TLC PULSE: 10 Mental Health Stories Worth Your Attention

In this latest Pulse Episode I share ten interesting stories from around the world that sit at the intersection of mental health, suicide prevention, humour & laughter research and everyday self-care. From big system changes like free Medicare Mental Health support and defence reform in Australia, to personal strategies like safety plans, nature connection and even what chocolate does to your brain, this ep covers a lot.The 10 stories: • Free Medicare Mental Health Check-In and what it looks likehttps://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/mental-health/australians-can-now-access-free-mental-health-support-through-new-medicare-service/news-story/686d9a18aca92c2c5f667530412bb287https://www.medicarementalhealthcheckin.gov.au/• WHO recommendations for responsible AI in mental health https://www.who.int/news/item/20-03-2026-towards-responsible-ai-for-mental-health-and-well-being--experts-chart-a-way-forward• Israeli performers bringing laughter therapy and hope during wartime https://www.jfeed.com/culture/israeli-artists-wartime-performances• Doctors using kind humour to strengthen connection and reduce stress https://www.guardian.co.tt/opinion/medicine-and-laughter-6.2.2551797.51cab46497• New research on humour improving wellbeing in later life https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260401/New-research-links-humor-to-improved-wellbeing-in-later-life.aspx• Defence and veterans suicide reforms and the need for real action https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2026-03-31/defence-veterans-service-commissioner-bill-passes-parliament• Men’s wellbeing groups and why safe spaces help men open up https://theconversation.com/mens-wellbeing-groups-are-growing-and-helping-fill-gaps-in-mental-health-support-276933• Evidence-based guidance for suicidal thoughts and how to build a safety plan CONTENT WARNING THIS STORY DISCUSSES SUICIDE https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/threshold/202603/caring-for-the-part-of-you-that-wants-to-die• Nature connectedness linked with wellbeing across 75 countries https://theconversation.com/a-connection-to-nature-fuels-well-being-worldwide-according-to-a-study-of-38-000-people-276572• What does chocolate do to your brain? https://hmri.org.au/news-and-stories/what-does-chocolate-do-to-your-brain/If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a review. Website: www.thelaughterclinic.com.auYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelaughterclinicAus"If you or someone you know needs support, please contact one of these Australian mental health services. In an emergency, always call 000."Lifeline AustraliaPhone: 13 11 14 (24/7)Web: lifeline.org.auSuicide Call Back ServicePhone: 1300 659 467 (24/7)Web: suicidecallbackservice.org.auBeyond BluePhone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)Web: beyondblue.org.auKids Helpline (for people aged 5-25)Phone: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)Web: kidshelpline.com.auMensLine AustraliaPhone: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)Web: mensline.org.auSANE Australia (complex mental health issues)Phone: 1800 18 7263Web: sane.orgQLife (LGBTIQ+ support)Phone: 1800 184 527 Web: qlife.org.auOpen Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling)Phone: 1800 011 046 (24/7)Web: openarms.gov.au1800RESPECT (sexual assault, domestic violence)Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7)Web: 1800respect.org.auHeadspace (youth mental health, ages 12-25)Phone: 1800 650 890 Web: headspace.org.au13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support)Phone: 13 92 76 (13YARN) (24/7)Web: 13yarn.org.auMusic by Hayden Smithhttps://www.haydensmith.com