Mental Health

312 Stories

A Seattle mom’s searing letter to a truant officer

In January, an “attendance specialist” from Whitman Middle School sent a form letter to a Seattle mom, which included a warning that her son being late to school could result in court action. This is that mother’s response:
- Cassie Daughtrey
Wildfires don’t just threaten lives and property. They can also impact a person's mental health

New research from the University of Washington has found a link between wildfires and mental health. Researchers say they’ve found a significant increase in prescriptions for antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications among people with pre-existing mental health needs in the six weeks following a major wildfire.
- Diana Opong
Gen Z and millennials want to have a chat about mental health. With politicians

For young Americans today, who hold immense electoral potential, the volatile political world they came of age in may be affecting their mental health. Some politicians have started to talk about it.
- Elena Moore
Listen 5 mins
The self-proclaimed 'Bipolar General' is waging war on the stigma of mental illness

Maj. Gen. Gregg Martin led troops in Iraq while a second battle front opened inside his own mind. Now retired, he's fighting to break down the military taboo on getting help.
- Quil Lawrence
Listen 7 mins
Under growing pressure, Meta vows to make it harder for teens to see harmful content

The social media company says it's introducing new policies to restrict teens from seeing posts about suicide, self-harm and eating disorders on Facebook and Instagram.
- Dara Kerr
'Astonishing' increase in car theft charges as juvenile criminal cases surge in King County

Car theft charges brought against youth were up by more than 500% in King County last year. That’s just one of the charges driving a 61% increase in juvenile criminal bookings in 2023, including violent crime, gun possession and burglary.
- Ann Dornfeld
New mental health teams are hitting the streets in downtown Seattle alongside police

Through a pilot program launched last fall, the city’s 911 dispatchers are now directing a team of mental health professionals to certain calls alongside police officers.
- Amy Radil
Listen 4 mins
Americans on Medicare now get better access to mental health care. Here's how

Medicare now covers therapy appointments with licensed marriage and family counselors, and licensed professional counselors.
- Juana Summers
Listen 8 mins
Best of 2023: Want to meet your neighbors? Pet their cats.

We hope you’re having a wonderful holiday season. To round out the year, the Seattle Now team is revisiting some of our favorite episodes, starting with a trip to visit Chris Watson in Tacoma. Chris is better known as the man behind the hugely successful TikTok account Catluminati. The channel has brought him closer to his neighbors, and also changed his relationship with his mental health.
- Patricia Murphy
Listen 12 mins
More youth in WA are seeking gender affirming care

The number of people under eighteen years old seeking gender-affirming care has skyrocketed in Washington. One reason may be bills in other states banning the care. Seattle Times Health Reporter Elise Takahama explains what's going on in our region.
- Patricia Murphy
Listen 16 mins

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