Mental Health

Life with bipolar disorder or chronic depression can come with intense periods of sadness or despair. But these conditions might also come with some surprising advantages – including better social relationships and creative abilities. That’s according to new research from the University of Colorado. We dig into the possible “silver linings” of mood disorders.

While mental health has improved across the state, more than one in five Coloradans say they are lonely. That is according to a new survey of ten thousand households, published by the Colorado Health Institute.

Colorado lawmakers launched a pilot program several years ago to help military veterans who struggle with mental health, housing, or other issues. And in its first few years, it has transformed the way many veterans find support and treatment.

Most Americans only know some of their neighbors. Others know none. The Neighborhood Village Project aims to unite communities by training people to host events and create intentional connections.

There are lots of techniques people use to de-stress these days. But one unusual way to unplug is the practice of “forest bathing.” Users immerse themselves in nature and tap into all five senses as a way to slow down and reset. We get some advice for how to try this for yourself – even if you’re just getting out in your own backyard.

One Colorado lawmaker is sounding the alarm about layoffs at a federal agency that deals with substance abuse and mental health.

How does a community heal from the shock and grief of a mass shooting? Journalist Erika Mahoney explores that question in a deeply personal new podcast series called ‘Senseless.’ Erika’s father died in the 2021 mass shooting at a Boulder King Soopers. We hear why she made the podcast, and how she moved forward after the tragedy.

A Colorado law can restrict access to firearms for a person who’s struggling. And under that program, teachers can report a student who’s struggling. But there’s little evidence that any teachers are using that tool to prevent violent incidents – like the recent shooting at Evergreen High. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser talks about a plan to change that.

Children's Hospital Colorado had a busy summer treating kids with mental health struggles. Some say it's a sign of the times and the result of less access to mental health resources. KUNC's Desmond O'Boyle and the Colorado Sun's Erica Breunlin discussed the subject.

Text messages and videos sent by students at Evergreen High School during last week’s shooting incident give a powerful sense of what students there dealt with. And they hint at some of the feelings they’ll carry forward.