2026 Updates with Angelina
By: Shreya Siva
Posted: 3/6/2026
Journal Article Analysis
Link:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32250453/
Abstract:
This article looked at how sleep affects teenagers mood, alertness, and school performance. The researchers gathered data from 28 studies on adolescent sleep patterns and analyzed them together. They found that teens who slept fewer hours or had poorer sleep quality were more likely to feel depressed, perform worse in school, and be less alert during the day. These results support the idea that sleep plays a big role in mental health and daily functioning. The findings also suggest that improving sleep habits could be a useful strategy for helping teens with depression or academic struggles.
Introduction:
Adolescents today often don’t get enough sleep due to school, stress, social media, and irregular routines. Poor sleep has been linked to problems like depression, fatigue, and low academic performance. This study reviews and combines data from multiple research papers to put together rhow sleep length and quality are related to three key outcomes such as mood, alertness, and academic performance. Understanding these links could help improve teen health and school outcomes.
Methods:
The researchers conducted a meta-analysis, which means they analyzed results from 28 studies that had around the same idea and theme toward them. These studies focused on teens aged 10–19 and measured their sleep through self-reports or tracking devices. They also measured levels of depression, academic grades, and alertness. Statistical tools were used to calculate overall effect sizes and determine how strong the links were between sleep and each outcome.
Results:
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Teens who had shorter sleep duration showed higher levels of depression
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Poor sleep was linked to lower school performance
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Teens who didn’t sleep well were less alert the next day
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The effect was strongest for mood, then alertness, then academics
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Overall, sleep had a significant and consistent effect on well-being
Discussion:
This study shows that sleep is not just about rest, it directly affects how teens feel, think, and perform. The strongest connection was between sleep and depressed mood, showing how vital sleep is for emotional regulation. The authors argue that schools and families should focus more on improving sleep routines for teenagers.
Assessment of the Study
This is a really good style of meta analysis that supports existing knowledge by combining many smaller studies. A major strength is the large total sample size, which improves reliability. The use of statistical controls adds to the study’s validity. However, it relies partly on self-reported sleep, which can be biased, and many studies were observational, meaning cause and effect can't be proven. Still, the clear association between sleep and teen outcomes makes it a valuable contribution to mental health research.
4. Thesis Statement
Lo et al. (2020) found that poor sleep in adolescents is significantly associated with higher levels of depression, lower academic performance, and reduced alertness, suggesting that sleep habits play a critical role in teen mental health and daily functioning.
By: Tejaswini Vutukuri
Posted: 2/27/2026
Independence in Healthcare
When we celebrate the 4th of July, most of us picture freedom from oppression and the right to self-determination. However, what does independence mean for individuals living with chronic mental illness or disability?
Independence and illness challenge us to reconsider what freedom means in medical practice for someone managing health issues. Independence is not about complete reliance; it is about having access to support systems that allow us to make our own choices. The current debate over the One Big Beautiful Act illustrates how policy decisions can either promote real independence or create barriers that undermine it.
The assumption that true independence requires zero assistance is fundamentally wrong. Consider a girl named Maya, a college student with bipolar disorder. She experiences intense productivity followed by severe depression, making it difficult to attend classes and keep her job. The question arises: Is Maya truly independent?
Medicaid recipients are required to work at least 80 hours per month, creating an issue for Maya. Her healthcare access relies on her work performance, which is negatively impacted by her condition. If she loses insurance, she ends up in emergency rooms, which cost more than preventative care.
Healthcare is a right that all should have. When someone with a psychiatric issue has consistent access to proper medication and therapy, they can live a healthy life. Without this foundation, these opportunities become inaccessible. Effective healthcare policies should include flexible personalized support rather than sticking to a one-size-fits-all standard. In Maya's case, independence involves access to psychiatric care, medications, accommodations, and support systems that align with her condition, allowing her choices in life and treatment, promoting independence.
