Mental Health

A test strip designed to help doctors check a patient's urine for fentanyl is being distributed in the Bronx to encourage users of heroin or other opioids to check what's in their syringe before they inject.

An Experiment Helps Heroin Users Test Their Street Drugs For Fentanyl

4:34pm May 16, 2017

by Mary Harris

Some people on heroin die because the drug was laced with something much stronger — like fentanyl. A few needle exchange programs give users test strips to check their drug's content before injecting.

Psychiatrists Divided Over The 'Goldwater Rule' In The Age Of Trump

4:35pm May 15, 2017

NPR's Audie Cornish talks with Jane Mayer of The New Yorker about the debate among psychiatrists within the American Psychiatric Association about breaking from the Goldwater rule and making pronouncements about President Trump's mental health.

Hannah Vanderkooy demonstrates the napping pod she uses at Las Cruces High School in Las Cruces, N.M.

Stressed-Out High Schoolers Advised To Try A Nap Pod

12:54pm May 15, 2017

by Patti Neighmond

A high school in New Mexico is experimenting with light-shielding lounge chairs where frazzled students can rest. Research suggests it leads to calmer, less anxious teens who do better in school.

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A mother recognizes one of her traits in her daughter.

A Mother Finds Joy In Helping A Child Navigate Their Shared Traits

5:00am May 14, 2017

by Michelle Nijhuis

An unexpectedly rich reward of motherhood is the chance to show your child how to deal with traits passed down from you. A third-generation perfectionist and her daughter compare notes on Mr. P.

Frank Farry is a state representative in the 142nd Legislative District in Pennsylvania, as well as a volunteer firefighter. He created a crisis hotline to provide support for first responders.

First Responders Need Help Too: Crisis Hotline Caters To Emergency Workers

8:04am May 13, 2017

by Maquita Peters

NPR's Scott Simon speaks with Frank Farry about the crisis hotline he set up in Bucks County, Pa., for first responders. Farry says PTSD among public safety workers is an overlooked problem.

Elizabeth Lesser speaks at TEDWomen 2016 in San Francisco, California.

Health & Safety

Elizabeth Lesser: Why Is It So Hard To Ask For — And Offer — Forgiveness?

8:58am May 12, 2017

by NPR/TED Staff

Before donating bone marrow to her sister — Elizabeth Lesser and her sister undertook a process of seeking forgiveness from each other. She says forgiveness is hard but necessary for our well-being.

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Sue Klebold: When Your Son Does The Unthinkable, Can You Forgive Him And Yourself?

8:58am May 12, 2017

by NPR/TED Staff

Sue Klebold's son Dylan was one of the two shooters at Columbine High School. Nearly 20 years later, she talks about her struggle to understand his actions, and to find forgiveness.

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Thordis Elva and Tom Stranger speak at TEDWomen 2016 in San Francisco, California.

Thordis Elva And Tom Stranger: How Do You Move Forward After Sexual Violence?

8:58am May 12, 2017

by NPR/TED Staff

Tom Stranger raped Thordis Elva when they were dating in high school. Years later, they started a painful and painstaking dialogue about accountability and reconciliation.

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Creators of Magic: The Gathering say 20 million people worldwide play the card-trading game.

Why Do Children Love Those Fad Toys So?

4:58pm May 10, 2017

by Emily Sohn

Today it's fidget spinners, but soon it will be another little gizmo that children dearly, desperately want. The complicated social dynamics of childhood are one big reason.

Research Explores How Youth Access To Guns Is Linked To Mental Health Issues

4:37pm May 04, 2017

NPR's Robert Siegel talks with Eric Sigel, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and adolescent medicine specialist at Children's Hospital Colorado. He led new research that looks into how access to guns among adolescents is an indicator of more mental health issues and violent behavior.

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