BackgroundRoutinely collected health data, such as that held by United Kingdom (UK) national health services (NHS), has important research uses. However, its use requires public trust and transparency. Access by commercial/industrial organisations is especially sensitive for the public, as is mental health (MH) data. Although existing MH data science guidelines emphasise patient/public involvement (PPI), they do not cover commercial uses specifically.ObjectivesTo develop patient- and public-led guidelines for the commercial and industrial use of MH data for research. Though UK-focused, their principles may apply internationally.MethodsA PPI Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG) was created within DATAMIND, a UK data hub for MH informatics. Initial discussion yielded a requirement for definitions and explanations of concepts relating to MH data research, developed iteratively. Subsequently, the LEAG developed guidelines via a qualitative quasi-Delphi approach. The agreed scope excluded data provided for research with informed consent, data processing arrangements (e.g. companies hosting electronic systems on the instruction of health services), and compliance with legal minimum requirements. The scope included the use of routinely collected MH data for research by commercial/industrial organisations without explicit consent, and aspects of industry-led MH data collection conducted with consent.ResultsAlongside the primer in MH data research concepts, the LEAG provide best-practice guidelines relating to commercial/industrial research use of MH data, for organisations controlling MH data (such as NHS bodies) and for commercial applicants seeking access. Core principles include transparency, patient rights, meaningful PPI, stringent governance, and statistical disclosure control. The guidelines recommend a risk–benefit approach to assessing data access applications, within limits that include avoiding the export of unconsented patient-level data outside NHS-controlled secure data environments, and not providing commercial applicants with access to unconsented free-text MH data. Further recommendations for NHS executive and regulatory bodies relate to public choice and transparency, clarity of guidance to research-active NHS organisations, and support for de-identification.ConclusionsMH data research requires patient/public involvement and understanding. These guidelines reflect the views of people with personal or family experience of mental ill health. We hope they are useful to the MH research community and increase public transparency and trust.
Synergies in psychedelic-assisted therapy: a qualitative interview study of psychotherapeutic processes
Research on the therapeutic effects of psychedelics in psychiatry, commonly referred to as Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT), has expanded substantially in recent years. The context-dependent nature of psychedelics has sparked discussion about the importance of the psychotherapeutic environment in achieving beneficial outcomes. This study explores the contribution of psychotherapeutic factors on PAT in Switzerland, where psychedelic treatments can be implemented within long-term clinical frameworks. Seven semi-structured interviews were conducted with Swiss therapists to explore how they frame psychedelic treatments and the role of the psychotherapeutic setting in facilitating therapeutic outcomes. Thereby, individual experiences of the patients as reported by the therapists, were particularly considered. Thematic analysis identified two main themes, each with several sub-themes. The first theme revealed that while psychotherapeutic techniques are adapted to PAT, they retain similarities to non-psychedelic psychotherapy practices, supporting patients in having meaningful therapeutic experiences. The second theme describes a synergistic relationship between psychedelics and psychotherapy, amplifying underlying general psychotherapeutic factors such as trust, a sense of profundity, and the emergence of therapeutic experiences. The interviewed therapists agreed that psychedelics work as unspecific catalysts for psychotherapeutic processes, while still acknowledging the potential for psychopharmacological effects or the interaction between psychedelics and psychotherapy to create unique psychotherapeutic processes. Findings from our sample suggest that, for specific indications, incorporating psychedelics into long-term psychotherapeutic treatment may strengthen therapeutic processes. Future research could investigate the efficacy of PAT within the framework of specific psychotherapeutic modalities or in different settings, including prospective quantitative assessments of outcomes. Ultimately, clarifying mechanisms of action of PAT may help to enhance its efficacy and potentially to integrate psychedelic treatments into mainstream mental health care.
Asking for help: the development of a simulation-based mental health application to enhance depression literacy, mental health communication, and help-seeking among Black autistic youth
Black autistic youth experience disproportionately high rates of depression and face intersecting barriers such as racial discrimination, stigma, and limited access to care, yet few interventions address their needs. This study introduces Asking for Help (A4H), a culturally responsive, simulation-based intervention designed to improve depression literacy and help-seeking skills through an e-learning module and interactive conversation practice. Guided by mental health literacy theory, the Theory of Help-Seeking Behavior, the Theory of Planned Behavior, and Disability Critical Theory, A4H was developed using community-engaged and user-centered design principles. Usability testing employed a mixed-methods design with 32 participants (12 youth, 10 caregivers, 8 specialists) using the System Usability Scale (SUS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and semi-structured interviews. Black autistic youth reported moderate depressive symptoms (mean PHQ-9 = 14.7) and rated usability slightly below benchmark (mean SUS = 66.2), while caregivers and specialists scored higher (73.5 and 71.0). Qualitative feedback highlighted cultural relevance and immediate feedback as strengths, with recommendations for simplified language, improved navigation, and multimodal supports; emotional safety and trust were critical for engagement. No short-term symptom change was observed, consistent with the formative design. Findings indicate A4H is feasible and culturally responsive but requires refinements before efficacy testing to assess impacts on literacy, help-seeking intentions, and communication skills.
