuild her life. 

What ultimately changed things? Learning to let go, forgive, and stop people-pleasing, which helped her rediscover confidence and emotional balance. Now, she’s embracing a mindset of “I choose me,” focusing on self-love, boundaries, and living with purpose after decades of putting others first.

Read More: Jennie Garth Reveals Trauma from Divorce, Miscarriages and Body Issues: How She Got Sober and Finally Found Peace (People)

MYTH: Therapy is a waste of time; Medication is the only solution.

FACT: Therapy is an effective treatment for many mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and psychological trauma. Sometimes, emotional and behavioral interventions are more effective at treating mental disorders than medication. A combination of therapy, lifestyle changes, and prescribed medication often leads to the best outcomes.

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.

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