Sandy Springs court working on treatment program for offenders struggling with mental illness, substance abuse

The city is working on two treatment programs. One will target non-violent offenders, the other will focus on DUI cases. The city's Solicitor said having someone with a mental illness or substance abuse problems sitting in jail isn't going to any good.

Americans lost 5.5 million collective years of life to COVID-19, Pew says

A recent report from the Pew Research Center found that COVID-19 accounted for more lost years of life among Americans than all accidental deaths combined in 2020.

Youth suicide attempts increased 31% amid COVID-19 pandemic, CDC says

Suicide attempts among adolescents increased 31% amid the COVID-19 pandemic and over 50% of that was among females, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

South Fulton leaders explain declaring racism a public health concern

The council members who put forth the resolution acknowledging that declaration want to bring attention to the racial disparities and income inequalities in policy making.

Grand Slam leaders vow to address players’ mental health as athletes lend support for Naomi Osaka

Athletes voiced their support following Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal from the French Open, prompting the leaders of the four Grand Slam tournaments to address players’ concerns about mental health.

Retired soldiers broaden George Floyd's spotlight to veterans killed by police

Retired Army Lt. Colonel Amos King has been on a mission to advocate for veterans killed in police encounters ever since Air Force veteran Anthony Hill was fatally shot by then DeKalb County Police Officer Robert Olsen in 2015.

Rosalynn Carter recognized by WHO for mental health advocacy

Former first lady Rosalynn Carter was recognized for more than 50 years of mental health advocacy with an award from the World Health Organization.

Americans not getting mental health care needed amid pandemic, reports suggest

The ongoing pandemic has made access to mental health services more necessary than ever, though new reports suggest Americans aren’t getting the care they need.

US health officials say anxiety caused COVID-19 vaccine reactions in 5 states

U.S. health officials concluded that anxiety caused fainting, dizziness and other short-term reactions in dozens of people at coronavirus vaccine clinics in five states.

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.