Unfortunately, healthcare policies often work against these types of independence. The One Big Beautiful Act is a perfect example of this problem. The bill makes significant changes to Medicaid, the government's health insurance program for low-income individuals, by introducing stricter requirements and increasing the difficulty of qualifying for coverage. The bill creates what are called "Benefit Cliffs." This means that if the person earns more money or works slightly fewer hours, they can lose all their healthcare coverage. Imagine someone working with an issue who has offered a small raise at work; they might have to turn those offers down because earning that extra money would make them lose their Medicaid coverage, so they are stuck in that same financial status to keep their healthcare, which makes no sense if their goal is to help people become more independent and feel more liberated.
The proposed bill could leave millions without healthcare coverage, hindering their ability to focus on survival and other essential needs. Critics argue that Medicaid creates dependency, but they overlook the fact that healthcare is a basic necessity. This bill threatens Community health centers that provide affordable care and promote independence.
If these policymakers were truly considering what real independence entails, and they wanted to help people with chronic conditions before becoming more independent, Healthcare policies would look completely different, rather than punishing people with rigid work requirements. We would have flexible programs, and instead of cutting people off when suddenly they earn more money. We will have gradual changes that reward progress. Having choices and control over life does not mean being abandoned without support; it means being able to manage health conditions while still working towards one's goals.
As we reflect on the Fourth of July, we must redefine freedom to include everyone, especially in healthcare. The current policies have barriers that force people to choose between health and economic survival. We need to recognize health care as a basic necessity rather than something to be earned. True independence means having access to what one needs to live fully, aligning with the ideal of “Liberty and Justice For All.”
Hinton, Elizabeth, Amaya Diana, and Robin Rudowitz. A Closer Look at the Medicaid Work Requirement Provisions in the “Big, Beautiful” Bill. KFF, 20 June 2025, www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/a-closer-look-at-the-medicaid-work-requirement-provisions-in-the-big-beautiful-bill/. Accessed 2 July 2025.
Konish, Lorie. “Congress’s ‘Big Beautiful’ Bill Proposes New Medicaid Work Requirements. Here’s What to Know.” CNBC, 25 June 2025, www.cnbc.com/2025/06/25/congress-big-beautiful-bill-proposes-new-medicaid-work-requirements.html. Accessed 2 July 2025.
H.R. 1 – One Big Beautiful Bill Act. 119th Congress, introduced 20 May 2025, passed House 22 May 2025 and Senate 1 July 2025. Congress.gov, Library of Congress. Accessed 2 July 2025.
Myth vs. Fact: The One Big Beautiful Bill. The White House, 29 June 2025, www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/06/myth-vs-fact-the-one-big-beautiful-bill/. Accessed 2 July 2025.
Rosalsky, Greg. “The Paperwork Trap: A Sneaky Way to Cut Medicaid in the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’?” NPR Planet Money, 26 June 2025, www.npr.org/sections/planet-money/2025/06/26/g-s1-74544/the-paperwork-trap-a-sneaky-way-to-cut-medicaid-in-the-one-big-beautiful-bill. Accessed 2 July 2025.
Lipsky, Leonard, and Sean Crowe. “House-Passed Budget Bill – the One Big Beautiful Bill Act – Includes Major Changes to Medicaid.” Sheppard Health Law, 30 May 2025, www.sheppardhealthlaw.com/2025/05/articles/federal-healthcare-legislation/house-passed-budget-bill-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act-includes-major-changes-to-medicaid/. Accessed 2 July 2025.
Ortaliza, Jared, et al. “How Will the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Affect the ACA, Medicaid, and the Uninsured Rate?” KFF, 18 June 2025, https://www.kff.org/policy-watch/how-will-the-2025-budget-reconciliation-affect-the-aca-medicaid-and-the-uninsured-rate/. Accessed 2 July 2025.
By: Jenna Said
Posted: 2/20/2026
Depression Across a Lifespan
Depression is a mental health disorder that affects a person’s mind and emotions. Many people usually think of it as just being sad, but it’s more than that. It can affect someone’s thoughts, sleep patterns, energy, and even their physical health. What's interesting is how it doesn’t look the same in everybody. Children, adults, and older adults all show depression in different ways.
