Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the mental health struggles faced by professional athletes, particularly in high-pressure sports like tennis, emphasizing that even successful individuals may grapple with significant psychological challenges [1][2][3]. Group 1: Mental Health in Professional Sports - Over one billion people globally suffer from mental health disorders, with anxiety and depression being the most common issues [1]. - Professional tennis players experience unique psychological pressures due to the high commercialization and visibility of the sport, leading to mental health issues [2]. - Notable athletes like Naomi Osaka and Ashleigh Barty have publicly shared their struggles with mental health, illustrating the prevalence of these issues in the sport [2]. Group 2: Psychological Challenges Faced by Athletes - Athletes often travel extensively, facing challenges such as time zone changes, loneliness, and the pressure of competition, which can exacerbate mental health issues [2]. - Research indicates that professional players deal with a lack of stable social networks, economic pressures, and sleep disturbances, all of which contribute to their psychological challenges [2]. - The emotional toll of competition can lead to self-doubt and feelings of isolation, as highlighted by various players' experiences [2][6]. Group 3: Emotional Control and Performance - Athletes must manage intense pressure during competitions, which can lead to emotional outbursts and affect their performance [3][4]. - The psychological state of athletes is crucial for their performance, as distractions from emotions can hinder their ability to focus on the game [4]. - Mental resilience is essential for athletes to navigate the highs and lows of competition, as they often face physical pain and emotional struggles simultaneously [5][6]. Group 4: Coping Mechanisms and Strategies - Athletes are encouraged to adopt positive mental strategies, such as taking mental pauses and focusing on positive thoughts to manage anxiety [7]. - Understanding and accepting pressure as a challenge rather than a threat can enhance performance and mental well-being [7]. - Engaging in physical activity is beneficial for mental health, providing social support and a sense of belonging, which can alleviate feelings of loneliness and stress [7][8].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the inaccuracies of stress measurement by smartwatches and apps, emphasizing that the heart rate variability (HRV) used to gauge stress does not solely reflect psychological pressure but also includes various physiological factors [19][32][52]. Group 1: Measurement Methodology - Smartwatches typically measure stress through heart rate variability (HRV), which indicates the variation in time between heartbeats [19][30]. - A healthy heart rate shows variability, while a consistent rhythm indicates lower HRV, suggesting higher stress levels [20][28]. - The autonomic nervous system, comprising the sympathetic (SNS) and parasympathetic (PNS) systems, regulates heart rate and can influence HRV based on various stimuli [22][25]. Group 2: Factors Affecting HRV - Both psychological and physiological stressors can lower HRV, including caffeine intake, smoking, intense exercise, and emotional excitement [34][35][42]. - The smartwatch cannot differentiate between types of stress, leading to potential misinterpretations of the user's actual stress state [44][52]. Group 3: Research Findings - A study involving 781 students found a significant mismatch between smartwatch-measured stress and self-reported stress levels, indicating that wearable device data may not accurately reflect user experiences [46][49]. - The research concluded that wearable device data and self-reported data might represent different concepts, highlighting the limitations of current stress measurement technologies [50][51]. Group 4: User Perception and Misunderstanding - Many users may misinterpret the capabilities of stress-monitoring apps, believing they can accurately assess psychological pressure when they primarily reflect physiological load [56][62]. - The article suggests that while these apps can provide some value, they should not be relied upon for precise psychological assessments [59][65].

Core Viewpoint - Exercise addiction is becoming increasingly common among fitness enthusiasts, characterized by a compulsive need to work out despite potential negative consequences on physical and mental health [5][17][22]. Group 1: Understanding Exercise Addiction - Exercise addiction can be categorized into positive and negative forms, where positive addiction fosters a healthy lifestyle and social connections, while negative addiction can lead to injuries and eating disorders [4][8]. - The prevalence of exercise addiction among regular exercisers is estimated at 3% to 7%, with higher rates among athletes and fitness enthusiasts [5][18]. - Factors such as the use of smart fitness devices and online fitness platforms contribute to the rise of exercise addiction by promoting competition and data tracking [6][21]. Group 2: Psychological Aspects - Exercise addiction is often a response to emotional distress, particularly among younger individuals facing work-related pressures [7][27]. - A significant percentage of individuals with eating disorders also experience exercise addiction, indicating a correlation between the two [8][34]. - The need for emotional release through intense workouts is prevalent, with high-intensity group classes being particularly popular for stress relief [27][28]. Group 3: Implications and Recommendations - The negative aspects of exercise addiction can lead to a vicious cycle of overtraining and dissatisfaction with physical results, potentially resulting in further psychological issues [24][37]. - To mitigate the risks associated with exercise addiction, it is recommended to set realistic fitness goals, incorporate varied exercise types, and seek professional help if necessary [40].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of graduate students in China choosing to drop out of their programs, highlighting the pressures and challenges they face in academia and the job market [3][4]. Group 1: Statistics and Trends - In 2025, the number of candidates for the national master's degree entrance exam is projected to reach 3.88 million, with only 872,200 spots available, indicating nearly 3 million will not be admitted [3]. - Approximately 500,000 students drop out of Chinese universities each year, resulting in a dropout rate of nearly 3% among enrolled students [3]. - Among graduate students, the proportion of those who do not graduate on time is as high as 25% [3]. Group 2: Reasons for Dropping Out - Many students report that their decision to drop out is not impulsive but rather a culmination of long-standing feelings of frustration, panic, and repression [4][5]. - The transition from undergraduate studies to graduate research is often challenging, with many students feeling unprepared for the demands of independent research [14][15]. - Students like Eva and Zhou Wang initially viewed graduate school as a pathway to their ideal lives but faced overwhelming pressure and disillusionment, leading them to reconsider their choices [11][18]. Group 3: Personal Experiences - The article shares personal stories of students like Xi Xuan, who felt immense pressure and anxiety while seeking to leave their programs, illustrating the emotional toll of their experiences [9][10]. - Zhou Wang's experience highlights the disconnect between expectations and reality, as he struggled with a new research direction that was not aligned with his background [17]. - The narrative emphasizes the internal conflict students face when contemplating dropping out, often feeling guilt and fear of disappointing their families [13][28]. Group 4: Aftermath of Dropping Out - After leaving their programs, students experience a mix of relief and uncertainty, as they navigate their new paths and the societal perceptions of their decisions [32][34]. - The article notes that some students, like Xi Xuan, find new opportunities and a sense of freedom after dropping out, viewing it as a fresh start rather than a failure [40][41]. - The reactions from peers and potential employers vary, with some expressing understanding while others question their decisions, reflecting the stigma associated with dropping out [36][37].

Core Viewpoint - The research reveals a new mechanism by which psychological stress promotes pancreatic cancer through ALKBH5 deficiency and RNA transfer via extracellular vesicles, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies [3][9]. Group 1: Mechanism of Psychological Stress in Pancreatic Cancer - Psychological stress induces ALKBH5 deficiency, which leads to abnormal m6A modifications in RNA, promoting tumor innervation and progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) [3][6]. - The study demonstrates that pain perception and other stressors activate sympathetic nerves to release norepinephrine, downregulating ALKBH5 in tumor cells [6][9]. Group 2: Clinical Correlation and Potential Treatment - In PDAC patients, ALKBH5 levels are negatively correlated with tumor innervation and patient survival time [7]. - A natural flavonoid compound, fisetin, has been identified to inhibit neuronal uptake of extracellular vesicles carrying m6A-modified RNA, thereby suppressing excessive tumor innervation and cancer progression [7][9].