Mental Health
Follow the latest Mental Health news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
October 10, 2024 at 9:16 PM

Tips for finding a therapist 

It’s World Mental Health Day and ABC News medical correspondent Dr. Darien Sutton outlines a step-by-step guide to finding a therapist.
October 10, 2024 at 9:16 PM
VIDEO: Tips for finding a therapist 
October 10, 2024 at 7:01 AM

Why Hurricane Milton may be putting some Floridians' mental health at risk

Those Floridians bracing for Hurricane Milton so soon after Hurricane Helene face a heavy mental health toll and a risk of anxiety and depression, experts said.
October 10, 2024 at 7:01 AM
A car drives through the heavy rain in Fort Myers, Florida, Oct. 9, 2024, as Hurricane Milton approaches.
October 8, 2024 at 11:10 PM

States sue TikTok, claiming platform is addictive, harms mental health of children

More than a dozen states and the District of Columbia have filed lawsuits against TikTok
October 8, 2024 at 11:10 PM
California Attorney General Rob Bonta speaks during a press conference announcing a bipartisan coalition of attorney generals filing lawsuits against TikTok for violation of state consumer protection laws Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Minh Connors)
October 8, 2024 at 4:06 AM

A peek inside human brain shows a way it cleans out waste

A unique peek inside the human brain may help explain how it clears away waste like the kind that leads to Alzheimer's disease
October 8, 2024 at 4:06 AM
This undated photo provided by the Oregon Health & Science University in October 2024 shows Drs. Erin Yamamoto, left, and Juan Piantino, who used special imaging to spot a long-suspected pathway the human brain uses to clear waste. (Christine Torres Hicks/OHSU via AP)
October 2, 2024 at 4:55 PM

Teen survivor of Tubbs Fire sounds alarm on mental health effects of climate change

While the physical scars of climate disasters may be obvious, the invisible wounds often cut just as deep.
October 2, 2024 at 4:55 PM
In this Oct. 15, 2017, file photo, the aftermath of the Tubbs fire that began in Napa Valley's Calistoga, destroying more than 2,000 homes just in the Coffey Park, Fountaingrove, and Mark West Estates neighborhoods, is shown in Santa Rosa, Calif.
October 2, 2024 at 4:54 PM

988 Suicide Lifeline sees 45% increase in contacts, but funding concerns remain

An update on the new nationwide suicide & crisis 988 lifeline as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month comes to a close.
October 2, 2024 at 4:54 PM
Helpline Center employees take calls in Sioux Falls, S.D., July 13, 2022.
October 2, 2024 at 4:53 PM

New 988 number for National Suicide Prevention Lifeline launching, expanding access

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is launching its new three-digit number, 988, on Saturday amid concerns over state-level funding and staffing for the system.
October 2, 2024 at 4:53 PM
Xavier Becerra, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, speaks at the podium during a press conference on the kickoff of 988, a new national mental health hotline, in West Philadelphia, on July 15, 2022.
October 1, 2024 at 2:04 PM

Shawn Mendes on prioritizing mental health after break from touring and more

Shawn Mendes is opening up about the effects of fame and how canceling his tour two years ago was one of the hardest but greatest decisions of his life.
October 1, 2024 at 2:04 PM
Shawn Mendes attends the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on Sept. 11, 2024 in Elmont, New York.
September 17, 2024 at 10:19 PM

17-year-old 'America's Got Talent' star's death puts spotlight on teens, suicide

Emily Gold was a varsity dancer at Los Osos High School in California.
September 17, 2024 at 10:19 PM
Members of the Los Osos High School Dance Group attend the "America's Got Talent" Season 19 Quarterfinals 1 Red Carpet at Hotel Dena on August 13, 2024 in Pasadena, California.
1 month ago

Youth mental health pilot program aims to protect student wellbeing, prevent suicide

The Jed Foundation and AASA, The School Superintendents Association, introduce District Comprehensive Approach program in nearly 500 U.S. schools to improve mental and emotional support for students.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Youth mental health pilot program aims to protect student wellbeing, prevent suicide.
1 month ago

