Stimulating Cranial Nerves to Treat Depression

Written by Hannah Siddiqi

Neurophysiology is the investigation of function in the central and peripheral nervous system and it’s a field that has seen a boom in recent decades, as advancements in technology and scientific understanding have further elucidated the function of various nerves within the human body. One such nerve, the vagus nerve, is one of twelve cranial nerves that branch out from the brain, and it is the longest and most complex of the cranial nerves. Its role in human functioning has been known for a while; it is responsible for the regulation of internal organ functions, such as digestion, heart rate, and respiratory rate, among others. However, what’s really interesting is that an innovative treatment that stimulates the vagus nerve has shown promising results in treating major depressive disorders (Hein et al., 2013; Rong et al., 2016).

Trialling a Novel Web-Based Therapy in Universities

Written by Harry Mansfield

Starting university is a stressful experience for many. It can mean leaving home for the first time, moving to a new city, adjusting to new surroundings, meeting new people, as well as a slew of new responsibilities. These are just some of the challenges students would typically face, let alone the unprecedented challenges students are being faced with in 2020 as they adjust to ‘blended’ learning and dramatically fewer social opportunities to ease them into their new environment. As such, it’s important that wellbeing services in universities offer effective methods to promote wellbeing, with many unsurprisingly looking at web-based therapy more seriously. One such therapy - web-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - was recently trialled with Australian undergraduate students in 2019 with promising results (Viskovich & Pakenham, 2018). 

The Influence of Social Media on Body Image

Written by Millie Pears


With around two-thirds of our 12-15-year-olds actively using a social media profile, there is growing concern about the relationship between social media use and mental health in adolescents. With the significant rise of more pictorial-based social media platforms (such as Snapchat and Instagram), researchers are eager to explore the link between social media and body dissatisfaction in particular.

The Effects of Instagram on Mental Wellbeing

Written by Laura Hooper

Recently, I made the decision to delete my Instagram account. Though Instagram had initially offered me a platform to share my experiences, as well as keep up with what my friends were doing, my feelings towards Instagram have changed dramatically since I first joined.

Teens and Screens; are their wellbeing and education at stake?

Written by Leah Tipple

How many times have you heard that young people these days are ’glued’ to their phones? In this digital age, the temptation to use screens is constant since they are so readily available, have many uses and utilize addictive features. But can digital screen use have a negative impact on mental wellbeing? Well, Andrew Przybylski and Netta Weinstein wanted to find out…