Mental Health / Public News Service

Adults with disabilities report experiencing frequent mental distress almost five times as often as adults without disabilities. Telehealth appointments can help make mental-health resources more accessible. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Supporting New Yorkers With Disabilities Facing Mental-Health Challenges

The pandemic has had a devastating impact on people across the country. For people with disabilities, who already face a lot of social isolation to …

The National Institute on Aging says loved ones of people experiencing depression should encourage them to seek medical treatment and stick with a treatment plan a doctor prescribes. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Older Arkansans Face Mental-Health Challenges During COVID-19

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, Arkansas health officials are reminding older adults of resources available, as the social …

A recent study ranked Oregon as having the highest prevalence of mental illness in the country. (sewcream/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Peer Support Helps Reduce Stigma of Mental-Health Care

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and there are many stressors for people right now, from the pandemic to the economy. There is a high …

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wisconsin had 64,400 farms in 2020, down 500 from 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Help is Available for WI Farmers Facing Mental-Health Challenges

From inflation to climate change, Wisconsin farmers face numerous sources of stress that can't help but affect their health. And one program is …

In 2021, more than one-third of high school students nationwide reported experiencing poor mental health during the pandemic, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Experts Urge Focus on Healthy Summer Habits for KY Kids

As Kentucky students head into the unofficial start of summer this weekend, children's advocates are urging families to prioritize physical activity…

In a 2020 survey conducted during the pandemic, 52% of military veterans and service members said their mental health had worsened since socially distancing. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

During Mental Health Awareness Month, 'Be There' for Military Vets

May marks both Mental Health Awareness Month and Military Appreciation Month. In Pennsylvania, officials want to ensure that veterans know mental-…

A UNLV study found Nevada has only one mental health professional for every 460 residents, and the shortage of pediatric providers is particularly severe. (Zinkevych/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Mental Health Awareness Month: NV Advocates Press for Resources

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and advocates in the Silver State said drastic changes are needed to improve access to services. The latest …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the number of adolescents reporting poor mental health is increasing, noting that mental health problems in youth often go hand-in-hand with other health and behavioral risks. (Adobe Stock)

Law Boosts FL Mental Health Focus For Students And Families

Starting in July, Florida students and families will receive more information on the mental health services they are entitled to. Rep. Christine …

In a new report, 8.7% of adults age 65+ in Ohio reported frequent mental distress. (Adobe Stock)

Older Adults Report Troubling Struggles with Mental Health

Among the needs highlighted during Mental Health Awareness Month are those for older adults. It's become a serious challenge, says a new America's …

Since 2016, North Dakota has recorded more than 2,100 Alzheimer's deaths, with women making up 70% of those cases. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Rising Cases, ND Creates Alzheimer's Dashboard

Alzheimer's disease is one of the leading causes of death in North Dakota, prompting state officials to launch an online dashboard, where the public …

Research shows that high-quality after-school programs improve educational outcomes, school attendance, and social and emotional learning. (Adobe Stock)

Demand for After-School, Summer Learning Programs Soars Across KY

A new survey finds 8 in 10 Kentucky parents say afterschool programs could help their child combat social and mental-health struggles by reducing unpr…

In 2020, Connecticut had 219 firearm deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Hartford Launches Hospital-Based Gun-Violence Intervention Program

With firearm deaths in Connecticut and across the country on the rise, a new initiative in Hartford aims to interrupt gun violence through a …

Beyond school counselors, parents and private providers, mental-health advocates urge faith-based and other community groups to provide safe spaces for kids dealing with stress and anxiety. (Adobe Stock)

IA Mental Health Voices: The Kids Aren't All Right

As the school year winds down, education leaders are shedding light on increased mental-health demands among students, including thoughts of suicide…

Around 40% of young people who've experienced care will experience homelessness. (Brian/Adobe Stock)

MA Group: Campus-Based Supports Needed for Former Foster Youth

May is National Foster Care Month, and groups that serve foster youths and families say improvements are needed for outcomes and to reduce …

Activities like hikes can help improve Idaho kids' mental health. (Brocreative/Adobe Stock)

HOPE Week Promotes Positive Experiences for Kids' Mental Health

May is mental health awareness month. As part of that, groups in Idaho are using HOPE Week to help kids in crisis and reduce the state's worrying …

The Pennsylvania Council for Children, Youth and Family Services says a $94.7 million one-time funding increase would break down to about $5,000 for each filled and vacant position in the state. (Adobe Stock)

