https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-rss/?orgId=120738&title=Latest+News A selection of the latest research, academic, and other newsworthy developments at Trauma and Mental Health (TMH) Lab en-us Copyright 2026 Yale School of Medicine Thu, 14 May 2026 19:04:51 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/advancing-emergency-and-humanitarian-care-sharon-chekijian-and-the-crisis-emergency-and-disaster-faculty-network/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/advancing-emergency-and-humanitarian-care-sharon-chekijian-and-the-crisis-emergency-and-disaster-faculty-network/ When Sharon Chekijian, MD, MPH, arrived in Armenia this fall, she was returning to a country where she has spent years working to establish a sustainable foundation for the specialty of emergency medicine. In recent years, the nation has faced multiple crises, from the COVID-19 pandemic to regional conflict, that have contributed to repeated waves of Armenian refugees arriving from Syria, Beirut, Iran, and the neighboring Republic of Artsakh. Chekijian’s efforts have focused on strengthening Armenia’s ability to respond to such crises. Tue, 11 Nov 2025 05:00:00 Z https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2838466 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2838466 The Resilience in Survivors of Katrina (RISK) Project investigated the hurricane's impact on the mental health of those impacted by the storm. Now, 20 years after the hurricane, the study's findings are providing new insights into the long-term effects of major disasters. YSPH Associate Professor Sarah Lowe said survivors who showed symptoms of posttraumatic stress also reported psychological growth, such as a deeper sense of spirituality and improved personal relationships. Fri, 29 Aug 2025 04:00:00 Z https://health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/how-climate-change-and-extreme-weather-can-hurt-your-health https://health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/how-climate-change-and-extreme-weather-can-hurt-your-health Climate change poses a significant threat to human health, encompassing both physical and mental well-being. YSPH Associate Professor Sarah Lowe says the mental health impact can extend beyond those immediately affected by climate change disasters to close friends and family as well. Wed, 30 Jul 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/20/climate/minnesota-green-crew-climate-anxiety.html https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/20/climate/minnesota-green-crew-climate-anxiety.html Run by teenagers, for teenagers, the Green Crew helps students get their hands dirty with projects like tree planting, trail restoration, and invasive species removal. YSPH Associate Professor Sarah Lowe says the activities could help reduce depression, anxiety, and other negative feelings that can arise when thinking about climate change. Tue, 20 May 2025 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/yale-faculty-present-findings-from-research-funded-by-hecht-awards/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/yale-faculty-present-findings-from-research-funded-by-hecht-awards/ Faculty affiliated with the Yale Institute for Global Health (YIGH) gathered on December 5th for the Hecht Global Health Faculty Network Award Event. Hecht Awards winners from 2023 and 2024 presented findings from research studies funded by the awards and highlighted the impact this source of funding has had on several global communities. Mon, 13 Jan 2025 05:00:00 Z https://abcnews.go.com/Health/california-wildfires-mental-health-toll-residents-firefighters/story?id=117526597 https://abcnews.go.com/Health/california-wildfires-mental-health-toll-residents-firefighters/story?id=117526597 As wildfires continue to spread across southern California, experts are warning they could impact the mental health of residents and first responders. YSPH Professor Sarah Lowe says wildfires can lead to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Fri, 10 Jan 2025 05:00:00 Z https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/lifestyle/home-garden/2024/12/27/climate-anxiety-is-a-growing-concern-in-new-hanover-county-nc/77070443007/ https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/lifestyle/home-garden/2024/12/27/climate-anxiety-is-a-growing-concern-in-new-hanover-county-nc/77070443007/ Climate anxiety is recognized by the American Psychological Association and is a growing concern, particularly among those who are under 25. YSPH Professor Sarah Lowe comments. Fri, 27 Dec 2024 05:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/ableism-cited-as-major-barrier-to-mental-health-care-for-people-with-disabilities/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/ableism-cited-as-major-barrier-to-mental-health-care-for-people-with-disabilities/ People with disabilities make up 25% of the U.S. population. They face elevated mental health concerns and are more likely to utilize mental health services compared to non-disabled individuals. Yet, people with disabilities also report higher unmet mental health service needs and barriers to accessing care. A Yale-led study probes the underlying factors that contribute to this discrepancy and examines the role of ableism in mental health care. Tue, 03 Dec 2024 05:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/very-hot-weather-is-hazardous-to-your-health-but-there-are-ways-to-stay-safe/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/very-hot-weather-is-hazardous-to-your-health-but-there-are-ways-to-stay-safe/ Extreme heat is hazardous to your health. Here are ways to stay safe as the globe warms. Mon, 19 Aug 2024 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/communication-and-parenting-styles-are-important-when-addressing-intergenerational-trauma/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/communication-and-parenting-styles-are-important-when-addressing-intergenerational-trauma/ A new multi-institutional study provides key insights into family psychosocial factors potentially contributing to this transmission of intergenerational trauma and suggests possible interventions to improve the health of Rwandan youth and their families in the wake of the 1994 Tutsi genocide. Thu, 06 Jun 2024 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/climate-change-and-mental-health-thinking-beyond-disasters/ https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/climate-change-and-mental-health-thinking-beyond-disasters/ My path to researching climate change and mental health was indirect. I applied to graduate programs in clinical psychology with the goal of studying how social determinants of health shape the educational and mental health trajectories of members of marginalized populations. Thu, 16 May 2024 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/states-address-climate-change/ https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/states-address-climate-change/ In a time defined by climate hazards and their profound impact on community health, the role of state governments in addressing these challenges has never been more crucial. This essay spotlights the measures taken by three health departments to address and lessen the impacts from extreme weather induced by climate change, and foster resilience within their communities. Thu, 16 May 2024 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/lowe-studies-climate-changes-negative-effects-on-mental-health/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/lowe-studies-climate-changes-negative-effects-on-mental-health/ YSPH associate professor and clinical psychologist Sarah Lowe discusses the connection between climate change and mental health. Mon, 05 Feb 2024 05:00:00 Z https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2023/nov/16/climate-anxiety-tips https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2023/nov/16/climate-anxiety-tips In recent years, the term “climate anxiety” has gone from obscure to familiar, underscoring a growing awareness of how witnessing escalating climate disasters affects our mental health. YSPH Clinical Psychologist Sarah Lowe offers suggestions to help people manage their emotional and cognitive reactions to our rapidly changing environment. Thu, 16 Nov 2023 05:00:00 Z https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/10/17/2192909/-Climate-anxiety-is-real-and-can-be-debilitating-But-there-are-reasons-for-optimism https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/10/17/2192909/-Climate-anxiety-is-real-and-can-be-debilitating-But-there-are-reasons-for-optimism Climate anxiety is no joke. YSPH Associate Professor Sarah Lowe has been studying the topic in depth, and she characterizes it as: “Distress about climate change … that can manifest as intrusive thoughts or feelings of distress about future disasters or the long-term future of human existence.” Tue, 17 Oct 2023 13:00:00 Z https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2023/10/06/researchers-study-mental-health-issues-among-adolescents-in-american-samoa/ https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2023/10/06/researchers-study-mental-health-issues-among-adolescents-in-american-samoa/ In a recent study, researchers at the School of Public Health found that despite successful local efforts to improve mental health infrastructure, more steps must be taken to combat mental illness among adolescents in American Samoa. Fri, 06 Oct 2023 07:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/for-ysph-student-maui-wildfires-are-the-latest-consequence-of-the-islands-colonialist-history/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/for-ysph-student-maui-wildfires-are-the-latest-consequence-of-the-islands-colonialist-history/ Yale School of Public Health PhD student Bryce Takenaka says the Maui wildfires did not result from a natural catastrophe nor a single incident but were a product of settler capitalism, imperialism, and colonialism. He's urging people to donate to help indigenous people rebuild after the fires. Wed, 20 Sep 2023 23:00:00 Z https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(23)00188-2/fulltext#%20 https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(23)00188-2/fulltext#%20 Early June 2023 was marked by an unprecedented disaster: wildfire smoke emanating from Quebec (Canada) spread throughout the northeastern USA. This so-called crisis in the air threatens physical and mental health. Tue, 12 Sep 2023 04:00:00 Z https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2023/06/08/orange-sky-explained-wildfire-smoke/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2023/06/08/orange-sky-explained-wildfire-smoke/ As Canadian wildfires poured smoke plumes over the United States this week, East Coasters found themselves captivated and concerned by the unnatural orange hue that took over the skies. Fri, 09 Jun 2023 04:00:00 Z https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/06/09/world/canada-wildfires-air-quality-smoke#covid-pandemic-anxiety https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/06/09/world/canada-wildfires-air-quality-smoke#covid-pandemic-anxiety As wildfire smoke engulfed skies across eastern North America, it brought echoes of the coronavirus pandemic. Children were forced off playgrounds and cooped up inside. Adults dug out N95 masks. Brightly colored maps tracking public health threats presented a whole new language of risk. Fri, 09 Jun 2023 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/gender-differences-in-mental-health-risk/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/gender-differences-in-mental-health-risk/ A new study finds women health care providers working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic were more than twice as likely than men to experience symptoms of major depressive, generalized anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorders. Fri, 26 May 2023 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/for-hurricane-katrina-survivors-covid-19-brings-a-new-mental-health-toll/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/for-hurricane-katrina-survivors-covid-19-brings-a-new-mental-health-toll/ A new study shows that for some low-income mothers in New Orleans, the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with the same, or worse, mental health impacts as Hurricane Katrina, one of the worst national disasters in U.S. history. Wed, 05 Apr 2023 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/pietrzak-lowe-receive-apa-honors/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/pietrzak-lowe-receive-apa-honors/ Two Yale School of Public Health professors are being honored with awards by the American Psychological Association for their work in trauma psychology. Tue, 26 Jul 2022 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/ozone-exposure-linked-to-cognitive-decline-in-older-adults-ysph-study-finds/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/ozone-exposure-linked-to-cognitive-decline-in-older-adults-ysph-study-finds/ A new, large-scale study led by scientists at the Yale School of Public Health has established a robust link between long-term ozone exposure and an increased risk of cognitive impairment in older adults. Thu, 13 Jan 2022 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/stress-on-the-front-lines-comparing-resilience-in-female-and-male-health-care-providers/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/stress-on-the-front-lines-comparing-resilience-in-female-and-male-health-care-providers/ A study funded in part by Women's Health Research at Yale found that background stressors explain higher reports of psychological distress in female health care providers. Sun, 02 Jan 2022 04:00:00 Z https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/25/yale-psychologist-how-to-cope-with-climate-disasters-anxiety.html https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/25/yale-psychologist-how-to-cope-with-climate-disasters-anxiety.html Yale School of Public Health clinical psychologist Sarah Lowe speaks with CNBC about climate trauma and climate anxiety. Thu, 25 Nov 2021 04:00:00 Z https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/trauma-probably-reason-youre-tired-094521490.html?guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAABzEDS22CNcQvMdoBbBzDu9mVPfTil3MhGo1zpTMqsbnHW0caGuwQu3rL5KZ4lMU95tKgfipEfijVdBSzZbf2jxX3bYywZ3S4EG5L3JlRWFcwo5SwOlbM1fr1n6uYjzrwseAfVhcXQs8GLUmhWlnGt8AtLYzaPs-8k3TRnHtJPe&guccounter=2 