In adults, depression mostly appears as sadness, feelings of hopelessness, chronic fatigue, or loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy. Some adults sleep too much or not at all, and their eating habits change. They also get physical pain that sometimes doctors cannot explain. Adults can express their feelings and symptoms, which hhelps them get diagnosed faster.
In kids, depression is harder to recognize. They don’t often say things like, “I feel depressed.” Instead, they might act angry or irritable, perform badly in school, or stop playing with their friends. Some kids complain about stomach aches or headaches but there is no actual illness. Teenagers might pull away from people or get very sensitive. Depression may seem like it would look the same no matter the age of the person, but in reality, it is very different.
Older adults experience depression too, but it is often overlooked or mistaken for signs of aging. Many assume that symptoms like tiredness, memory problems, or withdrawal from activities are just a normal part of getting older, but they can actually be signs of depression (National Institute on Aging, 2023). Because of this, depression in older adults often goes undiagnosed and untreated.
Treatment for depression differs depending on age. Adults are commonly treated with a combination of therapy and medication. One of the most effective therapies is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps people change negative thought patterns (Mayo Clinic, 2023). Children and adolescents may also receive therapy, but it often involves the family in the process. Parental consent is required for treatment, but it’s also important to respect the child’s privacy and emotional input. Medications for children are used cautiously because their brains and bodies are still developing, and therefore causing stronger side effects in children. For older adults, treatment is more complex. Doctors must consider other medications the person may be taking and watch for side effects or drug interactions. Therapy can also be harder to access for seniors due to transportation or cognitive issues.
Ethical considerations are crucial across all age groups. For minors, informed consent must come from a parent or guardian, but providers must still respect the child’s confidentiality to an appropriate degree. Adults are generally able to provide informed consent themselves. However, with older adults, especially those with cognitive decline or conditions like dementia, it can be difficult to determine if they fully understand their treatment options. In such cases, healthcare professionals must carefully evaluate their capacity to consent and consider involving caregivers or legal guardians when necessary (American Psychological Association, 2022).
Works Cited
American Psychological Association. (2022). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of
Conduct. https://www.apa.org/ethics/code.
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Depression (major depressive disorder). https://www.mayoclinic.org
diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007
National Institute on Aging. (2023). Depression and Older Adults.
By: Angelina Le-Hoang
Posted: 2/13/2026
Importance of Research in Medical School
Research experience is no longer just an optional resume booster for medical school applications. Research experience can directly influence which specialities are realistically available to an applicant. In the current residency match environment, research serves as a signal of academic interest, resilience, and potential for scholarly contribution. This is especially important for competitive specialities. As a result, students who enter medical school without research may narrow their specialty options.
In medical student forums, many medical school professors and students emphasize that highly competitive specialties often expect meaningful scholarly productivity, such as publications or specialty-specific projects. Even when not formally required, research demonstrates commitment and helps applicants build relationships with faculty mentors. Therefore, research also plays a role in high quality letters of recommendation.
These forums also state that the necessity of research experience varies by specialty. Many contributors to the forums state that specialities like family medicine or internal medicine places a heavier emphasis on clinical experience compared to research experience. However, competitive specialty fields like dermatology or surgery require research experience to be deemed competitive.
Ultimately, having research on a medical school resume expands opportunity. It strengthens applications, demonstrates dedication to a field, and helps students build the professional relationships that influence residency selection. However, it is important to note that entering medical school with no research does not make matching impossible, however it can make an applicant significantly less competitive in certain specialties.
By: Angelina Le-Hoang
Posted: 2/6/2026
Grade Inflation for Premeds
Grade inflation is the phenomenon when students’ grades are higher than the level of student
performance. Across many American universities, particularly elite institutions, A-range grades
have become increasingly normalized. As a result, average undergraduate GPAs have steadily
risen over the past several decades (Crimson Education; Independent Institute). While higher
grades may appear beneficial, this phenomenon presents serious challenges for students
pursuing competitive professional pathways, especially premed students. Because medical
school admissions rely heavily on GPA as a measure of academic readiness, grade inflation can
distort evaluation, weaken academic rigor, and create a false sense of preparedness.
