Happy Hump Day!
Today is International Noise Awareness Day, observed annually on the last Wednesday of April, to raise awareness about the harmful effects of noise on hearing, health, and quality of life. Founded in 1996, the day encourages reducing noise levels and protecting hearing.
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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🗞 In The News
Credit: United Health Group
A new UnitedHealthcare survey found that more than 6 in 10 college students and young adults ages 18-28 reported experiencing a mental or behavioral health concern in the past year — with anxiety, stress, and depression topping the list. Perhaps most striking is the perception gap: 69% of college students reported a mental health concern, yet only 43% of their parents believed their child had experienced one — which means a lot of young people may be struggling in silence. This is a wake-up call for parents to start the conversation now — because awareness and early support can make all the difference.
Read More: New Survey Finds Widespread Mental and Behavioral Health Challenges Among Young Adults and College Students (United Health Group)
Credit: PBS
Gun violence is a public health crisis we simply cannot afford to normalize. According to the Gun Violence Archive, in just a recent 72-hour period there were over 175 shootings across the country — and while gun homicides are actually at historic lows, firearm suicides remain a persistent and deeply troubling problem with little improvement.
Dr. Emmy Betz, director of the Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative, reminds us that survivors of shootings can carry complex trauma for years, sometimes developing symptoms long after the event — but that effective, evidence-based treatments are available.
Read More: The Mental Health Toll and Lifelong Consequences Of Gun Violence In America (PBS NewsHour)
🆘 Help for All
Credit: Pexels
Mental Health: In Crisis? Call or Text 988
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press ‘1’ or Text 838255
Youth Helpline: 2NDFLOOR - (888) 222-2228
National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-SAFE (7233)
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-TALK (8255)
Addiction: Start Your Recovery - (800) 662-4357
🗞 More News
Credit: CNN
Simone Biles told CNN it's "50-50" whether she'll compete at the 2028 LA Olympics, saying her mental health will be one of the key factors in that decision. She reflected on her experience with "the twisties" at the Tokyo Games in 2021, acknowledging it was a pivotal moment that helped spark a global conversation on mental health and led her to get the therapy she deserved — something she's still committed to today. Simone continues to remind us all that protecting your mental health is not weakness, it's the ultimate power move.
✏ Myth or Fact
MYTH: People with strong support networks don’t need therapy.
FACT: Therapists provide a different level of support than friends or family. Both contribute to positive mental health, but in different ways. Professional mental health support is:
Confidential. People often feel more at ease opening up to a mental health professional because they are bound by privacy laws.
Objective. The therapist’s role is to listen attentively and offer tools and strategies to help you feel better. There is no risk of them judging you, taking sides or using information against you.
Skilled. Counselors, therapists and mental health coaches have specialized training and tailor treatment to your needs. Many use therapies that have been proven effective in research.
📞 Share the Health
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Thanks, and Be Well.
— The Mental Minute
