MQ Mental Health Research

Mental ill health affects 1 in 4 of us. It is the single largest cause of disability in the UK, contributing up to 22.8% of the total burden, compared to 15.9% for cancer and 16.2% for cardiovascular disease. The World Health Organisation projects that, by 2030, mental ill health (particularly depression) will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally.  UK funding for this health crisis is failing the nation. Mental health research sees only 2.7% of funding and without research, it's just guesswork. This is why this year MQ is teaming up with Big Give to match each gift we receive between the 14th and 28th May. That’s the double the amount of money given to researchers to create the next breakthrough in mental health research, and that’s double the opportunity to help millions of people worldwide. You can help us with our goal by visiting the Big Give website and donating what you can. With each pound, we can help create a world where mental illness is better understood, diagnosed, treated and, maybe someday, prevented. #MentalHealthBreakthrough https://lnkd.in/gH-cTvQr

New research highlights the risks of loot boxes in video games, especially for young people. Are these virtual rewards fueling gambling behaviors? Read more: https://lnkd.in/e8t3zAHa

Join a vibrant community of advocates dedicated to transforming mental health outcomes! Subscribe to our YouTube channel today for empowering content and expert insights that can inspire change. https://lnkd.in/e2FjrJjC

How can swimming in nature help with grief? Our latest blog explores the healing power of water, backed by research and lived experience. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e8JnW5sE

Is your endless scroll through doom and gloom dimming your belief in humanity? A groundbreaking study from Flinders University has uncovered that the habit of doomscrolling—the constant checking of distressing social media stories—can seriously warp our view of humanity and the meaning of life. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e8jR_tX5

Overcoming a brain injury is no easy feat, especially when it comes to managing mental health. Explore Dr Tom's fascinating insights into digital tools and their ability to empower individuals in tracking progress, accessing therapy, and enhancing overall wellbeing. Discover more here: https://lnkd.in/eB3Z-8Hx

Think gardening is just a pastime? Recent studies reveal that it could be a game-changer for mental health treatment! Discover how Dr Carly Wood and her team have unlocked the amazing power of gardening therapy to boost your well-being in ways you might not expect. Dive into the research and see how getting your hands in the dirt can help lift your spirits: https://lnkd.in/eDDPkuuX

A study from The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has found that people who dwell on feelings of loneliness are much more likely to develop depression. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e_ZiNn-N

Exciting news!   Brandon Kohrt, one of our MQ-funded researchers, has been recognized as one of the top 1% of researchers cited globally!    Grant-supported by MQ, Dr. Kohrt made significant contributions to the IDEA (Identifying Depression in Early Adolescence) project, identifying gender-related differences in inflammatory proteins associated with depression symptoms and risk. Additionally, he examined different interventions aimed at preventing early mortality within the Gone Too Soon panel.    This recognition highlights the immense impact of Dr. Kohrt’s work in advancing mental health research and driving meaningful change. The MQ Foundation proudly funds influential projects such as these. Please check out our website if you are interested in learning more about our work!   Read more about Brandon Kohrt's recognition in the George Washington University Newsletter below.   #MentalHealthResearch #IDEAProject #GoneTooSoon #TopCitedResearcher #GWU

MQ researchers at Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience and NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) have found a genetic link between eating disorder symptoms and suicidal ideation. It's long been known that people with eating disorders are at a greater risk of suicidality including suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Now this research, led by MQ Fellow Moritz Herle, has found that a shared biological factor may contribute to this elevated risk. The shared genetic component doesn’t necessarily mean that someone with an eating disorder will experience suicidal thoughts. But it does mean that Healthcare staff should routinely screen patients with eating disorders for suicidal ideation to ensure they can be better supported. Read more about this research here: https://lnkd.in/grB4T9Gw #EatingDisorders #Mentalhealth #Research #WithoutResearchItsJustGuesswork