February Mental Health Roundup: Key Stories from Around the World
As February comes to a close, we take a look at some of the most intriguing and significant mental health stories that made headlines this month. From personal experiences and celebrity advocacy to groundbreaking research and policy discussions, these stories shed light on the diverse and evolving landscape of mental health awareness.
Let’s dive into this month’s key mental health developments:
“Mortuusequusphobia”: Woman’s Ketchup Phobia Makes Her “Freeze And Panic”
Leigh Woodman, a British woman, suffers from mortuusequusphobia—a debilitating fear of ketchup. Exposure to the condiment induces panic attacks, with Woodman equating the experience to “being held at gunpoint.” She advocates for greater recognition of this rare phobia. Source
Deepika Padukone Advocates Mental Health Awareness Among Students
At the recent ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025’, actress Deepika Padukone emphasised the importance of mental health for students. She encouraged open communication about stress with parents and teachers and shared her personal experience with depression to highlight the need for early intervention and support. Source | Source
Depression Accelerates Onset of Chronic Diseases by 30%
A study published in PLOS Medicine reveals that individuals with a history of depression develop chronic conditions—such as osteoarthritis, hypertension, and acid reflux—30% faster than those without depression. This underscores the necessity for integrated treatment approaches addressing both mental and physical health. Source
India Urged to Increase Investment in Mental Health Services
Dr. Koushik Sinha Deb, an additional professor at AIIMS, emphasises that mental health disorders in India are more prevalent than heart disease or cancer. With a treatment gap of 70-92% and government spending at just 0.05% of GDP on mental health, he advocates for increased investment in mental health manpower, services, and research to address this critical issue. Source
Akshaye Khanna Says Early Balding “Was Heartbreaking”
Actor Akshaye Khanna recently shared his experience with premature balding, which began in his early twenties. He described the experience as “heartbreaking,” comparing it to a pianist losing their fingers, and discussed its impact on his confidence and career in the film industry. Source
Late Bedtimes Linked to Increased Mental Health Risks
A comprehensive 8-year study involving over 70,000 participants, published in Psychiatry Research, found that individuals who regularly sleep after 1 a.m. face increased risks of mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety.
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These stories highlight the ongoing challenges and conversations surrounding mental health, from personal struggles to large-scale societal concerns. Stay tuned for next month’s roundup as we continue to track the latest developments in mental health awareness and research.
