‘Crazy’ Ron Artest Is a Mental Health Star

Staff / Truthdig Dec 10, 2010 The Lakers forward is known for his antics-- such as showing up to a talk show in his underwear -- but he's becoming famous for talking about an issue that is often concealed: mental health Artest is funding therapy and mental health awareness through the sale of his championship ring and possibly the donation of his entire $679 million 2011-2012 salary (more). Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Recessions Are Not Good for Your Mind

Staff / Truthdig Nov 19, 2010 According to the government agency with the fun acronym SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2009 was no party in terms of adult Americans' mental health. (continued) Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Freedom May Come With Challenges for Chilean Miners

Staff / Truthdig Oct 13, 2010 The 33 Chilean miners trapped underground for two months were pulled out of their predicament one by one Wednesday, and hopefully their ordeal is truly over, but Chilean officials are giving them the option of leaning on expert help if adjusting to life above ground proves difficult. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Postpartum Depression: It’s Not Just for Women

Staff / Truthdig May 18, 2010 The phenomenon of postpartum depression has gotten a PR boost in recent years, thanks in part to the valiant and high-profile efforts of Brooke Shields and that blond lady who used to bunk with Hugh Hefner But no thanks to Tom Cruise (continued). Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Shock Therapy Buzzes On

Staff / Truthdig Aug 7, 2008 Tens of thousands of the desperately depressed sign up every year in the U.S. to have electricity-induced grand mal seizures even though nobody has ever figured out why the treatment works or how severe the associated brain damage is. The good news: You no longer have to be awake, and muscle relaxants now keep your bones from breaking. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Former Surgeon General: Gov’t Squelched Health Reports

Staff / Truthdig Jul 11, 2007 In an incendiary report Tuesday to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, former Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona (who served from 2002 to 2006) pointed a finger at the Bush administration for prioritizing politics over truth. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Army (Finally) Hires More Shrinks

Staff / Truthdig Jun 15, 2007 The Army plans to hire roughly 200 additional mental health workers to help care for ailing soldiers. Thirty-five percent of troops seek mental health care a year after coming home and between 15 and 20 percent of soldiers in Iraq show signs of post-traumatic stress. The latest Pentagon study found military mental health care to be inadequate. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Veterans Face High Suicide Risk

Staff / Truthdig Jun 12, 2007 A new study of American veterans who served between 1917 and 1994 found that returning soldiers are more than twice as likely to kill themselves, compared to civilians. While the research did not include veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the overall trend and reports of poor mental health care are cause for concern. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Read the Fine Print

Mike Luckovich / Truthdig Feb 20, 2007 Dig deeper

Casualties From the Battle Over PTSD

Staff / Truthdig Feb 17, 2007 Pvt. Jacob Burgoyne was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and ordered to a psychiatric facility, but the Army sent him home instead. Shortly thereafter, Burgoyne stabbed a fellow soldier 32 times and set his body aflame because, he said, "that's how we disposed of bodies in Iraq." Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )