As per the latest data released by Transforming Access to Student Outcomes in Higher Education (TASO) and the Policy Institute at King's College London, the number of UK students reporting mental health difficulties tripled. The estimate reveals that around 300,000 students could now be experiencing mental health struggles. Of the total, 18% of students reported some kind of mental health issue in 2024.

As per the reports, this estimate is triple what was reported in 2017, where it was at 6%. Experts also say that Covid-19 pandemic is "often considered to have contributed to this, it does not explain the ongoing rise in mental health difficulties." Another reason could also be the "changing definition and increasing openness about mental health" which has led to a rise in numbers. The report notes, "This trend pre-dates the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. Although these factors play a part in students' deteriorating mental health, they cannot therefore be the only explanation."

How Did The Report Conclude?

The report drew data collected over the latest Student Academic Experience Survey of 93,212 students. From the survey, it was found that there exist significant disparities between demographic groups, with women being twice as likely to report mental health difficulties, about 22% as compared to men, at 11%.

What Did The Results Reveal?

The results revealed that students who identified as LGBTQ experienced the highest rates of mental health challenges. This has actually lessened the hope that conditions for LGBTQ students are improving, which may not have been a positive case.

Of them, 42% are bisexual and lesbian students, whereas last year it was 35% and 32% respectively. The report also noted that mental health difficulties among lesbian women and gay men rose three times the rate of straight people, and among bisexual and asexual people, it was twice as high. For trans students, the number jumped from 25% in 2023 to 40% in 2024.

Is The LGBTQ+ Prone To Mental Health Crisis?

As per the Child Mind Institute, being LGBTQ+ does not cause mental health problems, but because these kids often face factors like rejection, discrimination and violence, they are at a higher risk of challenges including depression, anxiety, and even attempting suicide.

A UTAH Health study quotes Anna Docherty, PhD, LP, assistant professor of psychiatry at Huntsman Mental Health Institute that, "likely with any identity, feeling different - or worse, unaccepted as you are is a significant risk factor of mental health struggle." The data reveals that LGBTQ+ teens are six times more likely to experience symptoms of depression than non-LGBTQ+ identifying teens. They are also more than twice as likely to feel suicidal and more than four times as likely to attempt suicide. In the US alone, 48% of transgender adults report that they have considered suicide in the last year, compared to 4% of the overall population.

What Do These Findings Mean?

TASO's academic lead and professor of public policy at King's College London, Michael Sanders said, "LGBTQ students and women bear the brunt of the rise in declining mental health and urgent action is needed to understand and address these trends."

During the hot days of the year, amid a severe heatwave, it is only natural to feel irritable and anxious. But according to psychologists, some simple household chores will not just give you a sense of calm but will also work like meditation. Experts have found that manual chores like clearing away clutter, sweeping, and mopping prevent the mind from wandering while giving a concrete sense of accomplishment. Psychologists say that the process of cleaning is meditative and calming.

Experts and Zen monks often say that before enlightenment, one must carry water and chop wood. And even after enlightenment, the same process must be repeated. Repetitive activities like these can regulate the nervous system, as these acts are structured, predictable, and give a sense of completion at the end.

How does mopping help?

Zen monks and psychologists recommend mopping the floor, as this activity gives a sense of grounding and control. Additionally, one can immediately see the results of one's work, which is more satisfying than cognitive and emotional tasks that have slow results. "Unsui" monks spend most of their time tidying and cleaning. In A Monk's Guide to a Clean House and Mind, a monk wrote that they sweep dust to remove worldly desires and scrub dirt to free themselves from attachment. This time spent cleaning everything carefully, they say, is extremely fulfilling.

The mental health benefits of cleaning

Psychologists say that people who dread cleaning or find it daunting can engage in the activity to improve focus rather than stress about a to-do list. People who see cleaning as drudgery often feel that the shift is less about forcing oneself to enjoy it than about changing the way one engages with the activity. But the key here is not to rush through the process — experts say that it is imperative to pay attention to the rhythm of the physical movement or to things like water temperature.

When slowed down, it helps one focus on the sensory aspects, and it can start to function like a mindfulness exercise. Cleaning is an opportunity to free the mind and care for oneself and the world. For monks, cleaning is not just about fixing a room; it is a way to expand oneself and nurture one's relationship with the world. Therefore, instead of looking for a perfect result, it is important to embrace incompletion without anxiety.

When one feels overwhelmed, it is not about the task but about what the task represents. This could be self-judgement, time pressure, or anxiety, for instance. Breaking a task down into small and defined actions can reduce barriers. Therefore, instead of getting engrossed in the activity, one must try to break the task down into smaller and defined actions that reduce barriers. Start by choosing one room or surface to clean. Start with baby steps and then ease into the process. This awareness will give you a sense of peace similar to what one finds in temples.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare today notified the inclusion of the drug “Pregabalin” under Schedule H1 of the Drugs Rules, 1945, to strictly regulate the painkiller amid rising concerns over its misuse and abuse, particularly among youth.

Pregabalin, sold under the brand names Axalid and Lyrica, is a prescription medication used to treat epilepsy, neuropathic (nerve) pain, fibromyalgia, and generalized anxiety disorder. It was earlier regulated under Schedule H.

The ministry noted that the drug has reportedly been misused for its sedative, euphoric, and dissociative effects. Authorities have reported seizures of illegally stocked and unauthorized sale of Pregabalin from parts of the country.

