Parents and caregivers notice kids processing LA fires through make-believe As families try to adjust to a new normal after the Los Angeles wildfires, some parents and caregivers are noticing kids processing through make-believe. Libby Rainey
A cure for winter doldrums? Making the most of cozy season We're over a month into winter, and many people are trying to chase the winter blahs away. We have some suggestions from our 2-person NPR Cozy Culture Crew. Ayesha Rascoe
Caregiving is taking a toll on the mental health of millions of Americans Millions of Americans provide unpaid care for their loved ones at home. NPR's Ayesha Rascoe speaks with reporter Kat McGowan and social worker Dawn Shedrick about the mental health burden of taking this on. Ayesha Rascoe
The secret to doing hard things and getting stuff done Some people team up with an "accountability partner" or "accountability group" to accomplish big goals or tasks. Here's how to set up a successful partnership. Clare Marie Schneider
Though not their purpose, some economic and social policies can help prevent suicide Rates of suicide attempts have increased significantly for certain groups. Researchers found that some of the most effective strategies to combat the issue are not intended to help with suicide risk. Katia Riddle
After Helene's floods, North Carolina tries to tame trauma's lasting damage Mental health professionals warn that the quality and level of mental health care people in western North Carolina receive in the coming months will be critical. Katia Riddle
Tiny fish on ketamine may show how drug eases depression In zebrafish, ketamine causes changes a brain circuit involved in "giving up." That may help explain how the drug helps people with depression. Jon Hamilton
How Hurricane Helene changed one teenager's life A teenager from Swannanoa, N.C., thought he would die in Helene's floodwaters. Schools have an important role to play by providing mental health services for him and his peers to reduce PTSD. Katia Riddle
Therapists also recovering from Hurricane Helene have more empathy for clients People in Asheville, N.C., experienced trauma after Hurricane Helene. Therapists there experienced trauma too, and say because of that they are bringing even more empathy to patients. Katia Riddle
Psychological first aid could help prevent PTSD after Hurricane Helene Psychological first aid is the idea that interventions that can be done in the wake of a traumatic event to promote resilience and healing. Psychiatrist Robin Gurwitch helped develop the protocol. Katia Riddle