Stanford Medicine researchers have found a bidirectional relationship between sleep and mental health, noting that poor sleep can exacerbate conditions such as depression and anxiety, while mental health issues can lead to sleep problems. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to improve sleep and, in turn, mental health. The researchers recommend maintaining good sleep hygiene, including a consistent sleep schedule and a comfortable environment for rest.

Arielle Baskin-Sommers, a Yale professor, has initiated a mental health program at the Transitions Clinic in New Haven, Conn., to support formerly incarcerated individuals, many of whom struggle with complex mental health issues such as PTSD, substance-use disorder and schizophrenia. The program, part of a national consortium, aims to fill the treatment gap for this population, who often receive inadequate care while incarcerated. Baskin-Sommers also works with Connecticut corrections officers to better manage mental health issues among inmates.

"Black sheep" in dysfunctional families often play a crucial role in breaking cycles of dysfunction, writes licensed clinical social worker Kaytee Gillis. These individuals tend to be truth-tellers, seek healthier relationships outside their family and are more likely to seek therapy, Gillis writes.

Colorado attorney Phil Weiser, who chairs the state's Peace Officer Standards and Training Board, elevated the issue of law enforcement mental health by asking the legislature to fund a $5 million grant to provide psychological services to first responders. "[O]ne of the most important tools to retain peace officers is to support their wellness and mental health," says Weiser.

Los Angeles County's Homelessness Prevention Unit is showing early success using a predictive model to identify people at risk of homelessness. The model, which analyzes data from various county agencies, has helped enrolled individuals be 71% less likely to need shelters or street outreach. The program, which provides case management and financial assistance, has also shown lower rates of homelessness and mental health crises among participants.

Creating a sense of psychological distance can help leaders see decisions more clearly by reducing the influence of immediate emotions and personal biases, write David Marquet, a retired Navy captain and Mike Gillespie, an associate professor at the University of South Florida, who suggest imagining being someone else, in a different place or the future. "As we distance ourselves from something, the details blur, and what's left is the essence of the thing. If that 'thing' is a decision, with distance our brain focuses on what's important in the big picture and doesn't get distracted by details that only seem so important in the here and now," they write.

Many employees tone down their true feelings to keep the peace at work, writes Sean Devlin, an editor at Ragan Communications, who cites a recent survey from MyPerfectResume that found 74% of employees reported "adjusting their communication at work to avoid conflict." Instead of tamping down open expression, Devlin recommends offering a framework for employees to discuss sensitive topics such as politics while respecting the viewpoints of others.

John E. Jacob, former president of the National Urban League and a Howard University alumnus, has authored a memoir, "I Will F.E.A.R. No Evil," detailing his journey through segregation and his career in social work and civil rights. Jacob's story highlights his ability to build coalitions and effect change, such as opening housing for Black service members and influencing a multifaceted perception of social work. "Our job is to reach deep into what's really bothering people and find a way to help," writes Howard.

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