Child and Family Providers Request $94M to Address Staff Shortage

Advocates for juvenile-justice and child-welfare providers in Pennsylvania want the General Assembly to approve one-time funding to boost staff recrui…

This year, the theme for Mental Health Awareness Month is "Together for Mental Health." (Benjavisa Ruangvaree/Adobestock)

During Mental Health Awareness Month, CA Policymakers Mull Priorities

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and advocates are hoping Gov. Gavin Newsom will prioritize the issue in his revised budget, due by Sunday…

Seven in 10 parents say their kids have interacted with a smartphone before age 11. (dubova/Adobe Stock)

MI Educator: Engage With Your Kids' Social Media Use

During Mental Health Awareness Month, experts, parents and health professionals are spotlighting the effects of screens and social media on young …

The Journal of the American Medical Association says trans youths with access to gender-affirming care are 60% less likely to have moderate to severe depression and are 73% less suicidal. (MaryBettiniBlank/Pixabay)

States Form Coalition to Counter Anti-LGBTQ Bills

New Mexico and 18 other states have announced plans to introduce legislation they say will be needed to protect transgender kids from civil and crimin…

<a href= — Ohio teens are 4% less likely to have used drugs in the past month than the average teen in the United States. (Prevention Action Alliance)

Ohio Youth Council: Drug, Alcohol Use is Not the Norm

Hundreds of Ohio teens join together today to bust myths about teenage substance use. The "We Are The Majority" rally promotes the fact that most …

There are 3,000 Idaho children in out-of-home placement in each year. (sewcream/Adobe Stock)

ID Looks to Recruit More Parents During Foster Care Month

May is National Foster Care Month and Idaho is focused on bringing more foster parents into the fold. It's always been difficult for states to …

Participants in the Little Scandinavia program at SCI Chester will be chosen through a lottery system with the goal of creating a population that reflects the greater prison population. (Commonwealth Media Services)

PA's 'Little Scandinavia' Prison Unit to Focus on Rehabilitation

The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections has officially launched "Little Scandinavia," a unit in a state prison to focus on rehabilitation and reint…

In an April 2021 Pew Research Center poll, more than 40% of parents said they thought their child was "spending too much time" on their phone, up from 28% in April 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Education Leaders, Kids' Health Advocates Want Social-Media Reform

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and some education leaders and medical experts are urging parents to take a more active role in monitoring …

Close to half of the students who responded to <a href= — Close to half of the students who responded to the Pennsylvania Youth Survey in 2021 said during the pandemic, they "played more online games with others" than they usually do. (Adobe Stock)

Parents, Advocates Voice Concerns about Social-Media Impact on Youth

It's no secret that the last two years of the pandemic have taken a toll on young people's mental health. During this Mental Health Awareness Month…

Tech Insider, Health Experts Call Social Media Growing Threat to Kids

Last year, a whistleblower lifted the curtain on how Facebook and its sister companies impact children's mental health. Now, alongside teachers and …

Some experts believe<a href= — Some experts believe children can be better protected by strictly enforcing age restrictions. Users' identities could be verified while still being allowed the freedom to not use real names while posting. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: CA Must Act Now to Protect Youth from Social Media Dangers

As children grow up, parents and caregivers across California face the difficult decision of how to oversee social media use. But is that decision …

A leak of thousands of internal documents to journalists in 2021, detailing how social media giant Facebook handled everything from the January 6th insurrection to mental health issues among young women and girls. (Adobe Stock)

Facebook Whistleblower, Health Experts Discuss Social Media's Impact on Kids

Last year, a whistleblower at Facebook lifted the curtain on how the platform, and its sister companies, impact young kids' mental health. Frances …

The nonprofit Save the Children says rural poverty in America is an emergency, noting almost 12 million children live in poverty, a burden disproportionately affecting Black and Hispanic kids, as well as those living in rural areas. (Adobe Stock)

In TN, Mental-Health Issues Increase Child Anxiety

Marking Mental Health Awareness Month, advocates contended more outreach and services are needed to help Tennessee mothers with postpartum depression…

Two-thirds of the country's mental health-care deserts are in rural America, where three in five adults have reported the pandemic has impacted mental health in their communities "a lot or some." (Adobe Stock)

Experts: WV Mental-Health Issues Can Spur Child Anxiety

Marking Mental Health Awareness Month, advocates contended more outreach and services are needed to help West Virginia caregivers with their mental …

A child reads during one of Save the Children's after-school programs in Central Valley California. (Tamar Levine/Save the Children)

