Three high school hockey players suspended after 16-year-old takes her own life, parents say
A 16-year-old took her own life just days before the start of her senior year at East Lake High School. McKenna Brown's parents say their daughter was severely bullied and harassed online. Now, three of the teen's hockey teammates who were allegedly behind the harassment have now been suspended by the Lightning High School Hockey League, her mom says.
For the first time, task force recommends anxiety screenings for children as young as 8
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force found that screening in primary care can help identify anxiety and depression in older children and teens who are not showing symptoms.
Families who eat meals together are often less stressed, survey finds
Overall, the respondents of the American Heart Association survey reported eating alone about half of the time due to difficulties aligning schedules.
Crisis Center of Tampa Bay responds to drastic increase in calls after Hurricane Ian
As people begin the long road to recovery after Hurricane Ian, there’s an even greater need for physical and emotional support.
How petting dogs could improve your attention span and motivation
Researchers concluded that the brain stimulation felt by regularly petting a dog could translate to improved cognitive function down the road.
Antidepressant use during pregnancy not linked to ADHD, autism: study
Doctors say untreated mental illness is more dangerous for a developing fetus than the medications used to treat it.
After Hurricane Ian changes track, some in Bay Area feel mix of relief, guilt
Tampa Bay area residents stocked up on essentials and prepared their homes for the worst. Then, we watched as Hurricane Ian shifted southeast, and while that pared the Tampa Bay area, Southwest Florida was ravaged.
New foundation aims to bring mental health resources to Pinellas County first responders
A new foundation called 'Mental Health for Heroes' was founded and spearheaded by Pinellas County law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency personnel and their immediate families.
USF launches new app to increase access to mental health services
The University of South Florida launched a new app this semester that allows students to have immediate access to counselors and other mental health resources.
Study: Only eating during day may help improve mental health in night shift workers
It’s estimated that about 20% of the workforce is made up of shift workers, who are more at risk of having depression and anxiety, researchers said.
Fencing along Sunshine Skyway Bridge brings drop in number of suicides reported, first responders say
Tampa Bay first responders said they've seen a dramatic drop in the number of suicides since the fencing went up on Tampa Bay's Sunshine Skyway bridge.
Hillsborough County students kickoff Mental Health Advisory Committee
This month, students from Hillsborough County high schools gathered for a day of networking to kick off the Mental Health Student Advisory Committee meetings for the 2022-23 school year.
Survey: Nearly half of Americans admit talking to their plants, and it might make them happier
About 62% of respondents said talking to their plants helps their own mental health and 65% said they believe it helps the plants grow.
Luke Bell's family says the singer struggled with mental illness before his death at 32: 'We are heartbroken'
'Unfortunately Luke suffered from the disease of mental illness, which progressed after his father's death in 2015,' the family wrote in a statement.
Counselors work to increase awareness during National Suicide Prevention Month
Advocates are hopeful the launch this summer of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will help people in crisis get help. They believe the shorter number is easier to remember and increases access for help.
Temple Terrace PD uses remote telehealth program to help with mental health calls
Temple Terrace police officers have a new way to help residents in a mental health crisis, using a remote telehealth program.
New Lakeland Regional facility aimed at better serving behavioral health patients
Lakeland Regional Health has expanded to introduce a new $46 million facility to help better serve behavioral health patients. This comes on the heels of a new facility that was just built in North Lakeland and a new emergency room on the south side.
Palm Harbor parents call for empathy, kindness after daughter dies by suicide days before start of senior year
McKenna Brown, 16, was a star athlete with a bright future, but just days before the start of her senior year at East Lake High School she took her own life. Her parents are now sounding the alarm on the needs surrounding teenage mental health.
Election seasons are stressful; here are ways to cope
With midterms well underway and the next presidential election right around the corner, here are some tips on how to stay sane through election season.
It's normal for kids to have back-to-school anxiety, here's how to help
With the first day of school set for Wednesday in most districts, child health experts say heading back to the classroom can trigger an upswing in anxiety in a lot of kids.