Peer-to-peer support program launches for North Texas first responders

A unique program launches this week to help North Texas first responders handle the stress of their job. The program pairs officers from one department with officers from another to offer support. If it works here, it will be expanded nationwide.

High school launches ‘calm room’ to help students’ mental health

Rather than sending students home for headaches and other ailments, the school gave stressed students a 20-to-30-minute break, and they were able to return to class.

Dallas City Council approves mental health leave plan for firefighters, civilian employees

The new policy passed unanimously will provide all city employees with paid time off for mental health assistance from trauma on the job. This comes days after another Dallas firefighter attempted suicide over the weekend.

Katie Meyer's parents struggle for answers after daughter's death at Stanford

In an emotional interview, the parents of Stanford University soccer star Katie Meyer say they are struggling to understand why their daughter died by suicide this week.

Daughter of TV judge pushing to destigmatize mental illness among minorities

Jade Mathis is a program ambassador for a research program in an effort to destigmatize the topic of mental illness among minorities. As a college undergrad, she was diagnosed with clinical depression.

Dallas Fire Association asks city council for mental health leave for firefighters

Right now, the city's policy only provides mental health days for police officers. The Dallas Fire Association president says the need for this time off for firefighters is real.

‘Black Minds Matter’: Focusing on mental health and African Americans in February

This year’s theme for Black History Month, “Black Health and Wellness,” is more important than ever during the pandemic, but many advocates say it’s also meant to call attention to the growing mental health issues many Black Americans face.

Mother's tragic tale: Husband dies of COVID-19, their son dies by suicide due to guilt

Stephanie Reyes was well aware her son was depressed. She tried repeatedly to get him into counseling, but she says everyone she turned to was booked months in advance.

Suicide hotline transitioning to 3-digit number: 988

People in crisis and those trying to help them will have a new three-digit phone number, 988, to reach the national suicide prevention network starting in July.

Fort Worth PD: Officers fatally shot man who pointed BB gun at them

Police released portions of the 911 call the man himself made to police in which he led them to believe he had a real gun. He asked them to come because he felt possessed and might kill his parents.

COVID-related stress weighs heavily on Gen Z

Among Americans in Gen Z, 46% said the pandemic has made it harder to pursue their education or career goals.

Children dealing with increased anxiety, depression during ongoing pandemic, doctors say

As the pandemic continues, children and adolescents find themselves dealing with anxiety and depression. Doctors are addressing how to best help your children get through an urgent mental crisis.

North Texas non-profit helping veterans through power of music

Operation Rock The Troops has been playing shows for troops overseas and started hosting music camps for veterans. They say the songwriting process is a form of therapy for some. "This program helps, and it works. And it’s not another pill.”

Dallas County DA heads new program to get help for low-level offenders and out of jail

The goal is to keep individuals charged with certain low-level, non-violent misdemeanor offenses from entering the criminal justice system. The program seeks to treat underlying mental illness and substance abuse issues to try and keep individuals from becoming repeat offenders.

'OK not to be OK': Mental health takes top role at Tokyo Olympics

Simone Biles cited mental health struggles for pulling out of Tokyo Olympics gymnastics competitions, highlighting an ongoing discussion in sports.

Spanking worsens children’s behavior, study finds

The study’s senior author Elizabeth Gershoff said her team realized that physical punishment led to "increased aggression, increased antisocial behavior, and increased disruptive behavior in school."

Former Dallas Stars player Stephen Johns rollerblading across U.S. to promote mental health

Former Dallas Stars player Stephen Johns is seeing the country in a way that few ever have -- on inline skates. He's talking about mental health and was inspired to do something by his own battle with depression.