Happy Friday!

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.

A new survey finds that nearly two-thirds of women over 50 in the UK are struggling with their mental health, largely because midlife challenges like menopause, loss of loved ones, empty-nest changes, and financial stress pile up all at once. Despite common symptoms like anxiety, poor sleep, fatigue, and “brain fog,” a huge majority — almost 90% — never seek help, often because of stigma or feeling like they shouldn’t be a burden.

Experts are calling this an “epidemic of silence,” and say that normalizing conversations about mental health and midlife transitions is desperately needed. The findings show that support isn’t just about physical symptoms — emotional and social care matters just as much as hormone management.

Read More: Survey Of Over-50s Women Finds Almost Two In Three Struggle With Mental Health (The Guardian)

New research shows that gambling is way more common among U.S. boys ages 11–17 than many people realize, with about 36% saying they’ve gambled in the past year — and a lot of their first exposure comes not from casinos, but from video games and online platforms that mimic real gambling systems. Video games with chance-based rewards and algorithmic feeds that promote betting make gambling feel normal long before teens ever place a real bet.

The report also found that boys whose friends gamble are much more likely to gamble themselves, highlighting how peer pressure and digital design can shape risky habits early in life. Experts urge parents and caregivers to talk openly about gambling, explain how odds and real money work, and help teens understand that what looks like a harmless game can carry emotional and financial risks.

Read More: Study Finds This Is How Teen Boys Are Being Lured Into Gambling (The Today Show)

Sudden cold snaps don’t just make you bundle up — they can actually affect your mental health too, according to experts, because chilly weather often means less sunlight, more social isolation, and disrupted routines. When temperatures drop and people stay indoors, it can boost feelings of sadness, stress, and anxiety — especially for folks who are already prone to low mood or seasonal blues.

The lack of warmth and daylight can throw off your body clock and reduce that feel-good chemical serotonin, making emotional lows feel deeper and harder to shake. While the cold itself isn’t a mental illness, recognizing that weather can influence mood helps you take small, intentional steps to care for yourself — like staying active, getting light exposure, and connecting with others even when it’s freezing outside.

Read More: Cold Snaps Can Negatively Impact Mental Health, FGCU Expert Says (WGCU)

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