Mental Health

Crews set a backfire in an effort to gain control of the massive Caldor fire near the Tahoe basin in California on Aug. 26.

Health & Safety

Climate Change Is Making Natural Disasters Worse — Along With Our Mental Health

12:52pm September 11, 2021

by Sharon Pruitt-Young

With so many disasters happening so frequently, many people are feeling overwhelmed or hopeless. Reflecting on what you can do personally to combat climate change may help, a psychiatrist says.

For Many There That Day, The Attacks On 9/11 Have Had Lasting Mental Health Impacts

4:31pm September 08, 2021

by Rhitu Chatterjee

Survivors, witnesses and recovery workers of the attacks on the World Trade Center experience increased rates of mental illnesses like PTSD and depression from trauma, according to researchers.

Attitudes Around COVID Can Add Even More Pain And Anger For Those Grieving Loved Ones

4:35pm September 07, 2021

by Brett Sholtis | WITF

Politicization of the pandemic has created stigma or silence around COVID-19 deaths in some communities, leading to "disenfranchised grief," as the death is tinged with a supposed "moral" failure.

One neuroscientist finds that simply savoring a cup of tea as a daily morning ritual has helped her quell anxious thoughts in pandemic times. "It felt like I finally had a great excuse to just be present and enjoy the breeze and warmth of the bowl of tea

6 Tips For Coping With COVID Anxiety This Fall And Winter

7:13am September 04, 2021

by April Fulton

It's clear the next couple of seasons won't be the "life as usual" we all hoped for. Rituals, deep breathing and reaching out to friends are just a few ways to manage anxiety when the days grow dark.

Students wear mask as they arrive at school for in-person learning at Holmes Middle School in Wheeling, Ill., on Oct. 21, 2020. Students in Illinois schools will be able to take up to five excused mental or behavioral health days beginning in January 2022

Kids In Illinois Will Soon Be Able To Take 5 Mental Health Days From School

1:36pm September 02, 2021

by Jonathan Franklin

Starting in January, students will be allowed to use their five mental health days without needing to provide a doctor's note for their absence.

Two demonstrators protest against U.S. Judge Robert Drain, who has granted immunity from future opioid lawsuits to members of the Sackler family.

The Sacklers, Who Made Billions From OxyContin, Win Immunity From Opioid Lawsuits

6:56am September 02, 2021

by Brian Mann

The decision by a federal bankruptcy judge grants members of the family who own Purdue Pharma, maker of OxyContin, sweeping protection from any liability for the opioid crisis.

A new study examines whether or not dogs are able to understand the difference between a human's mistake versus active intent to withhold a treat.

Your Dog May Know If You've Done Something On Purpose, Or Just Screwed Up

11:13am September 01, 2021

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

An experiment involving dog treats suggests our canine pals may understand the difference when a human withholds a treat by accident and when they do so on purpose. But don't press your luck.

Sports

Noah Rubin: The Man 'Behind The Racquet'

4:39pm August 31, 2021

by David Ford

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While Dealing With Rape Cases, Police Learn How Trauma Affects The Brain

8:26am August 26, 2021

by Sammy Caiola

Police say rape cases are tough because a victim's memory is often spotty. The ways trauma affects the brain is helping police in rape and sexual assault cases.

Artificial intelligence brain by particle form.

In 'Dopamine Nation,' Overabundance Keeps Us Craving More

2:34pm August 25, 2021

by Terry Gross

Psychiatrist Anna Lembke's new book explores the brain's connection between pleasure and pain. It also helps explain addictions — not just to drugs and alcohol, but also to food, sex and smartphones.

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