Epigenetic changes associated with multi-generational trauma: characterization, mechanisms, and therapeutics
Trauma can contribute to lasting psychological, behavioral, and physiological effects that extend across generations. Intergenerational trauma refers to trauma-related effects observed in children of exposed parents, while transgenerational trauma describes effects observed in later generations without direct exposure. Proposed mechanisms involve interacting biological and psychosocial processes, including stress-responsive regulatory systems, epigenetic variation, and caregiving environments. This review synthesizes evidence on epigenetic changes associated with acute, chronic, and complex traumatic exposures and their relevance to multi-generational outcomes. Studies published between 1990 and 2025 were identified through PubMed and Google Scholar and evaluated for reported epigenetic findings, caregiving patterns, and offspring health outcomes. Across trauma contexts, reported epigenetic variation most consistently involves pathways related to stress-response regulation, immune-inflammatory signaling, neurodevelopment, metabolic processes, and developmental programming. Patterns across exposure types suggest that acute events are most often associated with stress-related and inflammatory signaling that may influence developmental programming, whereas chronic and complex trauma reflect cumulative physiological adaptation involving broader alterations in stress-regulatory, metabolic, and neurodevelopmental systems. Offspring outcomes most consistently include increased vulnerability to anxiety, depressive symptoms, stress-related disorders, and certain chronic medical conditions, often described alongside shifts in caregiving behaviors and psychosocial environments that may shape developmental vulnerability. Interpretation of the current literature is limited by small sample sizes, varying definitions of trauma, and limited multi-generational cohorts. Overall, current evidence supports a model in which trauma-related outcomes across generations reflect interacting biological and caregiving processes, highlighting the importance of integrated molecular and psychosocial frameworks for prevention and intervention.
Internet addiction in adolescents with suicidal ideation: the role of self-esteem and school connectedness
BackgroundInternet addiction (IA) has become a growing concern, particularly among adolescents, due to its adverse effects on mental health, physical well-being, and future development. Adolescents with suicidal ideation (SI) are particularly vulnerable to IA, which may be associated with a higher risk of engaging in suicidal behaviors. However, the relationship and underlying mechanisms between SI and IA remain unclear. This study, grounded in the cognitive-behavioral model of pathological internet use, investigates the relationship and explores the roles of self-esteem (mediator) and school connectedness (moderator) in this association.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 462 Chinese adolescents with SI (79.0% female) were recruited from psychiatric outpatient clinics between June 2024 and September 2025. Validated instruments measured SI, self-esteem, school connectedness, and IA. Structural equation modeling with bootstrapping procedures was used to test the mediation effect of self-esteem on the relationship between SI and IA. The moderating role of school connectedness was examined using PROCESS Model 8.ResultsSI was positively associated with IA (β = 0.224, p < 0.001). SI was negatively associated with self-esteem (β = -0.464, p < 0.001), and self-esteem was further negatively associated with IA (β = -0.448, p < 0.001). Self-esteem partially mediated the relationship between SI and IA, with an indirect effect of 0.208 (95% CI: 0.154-0.271). School connectedness significantly moderated the direct association between SI and IA (β = -0.005, p = 0.001), but did not moderate the association between SI and the mediator, self-esteem (β = 0.004, p = 0.202).ConclusionThis study identifies a significant positive association between SI and IA among adolescents with SI, with self-esteem partially mediating this link. Furthermore, school connectedness showed a very weak buffering effect on the direct association between SI and IA, and it does not moderate the association between SI and self-esteem. These findings enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying IA in this vulnerable population and suggest potential targets for interventions.
The Role of Disulfide Bonds in the GluN1 Subunit in the Early Trafficking and Functional Properties of GluN1/GluN2 and GluN1/GluN3 NMDA Receptors
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Closing the Gap in Autism Genetics: Population-Specific Variants and the Imperative for Global Inclusion
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heritable neurodevelopmental condition with an exceptionally complex and heterogeneous genetic architecture, encompassing both polygenic common variants and rare, high-impact variants. Over the past decade, large-scale sequencing studies in Europe and North America have identified hundreds of ASD risk genes and substantially advanced biological insight. However, the global distribution of ASD genomic research remains profoundly imbalanced, with most non-European ancestry populations severely underrepresented.
World Mental Health Day Statement
Ottawa – October 10, 2025
As someone who has worked in countries affected by conflict and humanitarian crises, I’ve learned that physical displacement is only part of the story. The mental and emotional toll defines the other half of that experience, and often for much longer.
This World Mental Health Day focuses on mental health in humanitarian emergencies. It asks us to consider not just the scale of the challenge, but the strength of the response possible when communities lead the way.
There is no single solution to the mental health impacts of humanitarian crises. But what I’ve witnessed, both internationally and here on Turtle Island, is that the most meaningful support often comes from within affected communities themselves.
Whether it’s refugees organizing healing circles in displacement camps, neighbours checking in on one another after a wildfire, or volunteers trained to provide peer support—these acts of care are not just helpful. They are essential. They save lives.
Right now, the world feels heavy. The growing phenomenon of eco-anxiety, combined with escalating crises of famine, war, and displacement, can make hope feel out of reach. We see the numbers—123 million people forcibly displaced worldwide—and it can be overwhelming.
But I’ve also seen what happens when we share that weight by leaning on one another. This is equally true for humanitarian aid workers, who are responding to unprecedented numbers of conflicts and urgencies at home and around the globe.
As the World Health Organization reminds us, “Humanitarian workers face extreme stress and are often directly affected by the crisis they respond to.”
As a member of this community, I know that sustaining an effective humanitarian response means meeting the needs of those providing comfort and care, whether through peer support, workplace health programs, or Mental Health First Aid. Here at home, programs like The Working Mind – First Responder are helping to create a culture of care for those we call on in crisis.
The way we heal—whether we’re first responders or community workers, volunteers or refugees—is through community. It’s in the everyday ways we show up for one another: listening without judgment, making space for grief and fear, and recognizing that asking for help is an act of courage.
On this World Mental Health Day, let’s all find the courage to lean on each other.
Lili-Anna Pereša C.Q.
President & CEO
Mental Health Commission of Canada
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Canada Gets its First National Guidance on AI for Mental and Substance Use Health
Ottawa (ONTARIO) – In a first-of-its-kind initiative, national guidance for using artificial intelligence (AI) in the mental and substance use health field is being developed through a partnership between the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) and the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
AI is increasingly being used for healthcare triage, service navigation, service delivery, and communication, but developers and users have no guidelines specific to mental or substance use health to support its effective and safe use. The recently published E-Mental Health Strategy for Canada highlights the need for safety in this field.
The new National Guidance for Artificial Intelligence Use in Mental Health and Substance Use Health Care will provide guidance, tools, and resources to help practitioners, organizations, and health leaders in efficiently evaluating and implementing AI-enabled mental health and substance use health care services and solutions. It will also support people with lived or living experience of mental health or substance use health concerns in making informed choices about these technologies, while helping technology companies design and improve such solutions to meet the needs of those who use them.
“People are excited about what AI can bring, but the saying ‘break it then fix it’ can take on new dangers when what is at risk is people’s lives. This guidance will allow innovators to move fast while working to ensure it’s done safely and in a way that increases impact and access,” says CCSA CEO Dr. Alexander Caudarella.
The Mental Health Commission of Canada President and CEO Lili-Anna Pereša adds, “Technology can be a powerful ally in transforming mental health care, but innovation must be matched with responsibility. Communities are the best problem-solvers. By working together with developers, providers, and people with lived experience, we’re creating guidance that ensures AI enhances care safely and meaningfully.”
The National Guidance team will share its early findings at several upcoming conferences, including the World Psychiatric Association’s World Congress of Psychiatry, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction’s Issues of Substance conference, and the eMental Health International Collaborative (eMHIC) Congress.
In Canada, mental health and substance use health needs are highly common, yet many people continue to face significant barriers to care, including limited access, stigma, financial costs, and lack of tailored treatment options.
The National Guidance for Artificial Intelligence Use with Mental Health and Substance Use Health is expected to launch in 2026/2027.
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About CCSA:
CCSA was created by Parliament to provide national leadership to address substance use in Canada. A trusted counsel, we provide national guidance to decision makers by harnessing the power of research, curating knowledge and bringing together diverse perspectives. CCSA activities and products are made possible through a financial contribution from Health Canada. The views of CCSA do not necessarily represent the views of Health Canada.
About The Mental Health Commission of Canada:
The Commission leads the development and dissemination of innovative programs and tools to support the mental health and wellness of people in Canada. Through its unique mandate from the Government of Canada, the Commission supports federal, provincial, and territorial governments as well as organizations in the implementation of sound public policy. The Commission’s current mandate aims to deliver on priority areas identified in the Mental Health Strategy for Canada in alignment with the delivery of its strategic plan.
Media contacts:
Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
Christine LeBlanc, Senior Strategic Communications Advisor
613-898-6343 | cleblanc@ccsa.ca
Mental Health Commission of Canada
media@mentalhealthcommission.ca
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Beyond Survival: Addressing the Mental Health Crisis Among the World’s Displaced
By Karla Thorpe, Vice President, Programs and Priorities, Mental Health Commission of Canada.
