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This article explores the increasing prevalence of mental illness among young people, specifically adolescents aged 12-17, in the United States. The rate of major depressive episodes in this age group has nearly doubled in recent years, with factors such as social media and the pandemic contributing to this rise. Stanford Medicine is actively working to address these mental health needs by collaborating with various stakeholders and implementing initiatives such as suicide mental health screening and parent education. The article also highlights two specific initiatives: ALAS, which focuses on providing mental health support to the Latino farmworker community, and allcove, a network of low-cost mental health care centers for youth. Both initiatives aim to improve access to mental health care and reduce stigma surrounding mental illness. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the personal experiences of Leanne Williams and Sheline, who have both been impacted by mental illness and suicide. Williams, who lost her partner to depression, discusses the challenges of adjusting to life after such a loss and the stigma surrounding mental health. She emphasizes the importance of sharing personal stories to combat stigma and promote understanding. Sheline, a psychiatrist, also faced the consequences of mental illness when her son died by suicide. Both women advocate for better mental health interventions and believe that openness and discussion are crucial for understanding and support. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the growing interest in using illicit drugs such as psilocybin and MDMA for the treatment of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The popularity of a course on psychedelic medicine at Stanford Medicine reflects the increasing global interest in psychedelic therapies, especially in light of the mental health challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers at Stanford Medicine are studying the effects of these drugs on neural pathways and are exploring the importance of factors such as the therapeutic setting and guidance in achieving positive outcomes. The article also highlights the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics based on anecdotal evidence and ongoing research. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Stanford Medicine and other institutions has shown promising results in using deep brain stimulation to improve cognition in individuals with traumatic brain injuries. The study involved implanting a device in the brain to stimulate the central lateral nucleus, which regulates consciousness. Participants in the study showed significant improvement in mental processing speed after the treatment. This research offers hope for the millions of Americans living with the effects of traumatic brain injuries, who often struggle with focus, memory, and decision-making. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the phenomenon of overvaluing sunk costs, which refers to the price already paid for something in terms of time, money, effort, or suffering. The author shares a personal anecdote about their attachment to an old, falling-apart car and explains that humans and animals are hardwired to value something more if they have invested a lot of sweat equity into it. The article also explores the role of dopamine in this process, with experiments showing that dopamine secretion in the brain is involved in both wanting and liking something. The author suggests that this hardwired tendency to value sunk costs may have evolutionary benefits in environments with limited resources. [Extracted from the article]