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The Science of Mental Health

Probing the social, physical, and psychological factors that contribute to mental wellness

Health
Cold-Water Swimming and Winter Exercise Can Make You Happy

Caroline Kamau Ph.D. on October 26, 2023

Swimming in cold or icy water is becoming more popular, and studies find that it boosts immunity and mood. Running or hiking in the cold could offer similar benefits.

Swimming in cold or icy water is becoming more popular, and studies find that it boosts immunity and mood. Running or hiking in the cold could offer similar benefits.

Environment
Colour Psychology, Red Romance, and Pink Tranquilisers

Caroline Kamau Ph.D. on October 23, 2023

Why were some prisons and rival football teams’ lockers painted pink, and why are red roses deemed romantic? From monochrome and mood to culture in colour psychology.

Why were some prisons and rival football teams’ lockers painted pink, and why are red roses deemed romantic? From monochrome and mood to culture in colour psychology.

Media
The Judge Judy Effect

Caroline Kamau Ph.D. on October 19, 2023

Why people find it cathartic to watch Judge Judy tell those who have behaved badly that they’re being ridiculous.

Why people find it cathartic to watch Judge Judy tell those who have behaved badly that they’re being ridiculous.

Psychosis
Covid-19 May Increase the Risk of Psychosis

Caroline Kamau Ph.D. on June 28, 2023

Covid-19 is neuro-invasive and can lead to inflammation and then psychosis; it's vital that people continue to protect themselves and others from the virus.

Covid-19 is neuro-invasive and can lead to inflammation and then psychosis; it's vital that people continue to protect themselves and others from the virus.

Career
Miracle Workers Available 24-7, and Other Toxic Expectations

Caroline Kamau Ph.D. on February 22, 2023

Personal Perspective: A recent ad for an “always on” teacher that made headlines in the UK reminds us that expecting employees to achieve the unachievable is toxic.

Personal Perspective: A recent ad for an “always on” teacher that made headlines in the UK reminds us that expecting employees to achieve the unachievable is toxic.

Media
Is the U.K. Media Gaslighting Prince Harry?

Caroline Kamau Ph.D. on January 13, 2023

Personal Perspective: When Harry alleged his brother attacked him, many vilified him for talking about it publicly, not unlike how victims of domestic violence are gaslit.

Personal Perspective: When Harry alleged his brother attacked him, many vilified him for talking about it publicly, not unlike how victims of domestic violence are gaslit.

Happiness
You Don't Need Christmas Gifts to Be Happy

Caroline Kamau Ph.D. on December 14, 2022

Charles Dickens inspired many modern Christmas traditions—including, perhaps, gift-giving. But giving and receiving gifts may not actually be a path to happiness.

Charles Dickens inspired many modern Christmas traditions—including, perhaps, gift-giving. But giving and receiving gifts may not actually be a path to happiness.

Career
Employment, Arguments and Borderline Personality Disorder

Caroline Kamau Ph.D. on November 29, 2022

A new study found that having a job, not cutting back on work hours, having fewer arguments, and living with others are factors associated with recovery from BPD.

A new study found that having a job, not cutting back on work hours, having fewer arguments, and living with others are factors associated with recovery from BPD.

Conformity
People-Pleasing, Trussonomics, and Tussles in Parliament

Caroline Kamau Ph.D. on October 28, 2022

How free speech and a boisterous Parliament contrasted with treachery against a friend and tax-cutting economic policies. Why trying to please many can end up pleasing very few.

How free speech and a boisterous Parliament contrasted with treachery against a friend and tax-cutting economic policies. Why trying to please many can end up pleasing very few.

Health
The Mysterious Case of Electroconvulsive Therapy

Caroline Kamau Ph.D. on September 29, 2022

Is it ethical to expose people's brains to electric currents, or can studies showing that ECT is effective in reducing some types of mental illness be trusted?

Is it ethical to expose people's brains to electric currents, or can studies showing that ECT is effective in reducing some types of mental illness be trusted?

Psychosis
When Dehydration Leads to Mental Health Problems

Caroline Kamau Ph.D. on July 28, 2022

Dehydration could be linked with hallucination and psychosis with excessive thirst, but water intoxication contributes to many deaths; close support from caretakers is needed.

Dehydration could be linked with hallucination and psychosis with excessive thirst, but water intoxication contributes to many deaths; close support from caretakers is needed.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Do More People Have PTSD After Covid-19?

Caroline Kamau Ph.D. on July 1, 2022

About 30 percent of people with severe infections of Covid-19 might have PTSD, and particularly at risk are those with persistent Covid symptoms and a personal history of mental illness.

About 30 percent of people with severe infections of Covid-19 might have PTSD, and particularly at risk are those with persistent Covid symptoms and a personal history of mental illness.

Laughter
The Epidemic of 1962—of Laughter

Caroline Kamau Ph.D. on May 30, 2022

A laughter epidemic spread widely and was accompanied by physical symptoms. Was it a contagious mass psychogenic illness?

A laughter epidemic spread widely and was accompanied by physical symptoms. Was it a contagious mass psychogenic illness?

Freudian Psychology
What We Can Still Take From Freud, On His Birthday

Caroline Kamau Ph.D. on April 29, 2022

Many psychology curricula only briefly teach about Freud as a footnote in the subject’s history, yet he influenced the way that many psychologists think, write and practice today.

Many psychology curricula only briefly teach about Freud as a footnote in the subject’s history, yet he influenced the way that many psychologists think, write and practice today.