Mental Health
Follow the latest Mental Health news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
August 7, 2024 at 9:00 PM

The power of music on our mental health and well-being

Conductor Jonathon Heyward talks partnership with the Festival Orchestra of Lincoln Center and the Jameel Arts & Health Lab, established with the WHO, to destigmatize mental health issues.
August 7, 2024 at 9:00 PM
VIDEO: The power of music on our mental health and well-being
August 7, 2024 at 5:34 PM

Simone Biles talks therapy at Olympics, plus the team's comfort companion Beacon

Simone Biles spoke to "Good Morning America" about therapy and mental health after winning four medals at the Paris Olympics.
August 7, 2024 at 5:34 PM
Simone Biles celebrates with her gold medal during the podium ceremonny after the artistic gymnastics women's vault final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Bercy Arena in Paris, on August 3, 2024.
August 6, 2024 at 7:05 PM

Report: U.S. schools using meditation breaks for student mental health

ABC News medical correspondent Dr. Darien Sutton shares how schools across the U.S. have been introducing yoga, meditation and mindfulness exercises to help students manage stress.
August 6, 2024 at 7:05 PM
VIDEO: Report: U.S. schools using meditation breaks for student mental health
August 6, 2024 at 5:05 PM

More than 40% of LGBTQ youth said they considered suicide in the past year: CDC

Youth who identify as LGBTQ+ reported higher rates of poor mental health and experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors than their cisgender and heterosexual peers.
August 6, 2024 at 5:05 PM
A silhouette of a depressed man sitting in the private room is pictured in this stock photo.
August 4, 2024 at 9:02 PM

More US schools take meditation breaks; teachers say it helps students' mental health

School districts across the U.S. are adopting mental health practices as a part of their daily schedules and curriculums
August 4, 2024 at 9:02 PM
Aniyah Woods meditates during a mindfulness session in her classroom at Roberta T. Smith Elementary School, May 14, 2024, in Rex, Georgia. School districts across the U.S. have been introducing yoga, meditation and mindfulness exercises to help students manage stress and emotions. (AP Photo/Sharon Johnson)
1 month ago

How extreme heat can impact your mental health as high temperatures sweep across US

Amid the high temperatures sweeping across the U.S., experts tell ABC News extreme heat can not only affect physical health but mental health too.
1 month ago
Children play in a water fountain during a summer heat wave in the Bronx borough of New York on July 11, 2024.
1 month ago

In 2 years since the launch of 988, 10 million contacts have been answered

Two years after the launch of the three-digit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 10 million contacts have been answered and, advocates say, the service is saving lives.
1 month ago
A 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline sign at the entrance to Taft Bridge in Washington is photographed on Feb. 10, 2023.
2 months ago

5 foods that may help you stay positive and get a 'mood boost'

Some foods are as good for your mental health as your physical health.
2 months ago
Healthy food is seen in this undated stock image.
2 months ago

Bisexual, transgender adults nearly twice as likely to experience loneliness: CDC

A new study from the CDC found bisexual and transgender adults nearly twice as likely to experience loneliness compared to straight and cisgender adults.
2 months ago
Stock photo
2 months ago

Students advocate for youth mental health nationwide

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has been vocal about the mental health challenges America's youth are facing. Two student advocates are being honored for their mental health initiatives.
2 months ago
VIDEO: Students advocate for youth mental health nationwide
2 months ago

A new survey studies sleep anxiety in young children

Dr. Jen Ashton shares a study that reports recent parents’ observations on their children’s lack of sleep as a result of anxiety.
2 months ago
VIDEO: A new survey studies sleep anxiety in young children
2 months ago

Combatting the loneliness epidemic

Dr. Patel explains the serious health risks linked to being lonely and how to fight through the feeling.
2 months ago
VIDEO: Combatting the loneliness epidemic
2 months ago

Surgeon General recommends adding health warnings to social media for younger users

On Monday, the U.S. Surgeon General called for social media platforms to include health warnings for younger users.
2 months ago
VIDEO: Surgeon General recommends adding health warnings to social media for younger users
2 months ago

US Surgeon General sounds alarm on social media

The U.S. Surgeon General is now calling for warning labels on social media platforms, similar to warnings issued for cigarettes or alcohol.
2 months ago
VIDEO: US Surgeon General sounds alarm on social media
2 months ago

Social media and youth mental health defining challenge of our time: Surgeon general

Dr. Vivek Murthy explained to ABC's Elizabeth Schulze why a surgeon general's warning is needed.
2 months ago
Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy speaks during an event on the White House complex in Washington, April 23, 2024.
2 months ago