Literacy Programs Work to Mitigate Learning Loss from Pandemic Disruption

Literacy programs are making headway against the learning loss associated with pandemic school disruptions, which put many students four to five …

Mental-health professionals working in schools report seeing more student referrals, but are often short-staffed in helping them. And there are growing waiting lists for providers outside the classroom. (Adobe Stock)

MN Educators Amplify Message on Mental-Health Demands in Schools

This story is part of our continued look at mental-health demands playing out in Minnesota schools. It's Teacher Appreciation Week, and Minnesota …

Senate Bill 154 would require assisted facility owners to check Colorado's Adult Protective Services Data System prior to hiring an employee who is responsible for the care and welfare of residents. (Adobe Stock)

Measure to Protect Assisted-Living Residents Advances

Colorado residents in assisted-living facilities could soon have the same protections in place under federal law at nursing homes. Senate Bill 154 …

The StrongerMemory program material is free to the public and can be downloaded at https://goodwinhouse.org/stronger-memory. (Adobe Stock)

MD Launches Brain Health Program for Older Adults

Maryland has launched a brain-health program in senior centers aimed at helping older adults experiencing memory loss. Called StrongerMemory…

By the end of the decade, Washington state needs to add more than 70,000 caregivers. (Satjawat/Adobe Stock)

WA Caregivers in Focus for Mental Health Awareness Month

May is mental health awareness month and many people across the country are dealing with extra strain from COVID-19 over the past two years. …

More than 600,000 children received a child protective services investigation response or alternative response nationwide in 2020, according to the Department of Health and Human Services Child Maltreatment Report. (Adobe Stock)

New KY Law Clarifies Definition of Child Abuse

Gov. Andy Beshear has signed legislation clarifying the definition of child abuse and neglect, and allowing the state to move faster on suspected …

As teens and adolescents report feeling more stress and anxiety during the pandemic, those who feel supported in places such as schools were less likely to feel sad and hopeless, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

ND Provider: Teen Mental-Health Needs Are Visible

As the school year winds down, mental-health providers say they recognize many students still feel the weight of the pandemic, and in North Dakota…

Despite a limited number across the state, some Montana school districts didn't prioritize counselors with COVID-19 relief funds. (Mr Doomits/Adobe Stock)

Teen Depression Underscores Important Role of School Counselors

More than two years into the pandemic, depression among teenagers is up, and one way to support kids' mental health could be through school …

More than half of all unenrolled adults report that the cost of a college degree is a major factor in why they have not continued their education. (Adobe Stock)

'Emotional Stress' Impacting College Students, Report Finds

In the wake of disruptions and losses due to COVID-19, research showed the majority of college students in Arkansas and beyond who left school over …

Around 34% of Ohioans recently polled reported symptoms of anxiety or depression. (Adobe Stock)

Pandemic Got You Down? Boost Mental Health With Time Outdoors

By Trista Bowser at Kent State UniversityBroadcast version by Mary Schuermann reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration…

The Gallup-Lumina report also found the financial cost of college is an important reason some students don't continue their education. The average student debt for Connecticut residents is $35,000. (Adobe Stock)

College Students Who "Stopped Out" Want to Return, But Face Challenges

In the wake of disruptions and losses due to COVID-19, research shows the majority of college students in Connecticut and beyond who left school over …

Multiracial bachelor's and associate degree students were the most likely of all racial and ethnic groups to report it was very difficult to remain enrolled in school in the fall of 2021, the report found. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Emotional Stress a Pandemic Challenge for College Students

Current and prospective college students in Maryland and beyond are struggling with pandemic-related disruptions which can jeopardize their studies…

Around 1.5 million Ohioans have some college, but no degree or credential. (Adobe Stock)

Despite Stresses, Study Shows Students Value Higher Education

In the wake of stresses, disruptions and losses due to COVID-19, research shows the majority of college and university students who stopped out over …

Over the past decade, there's been a nearly 50% reduction in homelessness among military veterans nationwide. (Adobe Stock)

New ND Infinitive Helps Veterans Address Legal Barriers in Housing

The U.S. has made strides in reducing homelessness among military veterans, but barriers still exist in some situations. A new partnership aims to …

Unhoused residents who apply to live at Albuquerque's Hope Village must meet the federal definition of homelessness, have a documented mental, emotional or behavioral disorder and income at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. (courtesy Hope Village)

Albuquerque Opens Center of "Hope" for Homeless Population

In the midst of the pandemic, hope was in the air as construction proceeded on a one-of-a-kind housing project to serve a portion of Albuquerque's …

