Nearly 10 Million U.S. Adults Suffer From Mental Illness

MONDAY, June 12, 2017 -- Nearly 10 million American adults have a serious mental illness, and a similar number have considered suicide during the past year, according to a new government report on the nation's behavioral ills.

The report also said that 15.7 million Americans abuse alcohol and 7.7 million abuse illicit drugs.

Can Online Treatment Replace Your Therapist?

THURSDAY, June 1, 2017 -- Many barriers can keep people from psychotherapy, such as cost or the availability of a qualified health provider.

But new research suggests that online therapy programs can help some people with mild to moderate depression.

What You Need to Know About Antidepressants

FRIDAY, June 2, 2017 -- Medication can help millions of people who struggle with depression, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Depression affects some 350 million people worldwide. It's a serious illness and a major cause of disability. But its symptoms can be mistaken for other health issues and some people are afraid to seek help, the FDA said.

After Suicide Attempt, a Phone Call Could Save a Life

SUNDAY, May 7, 2017 -- A simple phone call can make a big difference to someone who's attempted suicide and may be contemplating another try.

A new study found that follow-up phone calls after a suicidal patient was discharged from a hospital emergency department reduced future suicide attempts by 30 percent.

Depression's Gender Gap Shows Up in Pre-Teen Years

TUESDAY, May 2, 2017 -- Gender differences in depression diagnosis and symptoms start to appear around the age of 12, a new study reports.

"We found that twice as many women as men were affected. Although this has been known for a couple of decades, it was based on evidence far less compelling than what we used in this meta-analysis," said study co-author Janet Hyde. She is a professor of psychology and gender and women's studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Mental Health Myths Abound in the U.S.

TUESDAY, May 2, 2017 -- Ignorance, myths and stigma are still common among Americans when it comes to mental health, a new survey finds.

The web-based survey of nearly 4,600 people nationwide revealed that less than half can recognize anxiety. Most people don't know what to do about depression even if they recognize it. And nearly 80 percent don't believe prescription drug abuse is a treatable problem.