Minyang Mao, M.D.

Solid self-care advice for these difficult times: https://www.health.harvard.edu//6-self-care-steps-for-a-pa

http://news.cornell.edu//spending-time-nature-reduces-stre "...as little as 10 minutes in a natural setting can help college students feel happier and lessen the effects of both physical and mental stress."

https://www.psychologytoday.com//why-don-t-more-asian-amer "Many AA/PIs have difficulty expressing their emotions because it is usually discouraged in Asian cultures. They may view expressing their emotions or feelings as bringing disharmony or imbalance to the family or community." Hopefully raising awareness about the impact that Asian culture can have on seeking mental health help will decrease stigma and remove some obstacles to care.

https://www.npr.org//fcc-approves-plan-for-3-digit-suicide Kudos to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), and its many vocal supporters for all the life-saving work it has done in the absence of a 3-digit lifeline. I hope this plan goes through ASAP.

https://www.npr.org//most-americans-are-lonely-and-our-wor '"In-person connections are what really matters," says Doug Nemecek, chief medical officer for behavioral health at Cigna. "Sharing that time to have a meaningful interaction and a meaningful conversation, to share our lives with others, is important to help us mitigate and minimize loneliness."'

https://www.psychologytoday.com//ar/201912/false-portraits Interesting reflections on why personality tests are so popular despite their limited usefulness and accuracy.

https://apnews.com/Globe%2/6f3e1f5b2e0433e7679f233e504d8493 These access problems are about more than just reimbursements. Our evidence shows that health plans limit in-network providers, do not credential new providers in a timely manner, pay significantly lower rates for in-network care, and apply extreme utilization-review tactics that are not based on medically necessary care..." I had to make the difficult decision to become out-of-network for all insurance companies about a year ago. It disappoints and angers me that insurance companies continue to cheat providers and patients alike while fattening their own wallets.

"The best response to burnout 'is to focus on fixing the workplace rather than focusing on fixing the worker'..." https://www.ama-assn.org//who-adds-burnout-icd-11-what-it-

Interesting study on Social Anxiety suggesting degrading positive memories may be a contributing factor: https://www.psypost.org//the-positivity-of-memories-tends-

https://ca.style.yahoo.com/jessica-mulroney-anxiety-shoebox Great to see Jessica Mulroney fighting mental health stigma by sharing about her panic disorder and offering support and hope to fellow sufferers.

https://www.dancespirit.com/dancer-mental-health-2639783352 Bravo to these dancers for their courageous efforts to de-stigmatize mental health issues and treatment.

https://pagesix.com//iggy-azalea-on-seeking-treatment-for/ Thank you, Iggy Azalea, for being open about your very human struggles and helping to de-stigmatize mental health treatment.

https://www.harpersbazaar.com//prince-william-heads-toget/ Great to see Prince William and Football Association using their visibility and influence to de-stigmatize and bring wider awareness to mental health.