Cow-hugging, an alleged wellness fad, has people cuddling farm animals to relieve stress

In the increasingly hectic and stressful year of 2020, people are seeking calm wherever they can find it — from frolicking through the fields to adopting plants. But now there’s another natural way to restore your cortisol levels: cow-hugging.

Military suicides up as much as 20% amid COVID-19 pandemic

Military suicides have increased by as much as 20% this year compared to the same period in 2019, and some incidents of violent behavior have spiked.

Cook County law enforcement receives new type of support from nonprofit

Law enforcment in Chicago and Cook County are receiving a new type of support, which is designed to improve their mental health and repair relationships with the community.

Los Angeles health officials release tips on how to deal with ‘quarantigue’ amid COVID-19 pandemic

The Los Angeles Public Health Department recently put out a set of guidelines aimed at helping people combat the growing quarantine fatigue that has surfaced as a result of the ongoing pandemic.

FCC to vote in July to make '988' the suicide hotline number

Federal regulators will vote in July on whether to make “988” the number to reach a suicide prevention hotline.

Poll: Americans are the unhappiest they've been in 50 years

It’s been a rough year for the American psyche. Folks in the U.S. are more unhappy today than they’ve been in nearly 50 years.

Vets urged to access healthcare services online

Recipients can request prescription refills, sign up for text message reminders about their health care and ask non-urgent questions via video, telephone or the VA's secure online messaging system.

Philadelphia tattoo studio offers free services to cover self-harm scars

Under "Project Tsukurou," Fishtown's Crown and Feather Tattoo Co. offers free services for self-harm victims who want to turn their scars into art.

Party drug MDMA a step closer to legalization for PTSD therapy

For decades, MDMA has been considered a party drug. But, after years of research and clinical trials, one organization is convincing government officials and patients that the drug can also be beneficial in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Non-verbal teen with autism speaks for 1st time, breaks out in song amid visit to Christmas lights display

Marisabel Figueroa was told her daughter Kaitlyn — who was diagnosed with autism at 3 years old — would never be able to communicate. And Kaitlyn never uttered a word until this year.

Regulators to set up 3-digit suicide hotline number like 911

Federal regulators are setting up a new three-digit number to reach a suicide prevention hotline in order to make it easier to seek help and reduce the stigma associated with mental health.

Local teens illustrate their concerns for art competition

The teens are all participating in the "Expressions Challenge,” which is sponsored by Walgreens. In its tenth year, the program asks teens to depict their concerns using art, music and spoken word.

Surfing therapy dog helping wounded warriors, kids with special needs

This Veteran’s Day weekend a special dog will be celebrated. Ricochet is a surfing therapy dog who helps wounded warriors, service members and veterans with PTSD.