Grade inflation has become widespread across U.S. higher education. At Harvard College,
A-range grades accounted for roughly 24% of all grades in 2005, but by 2025, more than 60%
of all grades awarded were in the A range, with the average GPA approaching 3.8 (Harvard
Magazine; Crimson Education). This dramatic shift shows that high grades have become
increasingly common regardless of performance differences. As grades rise uniformly, they lose
their ability to represent meaningful distinctions in academic achievement. For premed students,
whose success depends on demonstrating academic excellence in rigorous coursework, this
normalization of inflated grades undermines the reliability of one of the most important metrics in
their applications.
One of the most significant consequences of grade inflation for premed students is distorted
academic evaluation. When most students earn A’s, it becomes difficult to distinguish truly
exceptional performance from average work. Admissions committees must compare applicants
from institutions with widely varying grading standards, making GPAs less informative (ESM
Prep). A student with a 3.9 GPA from a school with severe grade inflation may not perform at
the same academic level as a student with a 3.6 GPA from a more rigorous institution. This lack
of standardization introduces inequity into admissions and weakens confidence in GPA as an
objective indicator of readiness for medical school.
Inflated grades may also create a false sense of preparedness among premed students. High
GPAs can give students confidence that they have mastered prerequisite material, even when
their understanding may be incomplete. Once in medical school, where grading standards are
often stricter and expectations are uniform, these students may struggle academically
(Independent Institute). This gap between perceived and actual preparedness can contribute to
stress, burnout, and reduced academic performance, ultimately undermining student well-being
and success.
Grade inflation is a pervasive issue that reshapes the academic landscape of higher education.
For premed students, its consequences are especially serious because grade inflation distorts
evaluation, weakens academic rigor, and fosters unrealistic perceptions of readiness. While
intended to support student morale, inflated grading ultimately diminishes the credibility of
academic achievement and undermines fairness in competitive professional pathways.
Addressing grade inflation is therefore essential to preserving the integrity of premedical
education and ensuring that future physicians are both rigorously trained and accurately
evaluated.
Crimson Education US. ‘Soul-Crushing’: Students Slam Harvard’s Grade Inflation Report.
Crimson Education, 2025,
https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2025/10/30/students-react-grading-report/
ESM Prep. The High Cost of Grade Inflation. ESMPrep.com, 2026,
https://www.esmprep.com/articles/the-high-cost-of-grade-inflation.
Harvard Magazine. “Grade Inflation Reaches New Highs.” Harvard Magazine, 2026,
https://www.harvardmagazine.com/university-news/harvard-summers-epstein-grade-inflation-cla
ss-2029.
Independent Institute. “The Pernicious Effects of Grade Inflation.” Independent.org, 29 Nov.
2025, https://www.independent.org/article/2025/11/29/the-pernicious-effects-of-grade-inflation/.
Minding The Campus. “Grade Inflation—Why Princeton Threw in the Towel.”
MindingTheCampus.org, 2014,
https://www.mindingthecampus.org/2014/10/15/grade-inflation-why-princeton-threw-in-the-towel/
By: Ashnie Trikha
Posted: 1/31/2026
Independence in Healthcare
The Declaration of Independence states, that "all men are created equal" and that people have the right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness", which define the ideals of our country. However, looking at healthcare in America today, it appears that these rights do not feel legitimate for everyone.
Not everyone has the same access to healthcare in the US. People from marginalized communities including low-income families, racial and ethnic minorities, rural communities or people with disabilities face barriers when seeking help. Some don’t have insurance and others live far from the nearest doctor or hospital and for many, care is just too expensive in their situation. Furthermore, individuals face discrimination in access to care because of the inherent inequities and racial biases of the system. The CDC (2024) says these gaps in care or health disparities are differences in health that are preventable and related to social determinants of health such as income, race or where you live.
The inequities in American healthcare are the opposite of the statement “all men are created equal”. For one of many examples, people with chronic mental illness often can’t get access to ongoing and affordable treatment. A recent report by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (2023) showed that between 2019 and 2022, more than half of the people seeking mental health or substance use care were unable to get those services at least once. Gaps in care can
come from stigma, treatment costs and shortage of providers.
