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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.

After the heartbreaking suicide of 19-year-old Camila Mendoza Olmos — whose disappearance and death shook the San Antonio community — calls to the city’s mental health “warm line” tripled as people reached out for support, connection, and resources. The warm line, which is meant for emotional support and guidance before a crisis becomes an emergency, is seeing much longer conversations than usual, showing that folks aren’t just checking in — they’re really opening up about their struggles.

Experts say that the attention around Camila’s story made many people think about their own feelings and ask for help, which is both serious and hopeful. Call specialists who staff the line aren’t crisis responders, but they listen and connect callers to support and next steps, which can be a lifeline for someone feeling alone. This increase in help-seeking is a reminder that talking about mental health out loud can actually encourage people to reach out instead of shutting down.

Read More: Calls to San Antonio mental health hotline triple following Camila Mendoza Olmos’ death by suicide (KSAT)

In 2026, the Atlanta Police Department is changing how it responds to mental health crises by expanding programs that send trained teams — not just uniformed officers — to calls where someone is struggling emotionally or behaviorally. Instead of arresting people for issues tied to mental health or substance use, officers may work with crisis teams and diversion programs that connect individuals to services and support, not jail.

This approach is part of a broader trend toward de-escalation and care-first responses that aim to reduce harm and get people help before situations escalate. Officials hope that by prioritizing mental health support and partner services, more people in crisis will receive appropriate care and fewer encounters will end in injury or trauma. It also reflects ongoing conversations about how law enforcement, health professionals, and communities can work together to make responses more compassionate and effective.

Read More: How Atlanta Police Plans To Respond To Mental Health Concerns In The New Year (11 Alive)

Living “rent free” is a slang term meaning someone or something (a person, song, thought, annoyance) is constantly and persistently occupying your mind without effort or permission. It’s a reference to thinking about someone or something obsessively, even when you don't want to, or when the subject doesn't deserve that mental space. It's often used to describe intrusive thoughts, a catchy tune, or an ex-partner that won't leave your mind.

Recommendations for removing something living “rent free” in your mind involves acknowledging the thought without engaging, redirecting your focus with healthy distractions like exercise or hobbies, reframing negative narratives into lessons, and setting mental boundaries.

A therapist can provide objective tools and help you unpack the underlying reasons for the persistent thoughts, which is especially useful for past traumas or complex relationships.

Psychedelic therapies are back in the spotlight as new research explores whether substances like psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) could help treat depression, PTSD, and addiction. A BBC article contrasts powerful personal stories — one woman credits clinically supervised psilocybin with helping her survive suicidal thoughts, while another researcher describes a terrifying LSD experience that led to years of anxiety and PTSD.

Scientists say early trials show promise, especially because psychedelics may work faster than traditional antidepressants, but results are still mixed and risks are real. Doctors and regulators stress that these substances should not be used casually or outside tightly controlled clinical settings. The big debate now? Whether psychedelics could eventually become safe, regulated treatments through systems like the NHS — or whether the potential harms outweigh the hope.

Read More: Should the NHS really use magic mushrooms to treat mental health? (BBC)

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.

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