The death rate from Alzheimer's Disease more than 42 per 100,000 in Washington state. (Khunatorn/Adobe Stock)

Rise in Dementia Underscores Need for Planning Care in Advance

This Saturday is National Health Care Decisions Day, focusing on the importance of planning your care decisions in advance. Kim Callinan, president …

On April 22, AARP Wyoming will hold paper-shredding events in Sheridan, Rock Springs and Cheyenne, where folks can bring their personal documents to be safely discarded. (Adobe Stock)

Breaking the Silence on Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is experienced by at least one in 10 people aged 60 and older who live at home, and AARP Wyoming is working to ensure people have the …

An estimated 400,000 Texans have Alzheimer's disease. (Adobe Stock)

Nat'l. Healthcare Decisions Day in TX: Tough but Necessary Conversations

This Saturday is National Health Care Decisions Day, a reminder everyone should have plans in place in case they need medical attention and are …

Geneva Ortiz, Tom Elmhorst and Mildred Griffee sort surplus bread as weekly volunteers for Albuquerque's Roadrunner Food Bank. (courtesy photo: rrfb)

Purpose, Better Health Drives New Mexico Volunteers

COVID-19 shutdowns sent many New Mexico volunteers home to isolate, especially those 60 and older. This month, volunteer contributions are being …

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Mental Health

Supporting New Yorkers With Disabilities Facing Mental-Health Challenges

Older Arkansans Face Mental-Health Challenges During COVID-19

Peer Support Helps Reduce Stigma of Mental-Health Care

Help is Available for WI Farmers Facing Mental-Health Challenges

Experts Urge Focus on Healthy Summer Habits for KY Kids

During Mental Health Awareness Month, 'Be There' for Military Vets

Mental Health Awareness Month: NV Advocates Press for Resources

Law Boosts FL Mental Health Focus For Students And Families

Older Adults Report Troubling Struggles with Mental Health

Amid Rising Cases, ND Creates Alzheimer's Dashboard

Demand for After-School, Summer Learning Programs Soars Across KY

Hartford Launches Hospital-Based Gun-Violence Intervention Program

IA Mental Health Voices: The Kids Aren't All Right

MA Group: Campus-Based Supports Needed for Former Foster Youth

HOPE Week Promotes Positive Experiences for Kids' Mental Health

Child and Family Providers Request $94M to Address Staff Shortage

During Mental Health Awareness Month, CA Policymakers Mull Priorities

MI Educator: Engage With Your Kids' Social Media Use

States Form Coalition to Counter Anti-LGBTQ Bills

Ohio Youth Council: Drug, Alcohol Use is Not the Norm

ID Looks to Recruit More Parents During Foster Care Month

PA's 'Little Scandinavia' Prison Unit to Focus on Rehabilitation

Education Leaders, Kids' Health Advocates Want Social-Media Reform

Parents, Advocates Voice Concerns about Social-Media Impact on Youth

Tech Insider, Health Experts Call Social Media Growing Threat to Kids

Experts: CA Must Act Now to Protect Youth from Social Media Dangers

Facebook Whistleblower, Health Experts Discuss Social Media's Impact on Kids

In TN, Mental-Health Issues Increase Child Anxiety

Experts: WV Mental-Health Issues Can Spur Child Anxiety

Literacy Programs Work to Mitigate Learning Loss from Pandemic Disruption

MN Educators Amplify Message on Mental-Health Demands in Schools

Measure to Protect Assisted-Living Residents Advances

MD Launches Brain Health Program for Older Adults

WA Caregivers in Focus for Mental Health Awareness Month

New KY Law Clarifies Definition of Child Abuse

ND Provider: Teen Mental-Health Needs Are Visible

Teen Depression Underscores Important Role of School Counselors

'Emotional Stress' Impacting College Students, Report Finds

Pandemic Got You Down? Boost Mental Health With Time Outdoors

College Students Who "Stopped Out" Want to Return, But Face Challenges

Report: Emotional Stress a Pandemic Challenge for College Students

Despite Stresses, Study Shows Students Value Higher Education

New ND Infinitive Helps Veterans Address Legal Barriers in Housing

Albuquerque Opens Center of "Hope" for Homeless Population

Rise in Dementia Underscores Need for Planning Care in Advance

Breaking the Silence on Elder Abuse

Nat'l. Healthcare Decisions Day in TX: Tough but Necessary Conversations

Purpose, Better Health Drives New Mexico Volunteers