https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/trauma-probably-reason-youre-tired-094521490.html?guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAABzEDS22CNcQvMdoBbBzDu9mVPfTil3MhGo1zpTMqsbnHW0caGuwQu3rL5KZ4lMU95tKgfipEfijVdBSzZbf2jxX3bYywZ3S4EG5L3JlRWFcwo5SwOlbM1fr1n6uYjzrwseAfVhcXQs8GLUmhWlnGt8AtLYzaPs-8k3TRnHtJPe&guccounter=2 You might expect, after a year of living with restrictions and extreme uncertainty, that at this point in the coronavirus pandemic ― with vaccines available in the U.S. and cities and businesses reopening ― people would be full of energy and enthusiasm, ready to get out and do things. Tue, 20 Jul 2021 04:00:00 Z https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/thoughts-and-feelings/202107/how-mental-health-shapes-recovery-after-disaster https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/thoughts-and-feelings/202107/how-mental-health-shapes-recovery-after-disaster When disaster strikes, people’s lives are changed in unexpected and unprecedented ways. Natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods, man-made disasters such as terrorist attacks and chemical warfare, and public health disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic all cause individuals to suffer in a myriad of ways for which they are often unprepared. Thu, 01 Jul 2021 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/how-your-help-can-fund-the-next-discovery-in-womens-health-research/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/how-your-help-can-fund-the-next-discovery-in-womens-health-research/ If the challenges of the past year have taught us anything, it is that we must continue working to understand all that we can about health and disease. And when it comes to sex and gender, we should not wait for the next crisis before addressing these critical components of our health. Mon, 21 Jun 2021 04:00:00 Z https://www.legalreader.com/one-in-three-covid-patients-develop-mental-health-complications/ https://www.legalreader.com/one-in-three-covid-patients-develop-mental-health-complications/ One in every three patients develop a mental or neurological disorder, according to a new study published in Lancet Psychiatry that examined the medical records of 230,000 U.S. survivors of COVID-19. Up to 34% of them reported experienced these symptoms and of those, 13% had no recorded history of a mental or psychological complications. Up to 17% reported suffering from anxiety and 14% reported mood disorders. Others reported neurobiological imbalances, including stroke, dementia, or psychosis. Thu, 15 Apr 2021 04:00:00 Z https://www.techlearning.com/how-to/how-to-talk-about-covid-grief-in-the-classroom https://www.techlearning.com/how-to/how-to-talk-about-covid-grief-in-the-classroom According to tradition, the Buddha’s father tried to shield him from human suffering by raising him in a lavish palace where death was never mentioned and sick and old servants were not allowed to enter. Wed, 07 Apr 2021 04:00:00 Z https://www.self.com/story/pandemic-anniversary https://www.self.com/story/pandemic-anniversary Although the coronavirus was circulating in the United States in January 2020, last March was full of harrowing firsts. Whether you eventually experienced the illness firsthand or not, your life undoubtedly changed—perhaps even devastatingly—in March 2020, when COVID-19 became a household name in the U.S. Fri, 26 Feb 2021 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/burnout-alcohol-ptsd-health-workers-are-suffering/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/burnout-alcohol-ptsd-health-workers-are-suffering/ A Yale School of Public Health survey of thousands of health workers suggests worrying rates of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder amid a growing pandemic. And in their new paper, the researchers now have the numbers to prove it. Wed, 17 Feb 2021 04:00:00 Z https://www.wndu.com/2021/02/04/emotional-overload-the-hidden-cost-of-fighting-covid-19/ https://www.wndu.com/2021/02/04/emotional-overload-the-hidden-cost-of-fighting-covid-19/ SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) - With healthcare workers being at the forefront of the pandemic, they’ve seen countless tragic situations, ranging from healthy people growing dangerously ill to patients dying in hospital rooms without loved ones at their side. Thu, 04 Feb 2021 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/air-pollution-linked-to-increased-mental-health-outpatient-visits/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/air-pollution-linked-to-increased-mental-health-outpatient-visits/ More pollution in the air could be linked to higher rates of mental health service utilization, researchers at the Yale School of Public Health found in a new study. Tue, 19 Jan 2021 04:00:00 Z