Agency to distribute more than 4,000 robotic pets among seniors to combat loneliness

The New York State Office For Aging announced this month it will distribute 4,725 additional robotic pets among seniors in ongoing efforts to combat loneliness.
2 months ago
Stock photo
2 months ago

Dad fights against bullying after 10-year-old son dies by suicide

After his son Sammy died by suicide after he was bullied in school, Sam Teusch is devoted to bringing awareness and change.
2 months ago
After his son Sammy died by suicide after he was bullied in school, Sam Teusch is devoted to bringing awareness and change.
2 months ago

After his 10-year-old son dies by suicide, a devastated dad takes on bullying

Sam Teusch said his son Sammy was an "amazing" child who experienced bullying at school.
2 months ago
Sammy Teusch died on May 5, 2024, at the age of 10.
2 months ago

US surgeon general warns about the dangers of loneliness

Amid the loneliness and social isolation epidemic, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy discusses how to combat feelings of isolation.
2 months ago
In this undated stock photo, a man is seen sitting alone on his bed as he looks out a window.
2 months ago

Dangers of self-diagnosing a mental illness

It is important to find the right online screening tools to help.
2 months ago
VIDEO: Dangers of self-diagnosing a mental illness
2 months ago

Doctors say loneliness and social isolation should be discussed in health visits

Physicians are calling for primary care doctors to ask patients about loneliness and social isolation at routine health checks and when managing chronic diseases.
2 months ago
A report has come out saying Doctors should screen for loneliness.
3 months ago

Patrick Kennedy talks new book, 'Profiles in Mental Health Courage'

The former congressman's new book features the stories of people who opened up about their illnesses, treatments and struggles.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Patrick Kennedy talks new book, 'Profiles in Mental Health Courage'
3 months ago

Why more police departments are training officers in crisis intervention

Alternative crisis response that excludes police is the long-term goal to address mental health crises, according to one mental health advocate.
3 months ago
Images of Angelo Quinto are displayed at his family's home in Antioch, Calif., March 16, 2021. Quinto died three days after being restrained on Dec. 23, 2020, in police custody while having a mental health crisis.
3 months ago

3 men run in honor of friend to raise mental health awareness

After losing a college friend by suicide over a decade ago, Fred Whitaker and his three best friends made it their mission to continue running in his honor.
3 months ago
VIDEO: 3 men run in honor of friend to raise mental health awareness
3 months ago

Creating a safe space for men of color to discuss mental health

Take an inside look at Barbershop Talk, a new project creating a safe place for men of color to discuss mental health.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Creating a safe space for men of color to discuss mental health
3 months ago

Pro golfer Lexi Thompson retires at 29, citing mental health struggles

"It's OK to not be OK," Thompson said in announcing her retirement.
3 months ago
Lexi Thompson of the United States looks on during a practice round prior to the U.S. Women's Open Presented by Ally at Lancaster Country Club on May 29, 2024 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
3 months ago

Several states weighing legislation to curtail teen social media addiction

The U.S. surgeon general has warned social media is creating a youth mental health crisis. The panel discusses what state lawmakers are doing to address the issue.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Several states weighing legislation to curtail teen social media addiction
3 months ago

New film 'The Keeper' spotlights PTSD and mental health epidemic for veterans

ABC News’ Linsey Davis spoke with co-director Angus Benfield about "The Keeper," focusing on George Eshleman, who hiked the Appalachian Trail to raise awareness about service members dying by suicide.
3 months ago
VIDEO: New film 'The Keeper' spotlights PTSD and mental health epidemic for veterans
3 months ago

Mental health awareness: The effect of climate change

ABC News' chief climate correspondent explains how climate change can impact your mental health.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Mental health awareness: The effect of climate change
3 months ago

A mother’s quest to help children’s mental health issues

Psychiatrist Dr. Janet Taylor and Kristina Kuzmic, author of “I Can Fix This,” discuss her journey in helping her son navigate mental health challenges.
3 months ago
VIDEO: A mother’s quest to help children’s mental health issues
3 months ago

Valerie Bertinelli announces social media pause: 'In need of a mental health break'

Valerie Bertinelli made an announcement on Instagram that she's taking a break from social media to focus on her mental health.
3 months ago
In this Jan. 24, 2020, file photo, Valerie Bertinelli is shown on the set of the "Today" show.
3 months ago