The phrase "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" can also relate to health. Upon discussion about chronic health or mental conditions, we examined the notion that individuals will experience reductions in both their liberty and pursuit of happiness when they do not have consistent access to medical and mental health services. Untreated conditions may curtail one's ability to work, develop or maintain personal relationships, and even be engaged members of society.
The core values surrounding "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" found in the Declaration of Independence are still inherently important, but none have been wholly fulfilled by the current healthcare system. We must work to restore the ideals of the Declaration of Independence through taking actional steps to fix the inequity of our healthcare system.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, June 11). What is health equity?
https://www.cdc.gov/health-equity/what-is/index.html
National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2023, July 18). New report shows remarkable lack
of access to mental health care.
https://www.nami.org/nami-news/new-report-shows-remarkable-lack-of-access-to-mental-health
-care/
By: Carter Offhaus
Posted: 1/24/2026
Importance of Internships and Professionalism
Internships are unique learning experiences that bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and real world professional practice. Unlike traditional classes, they require a significant commitment of time, effort, and responsibility from both interns and supervisors, who often spend extra hours mentoring and guiding students. Expressing gratitude for this support is a professional norm and shows respect for their time and effort. A simple thank you can leave a lasting impression and help build strong professional relationships.
Professional conduct, such as being punctual, prepared, courteous, and respectful, is very important. Supervisors, such as Dr. Waggel, are looking at more than technical skills, they are also noticing professionalism, work ethic, and how well you work with others. Acknowledging mentorship demonstrates maturity and reliability, which employers and professional schools value. Not showing appreciation can unintentionally harm relationships and future opportunities.
In my experience, being professional and showing gratitude has opened doors and strengthened connections. Regularly checking in, thanking supervisors, and taking initiative helped me build strong references and develop good habits that support long term success, all of which started with Dr. Waggel and the internship. These habits, including networking, collaboration, and accountability, are especially important for anyone preparing for professional school or a future career in medicine.
By: Ainika Akuthota
Posted: 1/16/2026
Involuntary Hospitalization in Psychiatry
Involuntary hospitalization in psychiatry can refer to admitting a patient into a psychiatric facility contrary to their will due to them being at a serious risk of harm to themselves and/or to others. Involuntary hospitalization is a serious process that is not done unless other suitable options are not working. In order for a patient to be in this situation, they would have to show clear signs of mental illness disorders or substance use disorders and be considered dangerous to the environment.
In Virginia, a patient can be taken into custody by law enforcement or a health professional for evaluation under the ECO (Emergency Custody Order). After this order is in place, a health professional from the Community Service Board or a hospital can evaluate the patient up to 8 hours for adults and 24 hours for minors and decide if they need any further intervention. If the clinician deems that a patient needs further evaluation, then the next step would be to get a Temporary Detention Order from the magistrate to keep a patient in psychiatric hold for up to 72 hours until a hearing. In the hearing, the judge will decide, given the evidence, if a patient needs to stay at a psychiatric facility for further help. During this hearing, the patient is allowed to have an attorney to plead their case and is also allowed to be at the hearing. If they do not agree with the outcome of the hearing, the patient has the right to appeal the decision through the courts.
California is another state that has a process for involuntary hospitalization in psychiatry. Their process is very similar to Virginia’s in which a patient can be taken into hold for up to 72 hours if they are deemed as a danger to themselves and/or others. Though a difference in California than Virginia is that an individual can be placed on hold for 14 extra days if deemed necessary. If more than 14 days is required, a court order needs to be present for the patient to be admitted into a state hospital. All patients have the same rights in California as they do in Virginia.
In many cases, involuntary hospitalization may be required for the safety of the patient and for their surroundings. It gives patients a safe environment to access treatment and stabilize any dangerous and harmful symptoms. This hospitalization also gives patients a longer period for a chance of recovery that they may not have allowed themselves to access or get if not for involuntary hospitalization. Although this concept has many pros, it also has many potential negative aspects. For example, ethical concerns are a major area of conversation within this topic. Some feel that involuntary hospitalization strips patients of rights that they are rightly given and therefore is unethical. It is also a situation that causes much distress for the patient and their family and may cause negative implications in the process.