https://www.connecticutmag.com/home-garden/in-these-difficult-times-yoga-can-help-reduce-stress-and-improve-heart-health/article_654beaea-56ae-11eb-b3c0-df8a1b98b45d.html https://www.connecticutmag.com/home-garden/in-these-difficult-times-yoga-can-help-reduce-stress-and-improve-heart-health/article_654beaea-56ae-11eb-b3c0-df8a1b98b45d.html When the coronavirus pandemic hit the state, Silvia Diaz-Roa started a 10-minute daily yoga routine to get a break from the demands of graduate school and running a startup. Tue, 19 Jan 2021 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/examining-the-psychological-resilience-of-covid-19-health-care-providers/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/examining-the-psychological-resilience-of-covid-19-health-care-providers/ A new WHRY-funded study is exploring the psychological resilience of health care providers to develop targeted strategies promoting mental health. Fri, 18 Dec 2020 04:00:00 Z https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/11/19/experience-helps-seniors-power-through-tough-times/ https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/11/19/experience-helps-seniors-power-through-tough-times/ Older adults are especially vulnerable physically during the coronavirus pandemic. But they’re also notably resilient psychologically, calling upon a lifetime of experience and perspective to help them through difficult times. Thu, 19 Nov 2020 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/whry-funds-study-on-psychological-resilience-in-covid-19-health-care-providers/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/lowe/news-article/whry-funds-study-on-psychological-resilience-in-covid-19-health-care-providers/ Women’s Health Research at Yale announced funding for a new collaborative study with researchers at Mt. Sinai Medical Hospital in New York on the personal and professional stressors and coping strategies of frontline health care providers confronting the COVID-19 pandemic Wed, 14 Oct 2020 04:00:00 Z https://www.insightnews.com/coronavirus/lifetime-experiences-help-older-adults-build-resilience-to-pandemic-trauma/article_5c406066-0893-11eb-b197-a711d39f10fd.html https://www.insightnews.com/coronavirus/lifetime-experiences-help-older-adults-build-resilience-to-pandemic-trauma/article_5c406066-0893-11eb-b197-a711d39f10fd.html Older adults are especially vulnerable physically during the coronavirus pandemic. But they’re also notably resilient psychologically, calling upon a lifetime of experience and perspective to help them through difficult times. Wed, 07 Oct 2020 04:00:00 Z https://us.cnn.com/2020/10/06/health/seniors-resilience-pandemic-trauma-wellness-partner/index.html https://us.cnn.com/2020/10/06/health/seniors-resilience-pandemic-trauma-wellness-partner/index.html Older adults are especially vulnerable physically during the coronavirus pandemic. But they're also notably resilient psychologically, calling upon a lifetime of experience and perspective to help them through difficult times. Tue, 06 Oct 2020 04:00:00 Z https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2020/08/disasters-are-driving-a-mental-health-crisis-the-only-federal-program-to-address-it-is-underfunded/ https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2020/08/disasters-are-driving-a-mental-health-crisis-the-only-federal-program-to-address-it-is-underfunded/ From climate-fueled storms to COVID-19, mounting catastrophes are sowing stress and trauma. Tue, 25 Aug 2020 04:00:00 Z https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/covid-19-will-have-disaster-level-long-term-health-effects-yale-study-says https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/covid-19-will-have-disaster-level-long-term-health-effects-yale-study-says The entire world is focused on stopping the spread of COVID-19 as much as possible. Less new infections mean fewer hospital patients and more lives saved. We’re still in the heat of battle with COVID-19, and it’s hard to see too far in the future when things are changing so quickly. Sat, 23 May 2020 04:00:00 Z https://www.voanews.com/covid-19-pandemic/stuck-home-looking-within-self-discovery-amid-pandemic https://www.voanews.com/covid-19-pandemic/stuck-home-looking-within-self-discovery-amid-pandemic Confidence, resilience, passion: As the pandemic has changed the world and pushed people into their homes and out of old routines, it has also, for many, revealed some surprising traits within themselves. Tue, 19 May 2020 04:00:00 Z https://www.huffpost.com/entry/social-distancing-long-term-effect-mental-health-therapists_l_5ebaeb61c5b6894ab8b8f53f https://www.huffpost.com/entry/social-distancing-long-term-effect-mental-health-therapists_l_5ebaeb61c5b6894ab8b8f53f Huffington Post: Depression, anxiety and agoraphobia are among the mental health issues therapists are concerned about in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Thu, 14 May 2020 04:00:00 Z