Young People in Crisis Often Turn to Sport and Movement to Cope, New Report Finds
Crisis Text Line has released a new analysis of how young people use sport and movement when they are struggling, drawing on de-identified conversations from 2022 to 2024. Among texters under 18, sport ranked third among the coping resources mentioned, behind social connection and making art, and about 16% mentioned sport, walking, or time outdoors at least once. The report presents movement as a complement to professional support rather than a replacement, particularly for young people who have limited access to traditional care.
Source: The News Headliner (Crisis Text Line report, October 27, 2026)
A Sleep-Rhythm Pattern of Depression May Respond Less Well to Standard Antidepressants
Researchers at the University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre analysed data from 11,380 adults with depression and identified a proposed subtype marked by disrupted sleep-wake patterns. About 23% of participants met the proposed criteria, and this group tended to have an earlier onset, more severe symptoms, and lower self-reported benefit from commonly prescribed antidepressants. The authors say further research is needed before this pattern could guide treatment decisions.
Source: Becker's Behavioral Health (study in The British Journal of Psychiatry, October 20, 2026)
New Trial to Test Combined Drug and Therapy Approach for Emergency Workers With PTSD
The Black Dog Institute has announced an Australian-first trial pairing ketamine with exposure therapy for emergency service workers and volunteers whose PTSD symptoms persist despite earlier treatment. Delivered with the UNSW Traumatic Stress Clinic through the National Emergency Worker Support Service, the trial will test whether the combination improves recovery compared with therapy alone. Recruitment is expected to begin in 2027, and interested workers are first asked to discuss the study with their own doctor or psychiatrist.
Source: News-Medical (Black Dog Institute announcement, October 27, 2026)
Crisis Text Line has released a new analysis of how young people use sport and movement when they are struggling, drawing on de-identified conversations from 2022 to 2024. Among texters under 18, sport ranked third among the coping resources mentioned, behind social connection and making art, and about 16% mentioned sport, walking, or time outdoors at least once. The report presents movement as a complement to professional support rather than a replacement, particularly for young people who have limited access to traditional care.
Source: The News Headliner (Crisis Text Line report, October 27, 2026)
A Sleep-Rhythm Pattern of Depression May Respond Less Well to Standard Antidepressants
Researchers at the University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre analysed data from 11,380 adults with depression and identified a proposed subtype marked by disrupted sleep-wake patterns. About 23% of participants met the proposed criteria, and this group tended to have an earlier onset, more severe symptoms, and lower self-reported benefit from commonly prescribed antidepressants. The authors say further research is needed before this pattern could guide treatment decisions.
Source: Becker's Behavioral Health (study in The British Journal of Psychiatry, October 20, 2026)
New Trial to Test Combined Drug and Therapy Approach for Emergency Workers With PTSD
The Black Dog Institute has announced an Australian-first trial pairing ketamine with exposure therapy for emergency service workers and volunteers whose PTSD symptoms persist despite earlier treatment. Delivered with the UNSW Traumatic Stress Clinic through the National Emergency Worker Support Service, the trial will test whether the combination improves recovery compared with therapy alone. Recruitment is expected to begin in 2027, and interested workers are first asked to discuss the study with their own doctor or psychiatrist.
Source: News-Medical (Black Dog Institute announcement, October 27, 2026)