Mental Health Awareness Month: The science behind a positive mood

How gratitude practices can help boost your mood and mental health.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Mental Health Awareness Month: The science behind a positive mood
3 months ago

Entertainment exec Tara Schuster on mental health awareness

Former Comedy Central executive turned mental health advocate shared “GMA” viewers her tips on how to become “a ninja of self-love.”
3 months ago
VIDEO: Entertainment exec Tara Schuster on mental health awareness
3 months ago

Elmo shares mental health help after ‘How is everybody doing’ question goes viral

The initiative was launched to support children, families and caregivers after Elmo's viral tweet sparked a discussion about mental health.
3 months ago
Launched on May 1, the new initiative by Sesame workshop offered new emotional wellbeing resources with hands-on strategies aimed for children.
3 months ago

Elmo continues to help others with their mental health

After the response to the "Sesame Street" character's viral check-in tweet, the Sesame Workshop is now offering new emotional well-being resources.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Elmo continues to help others with their mental health
3 months ago

Miss USA resigns, citing mental health

2023 Miss USA pageant winner Noelia Voigt announced that she had "made the very tough decision" to resign from the title on Monday.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Miss USA resigns, citing mental health
4 months ago

Patrick J. Kennedy discusses importance of mental health awareness

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Patrick J. Kennedy, author and former congressman, discusses his new book, “Profiles in Mental Health Courage.”
4 months ago
VIDEO: Patrick J. Kennedy discusses importance of mental health awareness
4 months ago

Tips for supporting a friend with depression

ABC News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jen Ashton answers your health questions and shares her daily prescription for wellness.
4 months ago
VIDEO: Tips for supporting a friend with depression
4 months ago

How stigma affects people with mental health conditions

More than half of Americans with a mental health condition don’t receive treatment, according to a report from nonprofit Mental Health America.
4 months ago
VIDEO: mental health patel 930
4 months ago

3 in 4 Americans feel that mental health takes a back seat to physical health

A new survey suggests that three in four Americans believe mental health conditions are not identified and treated in the same way as physical health conditions.
4 months ago
A jogger runs past a meadow with blooming flowers in Ludwigsburg, southern Germany, on April 8, 2024. (Photo by THOMAS KIENZLE / AFP) (Photo by THOMAS KIENZLE/AFP /AFP via Getty Images)
4 months ago

Running and the mental health benefits

ABC News’ medical correspondent Dr. Darien Sutton discusses the mental health benefits of running.
4 months ago
VIDEO: Running and the mental health benefits
4 months ago

Ways that pets can help with stress and mental health

ABC News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jen Ashton talks about how animals can lower anxiety and increase productivity.
4 months ago
VIDEO: Ways that pets can help with stress and mental health
4 months ago

Initiative aims to provide 'prescription for wellness' by getting more people outside

A community health initiative partnered with the National Park Service, ParkRx, is trying to get patients outside to support their mental and physical health.
4 months ago
Entrance sign to Death Valley National Park in California.
4 months ago

Simone Biles opens up about mental health battle

Biles talked on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast about her decision to remove herself from the women’s gymnastics all-around final at the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 2021 after experiencing the “twisties.”
4 months ago
VIDEO: Simone Biles opens up about mental health battle
4 months ago

Lawmakers of color propose more school funding to diversify mental health field

Jamaal Bowman's new bill would provide grants to HBCUs and others to create, expand or improve graduate-level programs in mental health fields
4 months ago
U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., speaks at an for his re-election, March 23, 2024, in New York.
4 months ago

Mental health screening increased mood diagnosis in pregnant women

ABC News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jen Ashton discusses the benefits of mental health screenings and access to care amongst pregnant women.
4 months ago
VIDEO: Mental health screening increased mood diagnosis in pregnant women
4 months ago

Mental health of girls suffered the most during pandemic, data shows

Mental health ER visits for young people rose during the pandemic.
4 months ago
4 months ago

New study finds alarming increase in mental health emergencies among kids

The study, published in Academic Emergency Medicine, found that pediatric emergency departments saw an increase of children and adolescents in need of psychiatric admission during the pandemic.
4 months ago
VIDEO: New study finds alarming increase in mental health emergencies among kids
5 months ago

Indian students' deaths highlight need for improved mental health resources: Experts

The deaths of seven Indian college students across the U.S. in less than two months is raising serious questions about mental health concerns among that population.
5 months ago
5 months ago

By The Numbers: World Happiness Report

A look at the numbers behind the United States having its lowest ranking in The World Happiness Report since its inception.
5 months ago
VIDEO: By The Numbers: World Happiness Report