Study: Middle-aged people who sleep less than than 7 hours nightly may have increased risk of dementia
A recent study highlighted by the National Institutes of Health found that middle-aged people who slept less than seven hours a night and/or had irregular sleep patterns could be at higher risk of developing dementia later in life.
Mental health experts notice new phenomenon: Anxiety about life after COVID-19
Mental health experts are noticing a new phenomenon: anxiety about life after COVID-19. As restrictions are lifted and activities resume, normal may not feel so "normal" anymore.
Addiction recovery programs find new ways to offer support in pandemic
Addiction recovery is difficult, even the best of times. But the isolation and stress of the pandemic have made finding support even harder, forcing programs to think outside the box.
Study: 1 in 3 COVID-19 survivors develop mental health problems within 6 months
A new study shows COVID-19 affects the mind and the brain in significant ways after researchers found a third of people who survive the virus develop mental health or brain disorders they never had before.
Researchers develop blood test that could help gauge depression, bipolar disorder
Researchers say they found a way to tell from a person’s blood how severe their depression is, the risk of developing severe depression in the future and the risk of future bipolar disorder.
US suicides fell nearly 6% in 2020, defying COVID-19 pandemic expectations
The number of U.S. suicides fell nearly 6% last year amid the coronavirus pandemic — the largest annual decline in at least four decades, according to preliminary government data.
CDC director declares racism a ‘serious public health threat’ impacting millions of Americans
On Thursday, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, declared racism a “serious public health threat."
More than a third of COVID-19 survivors suffer neurological and psychiatric effects, study finds
A new study shows that more than one in three COVID-19 survivors may suffer from longer-term neurological and psychiatric effects from the virus.
Woman says doctor gave her outdated diagnosis based on her sexuality
A Troy woman said her medical chart included a diagnosis that hasn't been used in decades.
Metro Atlanta therapist launches mobile therapy unit
A metro Atlanta therapist says that because of the pandemic she had not met with her patients face to face for more than a year.
School plotters are often bullied, suffer from depression: Secret Service study
The warning signs are all there.
Atlanta Public Schools expanding mental health services for students
Atlanta Public Schools students could have more options for trauma and mental health services as soon as this fall.
Georgia Tech grads launch app to help people quit drinking while social distancing
Research shows a surge in heavy drinking in 2020, citing stress brought on by the pandemic. Alcohol sales spiked in the early days of lockdown.
Parents of virtual learners say their kids have worse mental health, less time outside, CDC survey finds
One year after the coronavirus pandemic shut down schools nationwide, a CDC survey released Thursday shows that remote learning has taken a toll on the mental and physical health of both parents and children.
People remain resilient despite COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 World Happiness report says
An annual report on happiness around the world suggests the coronavirus pandemic has not crushed people’s optimism about the future after a year of loneliness, anxiety, lockdowns, illness and death.
‘It’s an idea whose time has come’: Spain to test out 4-day workweek
A Spanish political party’s proposal for an experimental four-day workweek was accepted by Spain’s government, which is hoping to help the country achieve a better work/life balance.
Georgia House approves budget, adds mental health funding
Friday, the Georgia House of Representatives approved a $27.2 billion budget for the upcoming year.
Georgia House seeks bigger bump in mental health spending
Georgia House members want to spend more on mental health and state universities next year, using savings from the state share of the Medicaid program and reduced debt payments.
Denver’s STAR program successfully sent mental health professionals, not police, to hundreds of calls
Denver’s STAR program launched in June of 2020 has successfully responded to nearly 750 mental health calls, all of which have resulted in no arrests, no injuries and no police.
Nonprofit seeks mentors for Georgia foster kids 'aging-out' of system
More than 40 percent of foster children who age-out of the system are homeless within a year and a half and 50 percent have substance abuse issues, according to the faith-based non-profit.