Today is April Fools' Day, an unofficial holiday dedicated to playing harmless pranks, practical jokes, and hoaxes on friends, family, and colleagues. In some cultures, particularly in the UK and Ireland, pranks are meant to stop at noon. Anyone playing a joke after this time is considered the "April fool" themselves. The exact origins of April Fools' Day are unknown.

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, key resources and product reviews.

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The NFL is stepping up its game off the field, with team owners approving a new plan to expand mental health services for players and staff. The updated approach strengthens requirements for teams to provide full-time mental health professionals and more accessible support systems, signaling a shift toward treating mental wellness as essential — not optional. 

This builds on recent efforts across the league to normalize therapy, reduce stigma, and offer 24/7 confidential resources to athletes dealing with pressure, injury, or life transitions. As mental health becomes a bigger conversation in sports, the NFL is positioning itself to better support players both during and after their careers.

Read More: NFL Owners Have Approved New Mental Health Services Plan (MSN)

A new report is sounding the alarm on a growing mental health crisis among women and youth in metro Atlanta, with anxiety, depression, and trauma reaching overwhelming levels. Researchers found that about 90% of people seeking help reported anxiety, 83% depression, and 76% trauma, with more than a third at risk for serious harm. 

The biggest driver? Economic stress — from rising housing costs to food insecurity and low wages — leaving many families constantly overwhelmed just trying to stay afloat. Even worse, access to care is still limited due to long waitlists, provider shortages, and barriers like childcare and transportation.

Read More: Metro Atlanta Women And Youth Face Growing Mental Health Crisis, Report Finds (CBS News)

Actor Channing Tatum is getting real about the mental side of recovery after undergoing shoulder surgery. He shared that the process left him feeling “mentally up and down” and even experiencing some of the lowest moments he’s ever had, showing how physical injuries can deeply impact emotional well-being too. 

While his body is slowly healing and he’s starting to regain mobility, he admitted the journey has been a grind — though he’s now “coming out the other side” and feeling better mentally. 

Read More: Channing Tatum Says He's Been 'Mentally Up and Down' While Recovering from Shoulder Surgery (People)

MYTH: Mental health is black or white

FACT: Mental health is a continuum and people may fall anywhere on the spectrum. Even if you’re doing well, there's a good chance you aren't 100% mentally healthy. In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates only about 17% of adults are in a state of "optimal" mental health.

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