popPSYCHOLOGY: Week of Oct 27th-Nov 2nd, 2025
In this week’s rundown of popPSYCHOLOGY we cover Selena Gomez’s 3rd Rare Impact Fund Benefit, how many ChatGPT users are struggling with their mental health, and so much more.
popPSYCHOLOGY is a weekly series from Dr. Jessica Rabon and myself to bring you a rundown of mental health news that has made the headlines over the past week. Without further ado, let’s get into some highlights:
New research suggests that psychedelic drugs may strengthen specific brain connections linked to memory and cognition. Scientists found that neurons in the claustrum intensified their communication with the anterior cingulate cortex, a region involved in mood and psychiatric disorders, under psychedelic exposure; however, this strengthening was not found under normal conditions.
OpenAI estimates that over half a million ChatGPT users (about 0.07% of active users) are showing possible signs of mental health concerns during a given week. OpenAI is working with mental health professionals to improve how ChatGPT responds to users who show signs of mental health concerns.
‘Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere’ sheds light on men’s mental health. The biopic, released on October 24, depicts Springsteen’s childhood and explores how trauma led him to create the popular albums “Nebraska”and “Born in the U.S.A.” The film highlights Springsteen’s struggles with severe depression, anxiety, and trauma.
On October 29th, Selena Gomez hosted the 3rd Rare Impact Fund Benefit. The Rare Impact Fund is her philanthropy that is centered on raising awareness and destigmatizing youth mental health. This event raised over $600,000 for youth mental health programs in just one night. Selena Gomez continues to openly shared about her experience with bipolar disorder and the importance of mental healthcare.
Last week, new data was shared by OpenAI that showed that more than one million people have conversations with Chat GPT about suicide planning or intent. OpenAI said the newest GPT-5 model has been updated to have more “desirable responses” to issues related to mental health. The use of AI in response to mental health struggles continues to remain questionable, despite efforts for improvement.
New research shows that there are scientific reasons why some people love the thrill of spooky season, and why some are somatically and emotionally affected. Sensation-seeking individuals have a more positive response to the adrenaline and cortisol they experience, while more empathetic individuals can experience difficulties related to stress, sleep, and emotional distress.
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You can find more from Jessica and Tina right here: @jessicaleighphd & @tinaclarklpc
