Bay Area law enforcement shift strategies for dealing with mental health
Law enforcement agencies are taking a hard look at how they police the community, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced a new behavioral health program, joining Tampa and St. Petersburg police departments in changing how they respond to mental health-related calls.
Eye-movement therapy helping woman overcome PTSD 9 years after Somali pirates held her captive
The kidnapping of an American woman by Somali pirates made international headlines and now she's sharing her struggles with PTSD to help others in the Bay Area.
Cow-hugging is the new animal therapy trend we all need
While therapy animals are not a new concept, hugging cows in the name of wellness is gaining popularity not just in its origin country, but in the U.S. as well.
Military suicides up as much as 20% amid COVID-19 pandemic
Military suicides have increased by as much as 20% this year compared to the same period in 2019, and some incidents of violent behavior have spiked.
Pinellas County sheriff adding six crisis specialists to address mental health situations
Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri says trying to turn police officers into mental health professionals is like trying to jam a round ball through a square hole.
Police departments slow to address need for mental health support in law enforcement
Critical decisions can be the difference between life and death during a mental health emergency, and police officers often end up responding to those calls.
Overdose awareness more important than ever as families struggle during pandemic
Ida Wyland knew Monday would be difficult, but she couldn’t be more driven to power through. The day marks International Overdose Awareness Day, and just five months ago she lost her son Jarred.
Medical marijuana edibles approved for sale, with limitations on shapes, colors
Animal crackers and gummy bears are off the table, but Florida medical marijuana operators finally will be allowed to manufacture and sell THC-infused cookies, cakes and candies, after state health officials released a rule outlining edible marijuana products.
Report highlights COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on sleep and mental health around the world
Researchers said the findings suggest people all over the world are consuming too much technology and news, which is generally making them feel more anxious.
More than a quarter of young adults contemplated suicide during coronavirus pandemic, CDC says
The CDC mental health survey found that younger adults, minorities, essential workers and unpaid adult caregivers have been disproportionately impacted.
Healing while Black: Virtual summit aims to address mental well-being for people of color
July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month - a time when the spotlight focuses on historically underserved groups. Bay Area counselors told FOX 13 talking about mental health is crucial to healing.
FCC to vote in July to make '988' the suicide hotline number
Federal regulators will vote in July on whether to make “988” the number to reach a suicide prevention hotline.
FDA approves first-ever prescription video game to help kids with ADHD
EndeavorRx is a game aimed at improving attention function and symptoms associated with ADHD in 8 to 12-year-olds.
Philadelphia tattoo studio offers free services to cover self-harm scars
Under "Project Tsukurou," Fishtown's Crown and Feather Tattoo Co. offers free services for self-harm victims who want to turn their scars into art.
Airlines could ban emotional-support animals under proposed rule change
The days of passengers bringing their pets on airplanes as emotional-support animals could be ending.
Raising minimum wage by $1 could prevent thousands of suicides each year, study suggests
Researchers estimated that a $1 increase to the current state minimum wage could have prevented 27,550 suicide deaths from 1990-2015, according to estimates from a new study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
Community prepares to support children left behind by double murder, suicide
People are pledging to help four young children who became orphans in an act of violence on Christmas Eve.
Suicide prevention is a year-round endeavor for St. Pete woman who fought back from the brink
All Tiffany Mills needs to make a difference is a hammer and some paper signs attached to small wooden posts.
Aaron Carter fans call police for welfare check after he fell asleep during a live stream
Aaron Carter was visited by police and paramedics at his home Wednesday night who were worried about a possible overdose that was later deemed a false alarm.
National suicide hotline may become a three-digit number
National leaders are moving forward with a three-digit hotline for suicide prevention using 988.