Citations
California’s protection & advocacy system. (n.d.). Understanding the Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Act. In California’s Protection & Advocacy System (Report Pub. #5608.01). https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/system/files/file-attachments/560801Ch1.pdf
Corderoy, A., Kisely, S., Zirnsak, T., & Ryan, C. J. (2024). The benefits and harms of inpatient involuntary psychiatric treatment: a scoping review. Psychiatry Psychology and Law, 1–48. https://doi.org/10.1080/13218719.2024.2346734
Emergency custody, temporary detention, and involuntary commitment. (n.d.). https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Departments/DHS/Behavioral-Healthcare/ECO-TDO-and-Involuntary-Commitment#:~:text=The%20involuntary%20hospitalization%20process%20typically,individual%20will%20be%20involuntarily%20hospitalized.
EXPLANATION OF INVOLUNTARY COMMITMENT PROCESS. (2022). In Commonwealth of Virginia, FORM DC-493. https://www.vacourts.gov/static/forms/district/dc493.pdf
Involuntary Psychiatric Hospitalization of Adults | Community Services Board. (n.d.). https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/involuntary-psychiatric-hospitalization-adults#:~:text=is%20also%20available.-,Overview,Temporary%20Detention%20Order%20(TDO)?
Specialist, T. (2025, August 5). What is a Voluntary Psychiatric Hold? | Mental Health Hope. Mental Health Hope. https://mentalhealthhope.com/voluntary-psychiatric-hold/#:~:text=A%205150%20hold%20allows%20mental,e.g.%2C%205250%20for%2014%20days)
Stallman, H. M., & Gupta, V. (2025, January 20). Involuntary commitment. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557377/#:~:text=Involuntary%20hospitalization:%20Compulsory%20admission%20to,and%20attendance%20at%20psychotherapy%20sessions.
Sullivan, M., Scherban, B., & Bera, S. (2024). Involuntary commitment: a humanitarian treatment. Psychiatric Services, 75(12), 1281–1283. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.20240145
Unknown. (2016). Guide to Psychiatric Crisis and civil commitment process in Virginia.
By: Marisa Mazari
Posted: 1/03/2026
Psychiatry in Pop Culture: Gossip Girl Edition
In the TV show Gossip Girl, Chuck Bass takes on a very complex character. Throughout the show, he is portrayed as the “bad boy” of upper class New York. Alongside his “bad” behavior, he is usually portrayed as emotionally detached—doing things without concern of the consequences or how it may affect others or even himself. After a series of traumatic events such as losing the love of his life to another man and the death of his father, Chuck begins to see a therapist. It turns out that the therapist was getting paid to extract information from him and provide it to someone else. Due to the plot twists in the show, Chuck was never normally diagnosed; however, he consistently shows clear symptoms of psychological distress. Instead of illustrating this as a psychological breakdown, the show uses it as an opportunity to deepen his dark persona and add to his mysteriousness.
Chuck’s character closely follows the psychiatric conditions of complicated grief and major depressive episodes. The portrayal of these conditions are very accurate in the series. Emotional withdrawal, a lack of interest in serious, long-term relationships, and reckless behavior contribute to many hardships in Chuck’s life. He completely isolates himself, heavily drinks, and even disappears to another country without informing his closest friends or the former love of his life. He becomes overcome by so much pain that he pays people to beat him up. He later claims that he “just wanted to feel something,” representing his inability to feel emotions or pain from the traumatic events that occurred. The show wisely depicted this as the downfall of a rich boy who has gone rogue rather than a mental health crisis.
Stereotypes were strongly reinforced amidst these events. For example, Chuck was never formally diagnosed and his psychiatric conditions were never acknowledged. This reinforces stereotypes about masculinity and emotional repression. In media, males often suppress their emotions or express it through isolation or violent behaviors. Chuck never received treatment for his mental health conditions, as the show focused on stylizing his pain and showing him go out of control. This overtakes his character so much that his suffering becomes part of his allure, as in what the numerous women he gets with see him as: a complicated, savage man. A dangerous stereotype is reinforced, depicting how men tend to silently suffer through emotional pain or act out. The stereotype that suffering is what makes a man strong, and if a man calls for help then he is weak, is represented in these events.