Surgeon General issues public health advisory on parents' mental health

Dr. Vivek Murthy said today’s parents are burdened with “new stressors” that previous generations didn’t have to deal with.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Surgeon General issues public health advisory on parents' mental health
1 month ago

US surgeon general issues advisory on parents' mental health

Dr. Vivek Murthy is calling for more support of parents and caregive
1 month ago
A child and their mom walk in this undated stock photo.
2 months ago

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.
2 months ago
VIDEO: The power of music on our mental health and well-being
2 months ago

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.
2 months ago
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.
2 months ago

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.
2 months ago
VIDEO: Report: U.S. schools using meditation breaks for student mental health
2 months ago

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.
2 months ago
A silhouette of a depressed man sitting in the private room is pictured in this stock photo.
3 months 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.
3 months ago
Children play in a water fountain during a summer heat wave in the Bronx borough of New York on July 11, 2024.
3 months 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.
3 months ago
A 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline sign at the entrance to Taft Bridge in Washington is photographed on Feb. 10, 2023.
4 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.
4 months ago
Healthy food is seen in this undated stock image.
4 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.
4 months ago
Stock photo
4 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.
4 months ago
VIDEO: Students advocate for youth mental health nationwide
4 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.
4 months ago
VIDEO: A new survey studies sleep anxiety in young children
4 months ago

Combatting the loneliness epidemic

Dr. Patel explains the serious health risks linked to being lonely and how to fight through the feeling.
4 months ago
VIDEO: Combatting the loneliness epidemic
4 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.
4 months ago
VIDEO: Surgeon General recommends adding health warnings to social media for younger users
4 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.
4 months ago
VIDEO: US Surgeon General sounds alarm on social media
4 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.
4 months ago
Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy speaks during an event on the White House complex in Washington, April 23, 2024.
4 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.
4 months ago
Stock photo
4 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.
4 months ago
After his son Sammy died by suicide after he was bullied in school, Sam Teusch is devoted to bringing awareness and change.
4 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.
4 months ago
Sammy Teusch died on May 5, 2024, at the age of 10.
4 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.
4 months ago
In this undated stock photo, a man is seen sitting alone on his bed as he looks out a window.
4 months ago

Dangers of self-diagnosing a mental illness

It is important to find the right online screening tools to help.
4 months ago
VIDEO: Dangers of self-diagnosing a mental illness
4 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.
4 months ago
A report has come out saying Doctors should screen for loneliness.
4 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.
4 months ago
VIDEO: Patrick Kennedy talks new book, 'Profiles in Mental Health Courage'
4 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.
4 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.
4 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.
4 months ago
VIDEO: 3 men run in honor of friend to raise mental health awareness
4 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.
4 months ago
VIDEO: Creating a safe space for men of color to discuss mental health
4 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.
4 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.
5 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.
5 months ago
VIDEO: Several states weighing legislation to curtail teen social media addiction
5 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.
5 months ago
VIDEO: New film 'The Keeper' spotlights PTSD and mental health epidemic for veterans
5 months ago

Mental health awareness: The effect of climate change

ABC News' chief climate correspondent explains how climate change can impact your mental health.
5 months ago
VIDEO: Mental health awareness: The effect of climate change
5 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.
5 months ago
VIDEO: A mother’s quest to help children’s mental health issues
5 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.
5 months ago
In this Jan. 24, 2020, file photo, Valerie Bertinelli is shown on the set of the "Today" show.
5 months ago

Mental Health Awareness Month: The science behind a positive mood

How gratitude practices can help boost your mood and mental health.
5 months ago
VIDEO: Mental Health Awareness Month: The science behind a positive mood
5 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.”
5 months ago
VIDEO: Entertainment exec Tara Schuster on mental health awareness
5 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.
5 months ago
Launched on May 1, the new initiative by Sesame workshop offered new emotional wellbeing resources with hands-on strategies aimed for children.
5 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.
5 months ago
VIDEO: Elmo continues to help others with their mental health
5 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.
5 months ago
VIDEO: Miss USA resigns, citing mental health
5 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.”
5 months ago
VIDEO: Patrick J. Kennedy discusses importance of mental health awareness
5 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.
5 months ago
VIDEO: Tips for supporting a friend with depression
5 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.
5 months ago
VIDEO: mental health patel 930