Hillsborough teachers, staff trained in mental health awareness ahead of new school year
Given the high and sometimes deadly stakes of students having mental health breakdowns, the district mandates the training for all 25,000 employees.
Hillsborough group gives women hope, healing as they start a hard-won new chapter
In a tiny house in Tampa Heights, there’s a window into a new life for women just out of jail.
New National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number launches over the weekend
A new, easy-to-remember National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number launches Saturday. Simply calling or texting 988 will connect those in crisis with trained counselors who listen and provide support for mental health-related distress.
Woman jailed for killing her children describes 'extremely painful' ordeal of medication denial in jail
The Tampa woman convicted of murdering her two teen children in 2011 says she's being denied timely doses of her prescribed medication, leading to "extremely painful" episodes while in prison.
After son's death, Highlands County mother spearheads Purple Alerts for those with cognitive disabilities
Florida has AMBER alerts, Blue Alerts, Silver Alerts and Sex Offender Alerts, but starting July 1, you can now receive Purple Alerts. These notifications go out when an adult, suffering from mental, cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities is missing, but does not meet criteria for a Silver Alert.
People more unhappy, stressed out than ever worldwide, poll finds
A new poll reflects that stress and worry for people reached a higher rate in 2021 compared to the emotions most felt at the start of the pandemic.
Gracepoint awarded $3.1 million to expand mental health care, treatment in Hillsborough County
As federal lawmakers take steps to address gaps in mental health funding and access, Florida continues to boost spending for treatment and programs across the state.
22-hour hockey game aimed at raising awareness for veteran suicide prevention
The number 22 had multiple meanings at a hockey event in Wesley Chapel Friday evening. For 22 hours straight, veterans are playing hockey to raise awareness for veteran suicide.
USF professor uses 'brain painting' to help treat those with ADHD through abstract art
The computer interfaced program is called “brain painting,” and it’s the brainchild of USF Researcher and Professor Marvin Andujar. He said the project started off from his work with brain-controlled drones, and then college students came to him for help with focus and concentration in classes.
Advocates worry Amber Heard, Johnny Depp case might cause some victims to not speak out
A jury unanimously decided Amber Heard defamed Johnny Depp in publishing an op-ed in 2018 in which she described herself as a victim of domestic abuse.
Kids who play team sports are less likely to have mental health issues, study suggests
“The results of this study, coupled with previous research findings, suggest that participation in organized team sport may be a useful medium through which to promote child and adolescent mental health,” the researcher said.
Jail diversion program helps adults diagnosed with mental health, substance abuse issues
Those accepted into the diversion program receive treatment at the Adele Gilbert Residential Treatment Facility for adults who have a diagnosed with mental illness and substance abuse issues.
'Let the kids lead the way': Talking to children about the Texas school shooting
In the aftermath of the deadly shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, parents are once again having difficult conversations with their children.
'His demeanor is perfect': PSO therapy dogs help deputies with mental health-related calls
More law enforcement agencies are changing how they handle people in crisis, including the Pasco County Sheriff's Office. Within the department’s behavioral health intervention team, there are four trained therapy dogs, and K-9 Mango is one of them.
Having more than 1 child can harm your mental health, study says
Researchers who gauged "parental burnout" in dozens of countries around the world found American moms and dads were among those feeling most exhausted.
Mental health mobile response unit helps more than 1,000 students in first year
A new program focused on the mental health of Hillsborough County students has been a success during its first year, district leaders said during a news conference Monday.
Rainbows, fog, heat on list of 13 weather-related phobias
Phobias related to nature and the environment are one of five subclassifications of fears outlined by the American Psychological Association.
St. Pete’s CALL Program serves more than 3,000 people in first year, city council extends program
Since the program started in February 2021, CALL has served over 3,000 people, completed over 5,400 contacts (a combination of live calls, follow-ups and referrals) and received over 1,000 officer referrals.
City of Tampa shines green to recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month
The city of Tampa had its main bridges and buildings lit up in green Sunday night to recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month. The effort by the non-profit Tampa Bay Thrives is meant to raise awareness about care options, especially for teens facing a mental health crisis.
Mental health mobile response team has positive impact during first year in Hillsborough County schools
District leaders increased mental health services for Hillsborough County school students this year. Noticing the impact of COVID-19, the district added an additional 100 therapists and invested $1.4 million to create a mental health mobile response unit.