The target audience for Gossip Girl is mainly females, as the show is based heavily on drama, toxic relationships, and love. Not to say that men do not enjoy the show as well if they like the drama aspect! Teenagers and young adults are who this show was made for, and they may take the messages of the show without truly realizing how serious Chuck’s condition was. They may begin to think that not getting help is normal and that acting out is okay. The show fails to show any mental health resources or coping mechanisms, and instead presents trauma as glamorous and romantically appealing. Teenagers or young men who watch this show are subject to the perception that mental illness is “cool” and may develop distorted perceptions of what true emotional challenges look like in men. Females may also gain these same perceptions, but may also be affected in different ways such as becoming drawn to this kind of complexity in men.
Overall, Chuck Bass’ self-destructive tendencies and desire for physical pain can be traced back to the serious psychiatric conditions of complicated grief and major depressive episodes. Although undiagnosed and untreated, Chuck’s conditions improved by the end of the show as he finally gained the love of his life back and married her. While he still suffered mentally, he was doing better than before as he learned to utilize his extremely supportive and loving friends and family as shoulders to lean on when times got tough. This highlights the importance of having people in your life who truly care for your well-being.
Citations:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Major depressive disorder and the “bereavement exclusion” [PDF]. https://www.psychiatry.org/File%20Library/Psychiatrists/Practice/DSM/APA_DSM-5-Depression-Bereavement-Exclusion.pdf
American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). Prolonged grief disorder. Psychiatry.org. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/prolonged-grief-disorder
By: Angelina Le-Hoang
Posted: 12/20/2025
Paying for Graduate School: Alternatives to Student Loans
Graduating with an advanced degree is already a major investment. However, recent changes
in federal student loan policies make this investment even riskier. The OBBBA caps how much
students can borrow by implementing limits on graduate student loans and eliminating loan
programs that previously allowed students to borrow enough money to cover the full cost of
attendance. These shifts make federal student loans less reliable and push many students to
find alternative solutions.
Assistantships:
Many master’s and Ph.D. programs offer tuition waivers and stipends through teaching or
research assistantships. These roles allow students to gain valuable experience while receiving
financial support that covers a part of their tuition. According to the Council of Graduate
Schools, assistantships remain one of the most common ways for graduate students to finance
their degrees.
Fellowships:
Another major funding route is fellowships. Programs like the National Science Foundation’s
Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) and the U.S. Department of Education’s
Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) provide full tuition coverage and
additional support for living expenses. However, it is important to note that these fellowships are
highly competitive.
Employer Tuition Assistance:
Many employers now offer tuition assistance programs that help employees earn graduate
degrees while working. The Society for Human Resource Management reports that a growing
share of workplaces provide this benefit, which can cover part or all of tuition costs and may
even support work-related graduate programs.
Professional Organizations and Grants:
Professional associations and research institutions often offer scholarships, research awards
and training grants that do not need to be repaid. Organizations such as the American
Psychological Association and the National Institutes of Health provide funding opportunities
that can help cover tuition and ancillary costs of graduate school.
Citations
Carlin , D., Godfrey, J., Scott, A., Sowell, R., & Denecke, D. (n.d.). Graduate Study in the United States: A Guide for Prospective International Graduate Students (C. Flagg, Ed.). https://cgsnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Grad_Study_In_The_US_FINAL.pdf
Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need. (2024). U.S. Department of Education. https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/grants-special-populations/grants-economically-disadvantaged-students/graduate-assistance-areas-of-national-need
Novotney, A. (2021). Free money for education. Apa.org. https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2011/09/cover-money
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP). (2024, July 12). NSF - National Science Foundation. https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/grfp-nsf-graduate-research-fellowship-program
Tuition Benefits Yield Financial Payback for Employers. (n.d.). Www.shrm.org. https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/benefits-compensation/tuition-benefits-yield-financial-payback-employers
