Mental Health

• President Trump signed an executive order directing federal regulators to fast-track FDA review of psychedelic drugs including psilocybin and ibogaine for treating depression, anxiety, and PTSD. • The order allocates $50 million in federal funds to states implementing or developing psychedelic treatment programs as part of a federal-state partnership initiative. • Trump highlighted that over 14 million American adults have serious mental illness, with approximately 8 million on prescription medication, framing psychedelics as addressing a national mental health crisis including suicide prevention.

• The FDA announced it will issue national priority vouchers for three psychedelic drugs next week, marking the first time the agency has fast-tracked any psychedelics for review under Trump's executive order on mental health reform. • The vouchers can compress FDA review timelines from several months to just weeks, according to FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, if the drugs align with national priorities. • Trump's order directs $50 million in federal funding to states developing psychedelic treatment programs and establishes a federal-state partnership for technical assistance and data sharing.

Second day of ‘faux-royal’ tour sees Duke of Sussex speak candidly about challenges of new fatherhood as amused football fans watch onIt was an unusual sight. As a group of children were rocking out to the Wiggles, Prince Harry kicked a football on Whitten Oval in Melbourne, home of Australian rules team the Western Bulldogs.“Just a regular Wednesday,” a member of the crowd, dressed mainly in suits and from the advocacy and academic fields, said. Continue reading...

• 95% of HR and benefits professionals view workplace mental health as vital to 2026 business strategy. • 61% of HR leaders report mental health leaves increased in the past year, with 16% noting 25% or more rise. • 36% of employees identify sleep issues tied to mental health as a top challenge, signaling burnout risks.

Charity says it dealt with 75 incidents last year involving 100 or more animals living in one propertyThe cost of living crisis and an increase in people experiencing mental health difficulties have led to a rising number of multi-animal rescue incidents in England and Wales, an RSPCA superintendent has said.The animal charity this week had to confirm that a shocking photograph of more than 250 poodle-cross dogs found at a property in the UK was not faked with artificial intelligence. The RSPCA took in 87 of the dogs and the remainder went to the Dogs Trust, another charity. Continue reading...

• Congress reauthorized the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, extending mental health support programs for healthcare professionals through September 2030. • Named after emergency physician Dr. Lorna Breen, who died by suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic, the law addresses burnout among nurses and others. • The legislation continues federal initiatives to improve workplace conditions and reduce mental health challenges in healthcare.

Lawyers for Liam Alexander Hall say the 32-year-old is undergoing treatment in custodyFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastLawyers acting for Liam Alexander Hall, a 32-year-old man accused of attempting to bomb an Invasion Day rally in Perth, have foreshadowed a potential not guilty by insanity plea.Hall was scheduled to appear before magistrate Matthew Walton via video link from Western Australia’s most secure psychiatric facility on Tuesday, but did not. Instead the case was adjourned until May. Continue reading...