Thus, the move to add it to Schedule H1 aims to:

• Curb easy access
• Enhance prescription monitoring
• Strengthen supply chain accountability
• Safeguard public health

In a gazette notification, the ministry said Pregabalin can now be sold only after a registered medical practitioner’s prescription.

The revised classification mandates that:

• Retailers must maintain a separate register recording details of prescriptions and sales
• Manufacturers shall prominently display the prescribed “Schedule H1 Drug Warning” label on product packaging
• Violations and non-compliance will attract penal action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and Rules thereunder

All stakeholders, including manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and pharmacists, are advised to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the notification.

Also read: India Cracks Down On Injectable Cosmetic Procedures In Beauty Clinics

Can Pregabalin Cause Heart Failure?

A 2025 study led by researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center linked Pregabalin with a surprisingly large increase in the risk of heart failure among older patients with known heart disease.

The study found that Pregabalin was associated with a 48 per cent higher risk of developing heart failure.

For patients with an existing history of heart disease, the risk jumped to 85 per cent. In absolute terms, the researchers estimated around six additional cases of heart failure per 1,000 people taking Pregabalin each year, compared to those not on the drug.

What Should Patients Do?

Like all medicines, Pregabalin carries side effects. Common ones include headaches, nausea, diarrhoea, blurred vision, and memory issues. Rarely, it can trigger a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

If you take Pregabalin, do not stop it suddenly. Stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal-like symptoms. Instead, book an appointment with your GP or specialist to discuss the risks and benefits in your specific case.

If you have a history of heart disease, a heart condition, or new symptoms such as increased breathlessness, persistent swelling, or faintness, mention them promptly.

Pregabalin helps many people with otherwise disabling nerve pain, but like any tool, it must be used with care and attention to context. For older adults and those with heart disease, a conversation with a clinician could be the difference between control and complication.

Earlier this week, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation tightened rules around cosmetic use, amid growing concerns that injectable aesthetic procedures are gaining popularity as “cosmetic” treatments in beauty clinics and wellness centers across the country.

In a new public notice issued this week, the CDSCO stated that cosmetic products that come in injectable form do not fall under the definition of cosmetics under the law. It said that such products are not permitted for use by consumers, professionals, or aesthetic clinics.

Microplastics and nanoplastics are now being spotted in water, packaged food, seafood, plastic containers, and even in the air we breathe. Over time, these tiny particles may slip into the digestive tract and interfere with gut health. While the research here is still unfolding, there is rising concern that long-term exposure could promote inflammation, disturb gut flora, and possibly lead to metabolic or digestive troubles.

Dr Vinod Gowda K H, Consultant, Medical Gastroenterology, Fortis Hospital, Yeshwantpur, Bengaluru, said, “The recent study claiming that probiotic bacteria might help bind with nanoplastics is pretty interesting because it points to how protective the gut microbiome could be. Probiotics are the helpful bacteria that support digestion, immunity, and an overall steady state in the gut. Some fermented foods naturally carry these good microbes, and researchers are now looking at whether they can also reduce the uptake or build-up of harmful particles inside the body.”

Also Read: Eli Lilly's Retatrutide Shows Record Weight Loss In Third Phase Of Trials

Fermented food in Indian cuisine

In India, fermented foods have been part of everyday traditional eating for ages. Things like curd, buttermilk, idli, dosa batter, kanji, and homemade pickles can support gut well-being, especially when they are made hygienically and eaten in moderation. When the gut microbiome is healthy, it may strengthen the body’s natural defenses and help lower inflammation.

Still, it is important to note that fermented foods are not really a direct fix or a sure-shot answer to microplastic exposure. More studies in humans are needed before any confident medical advice can be given. The smarter route is prevention—cutting down on plastic containers for hot food, reducing heavily processed packaged items, and maintaining a balanced diet that is high in fibre and mostly natural foods. This line of research feels hopeful because it brings fresh conversations about preventive healthcare, gut health, and how environmental pollution can actually affect the human body.

How do microplastics enter your body?

Dr Adarsh C K, HOD & Sr. Consultant—Medical Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Advanced Endoscopy, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri, Bengaluru, said in an interview with Health and Me, “Plastic exposure has quietly become part of modern life. Tiny plastic particles are now being found in drinking water, packaged food, seafood, and even the air around us, which is why researchers are increasingly studying how the body responds to them over time. One area creating interest is the possible role of gut bacteria in limiting how much of these particles actually stay inside the body.”

A natural shield

Some early studies suggest that beneficial bacteria found in fermented foods may act like a kind of natural ‘shield’ inside the gut. Instead of breaking plastics down, these microbes appear to latch onto certain microplastics and nanoplastics, making it easier for the body to remove them through waste. Researchers in South Korea recently studied a bacterial strain taken from kimchi and found that it showed a surprisingly strong ability to interact with nanoplastics in laboratory conditions designed to mimic the human digestive system. Animal studies linked to the research also showed increased elimination of these particles after probiotic intake.

“From a medical standpoint, the findings are interesting because scientists are concerned about the long-term effects of nanoplastics on inflammation, gut health, hormones, and cellular stress. The digestive system is one of the first places where environmental toxins interact with the body, so maintaining a healthier gut environment could potentially play a protective role,” Dr Adarsh added.

Are fermented foods the cure?

At the same time, this should not be misunderstood as fermented foods being a cure for plastic exposure. The science is still developing, and human trials are limited. For now, the more practical takeaway is that supporting gut health through balanced eating, fibre-rich foods, and naturally fermented foods may strengthen the body’s resilience while we continue trying to reduce everyday exposure to plastics overall.