MQ Mental Health Research

18/06/2026

Is all movement equally good for mental health?

Not quite. The intention behind exercise, like joy, social connection, or stress relief, can shape its effects.

Learn more:

A new study says it’s not just about how much exercise you do, but why, how, and where that makes a difference to your mental health.

17/06/2026

Can creative activity really reduce stress?

Studies show that even a short session of art, like drawing or crafting, can lower cortisol levels and calm your mind. It’s more than a pastime; it’s stress relief in action.

https://www.mqmentalhealth.org/the-art-of-destressing-how-creativity-creates-less-stress/

16/06/2026

AI is rapidly reshaping mental health care, opening up new ways to support people and improve efficiency.

But it’s important to remember: while AI can help with things like psychoeducation, journaling and admin, it can’t replace human connection, clinical judgement or real-time support in a crisis.

That human connection is especially vital for therapies like EMDR, which rely on close, clinician-led interaction.

In this joint article, the EMDR International Association and MQ explore both the promise and the risks of AI in mental health. And why it’s so important that we use it carefully and responsibly to protect people’s wellbeing.

👇 Take a look
https://www.mqmentalhealth.org/ai-and-mental-health/

15/06/2026

Can't stop worrying? A new technique could help.

Researchers have developed an approach that helps people break cycles of repetitive negative thinking, reducing both worry and rumination.

https://www.mqmentalhealth.org/new-technique-to-stop-worry/

12/06/2026

What if the thing that helps your mental health most is something you've been feeling guilty about all along?

In this refreshingly honest clip, BBC's Claudia Hammond talks to Prof Rory O'Connor about how she reframes the act of resting and how she transformed the way she manages stress, overwhelm, and everyday pressures.

Watch/ Listen now:
🎧https://linktr.ee/MQopenmind
📺https://youtu.be/__WZytJOiDk

11/06/2026

A powerful personal story about loss, love, and the fight for better mental health support. This blog written by Georgia, a volunteer and fundraiser, explains why she has chosen to support MQ and our mission.

https://www.mqmentalhealth.org/for-uncle-lee-why-im-fighting-for-mental-health-change/

10/06/2026

MQ researcher Professor Colette Hirsch, of NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London has found that bringing a positive mental image to mind can help people stop worrying once it has started.

In a study of people with high levels of worry, those trained in positive imagery were better able to interrupt worry and shift their attention to non‑negative thoughts, especially when guided through the technique.

Research like this builds the foundations for better treatments for mental illnesses. Researchers like professor Hirsch are turning psychological science into tools that could one day make a real difference.

Read more here 👇

New MQ funded research explores whether a simple psychological technique could help people stop worry in its tracks.

09/06/2026

Research suggests that watching rolling news coverage can actually cause more acute stress than being present at a traumatic event. So what's going on in our brains when we can't look away?

BBC's Claudia Hammond discusses the phenomenon in our latest podcast episode.

Watch/ Listen now:
🎧https://linktr.ee/MQopenmind
📺https://youtu.be/__WZytJOiDk

08/06/2026

How do you build joy during tough times?

Researchers found that daily micro-acts, like expressing appreciation, had the biggest benefits for those facing financial or social disadvantage.

Learn more:

A study suggests that brief, low-effort actions can lead to improvements in wellbeing, stress, emotional health, and self-rated physical health.