The statistics are staggering, but they represent real human lives: 117 million people worldwide have been forcibly displaced from their homes due to war, famine, and other horrific conditions. To put this in perspective, that’s four times the number displaced during the Second World War. At this year’s International Association for Suicide Prevention conference, experts gathered to address a critical question: How do we support the mental health of those who have lost everything?
The Scale of the Crisis
The numbers tell only part of the story. Two-thirds of asylum seekers find refuge not in wealthy nations like Canada, but in low and middle-income countries that often lack the resources to meet their overwhelming needs. These displaced populations face a perfect storm of challenges: shrinking settlement options, limited support services, and a desperate shortage of culturally appropriate care.
For many refugees, the trauma doesn’t end when they reach safety. Prolonged exposure to violence, separation from loved ones, and the uncertainty of displacement create conditions where suicidal thoughts and behaviours become tragically common. Yet we lack comprehensive data on suicide within displacement camps, partly because refugees often fear that reporting mental health struggles could jeopardize their immigration prospects or those of their families.
Understanding Complex Needs
The mental health challenges facing refugees extend far beyond clinical symptoms. Families torn apart by circumstance may find themselves scattered across different camps or even different countries. The trauma manifests differently across demographics and cultures, requiring nuanced responses rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.
Men often struggle most with feelings of powerlessness, finding healing through employment opportunities that restore their sense of purpose and ability to provide for their families. Women face distinct vulnerabilities, including protection from violence while trying to create stability and hope for their children. Children, who make up approximately 40% of all refugees, grapple with profound losses: family members, security, and often their childhood itself.
It bears repeating what should be obvious but sometimes gets lost in clinical discussions: even the most sophisticated mental health interventions fail without access to basic necessities like food, water, and medicine.
Despite overwhelming challenges, the conference revealed inspiring examples of both systematic programs and grassroots innovations making real differences in refugees’ lives.
Structured Interventions
Throughout the conference, we heard about promising practices being implemented systematically across different countries and innovative, grassroots initiatives being spontaneously enacted to respond to specific local needs. The World Health Organization’s “Problem Management Plus” program trains refugee volunteers to deliver brief cognitive behavioural therapy interventions, creating a sustainable model that builds community capacity while addressing immediate needs.
Similarly, the “Contact and Safety Planning” (CASP) program offers a cost-effective approach: screening to identify those at highest suicide risk, then working directly with these individuals to develop personalized safety plans.
Community-Led Solutions
The most enheartening stories emerged from refugees themselves. Across displacement sites, people are organizing healing and listening circles for those sharing common experiences or challenges. Religious leaders, teachers, and sports coaches are stepping up to support overstretched health professionals. Women are training other women in low-intensity interventions to help those who cannot access care, conducting check-ins via WhatsApp, and providing peer support through text messages.
These organic solutions represent more than resourcefulness; they embody a fundamental truth that conference speakers repeatedly emphasized: refugees are resilient, understand their own needs, and possess valuable insights about healing and recovery.
Redefining Support
A central theme emerged throughout the discussions: supporting refugee mental health requires a power shift from traditional top-down service delivery. Effective interventions must be co-designed with refugee populations, ensuring cultural relevance and community buy-in. Many of the most impactful programs are also surprisingly low-cost, challenging assumptions about resource-intensive treatment models.
But perhaps the most important insight that stuck with me concerns our fundamental approach. After experiencing profound inhumanity throughout their journeys, refugees encounter a critical moment when receiving support: our response can either compound their dehumanization or offer compassion, care, and genuine connection. In a world that has shown them cruelty, our interactions become opportunities to demonstrate that humanity still exists.
Lessons for Canada
How can Canada apply these international insights to strengthen our own refugee support systems?
Stability as Foundation: Following tremendous upheaval and uncertainty, refugees need predictability. Offering permanent status rather than temporary measures provides crucial emotional stability during recovery.
Eliminating Barriers: We must address inequitable access to services, including waiting periods for health coverage that leave vulnerable populations without essential care during critical adjustment periods.
Shifting Public Narrative: Public education campaigns should help Canadians understand the global humanitarian crisis and reframe refugees not as burdens, but as resilient individuals deserving of support and capable of tremendous contributions to our communities.
A Call for Compassion
The refugee mental health crisis demands more than policy responses; it requires a fundamental commitment to recognizing the humanity in every displaced person. As we’ve learned from innovative programs worldwide, the most effective interventions often spring from refugees themselves, given proper support and respect for their expertise about their own experiences.
Globally, we can and must do better. The question isn’t whether we have the resources to support 117 million displaced people; it’s whether we have the collective will to demonstrate that compassion and human dignity remain powerful forces in our world.
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