Mental Health

Mental Health Issues are common for soldiers returning to civilian life. In Southwest Florida, one group is looking to help “heal the invisible wounds of war”.

A conference in Fort Myers helped to break down barriers for teens seeking help with mental health.

The Florida Department of Health in Lee County is offering monthly mental health first aid trainings for the rest of 2025. Sessions will teach participants to recognize warning signs that someone is in a mental health crisis or struggling with substance abuse, provide support in crisis and non-crisis situations and connect others with mental health resources.

A study from Yale University has found a 62% increase in the number of young adults that have committed suicide since 2007. The CDC found that 1-5 high school students considered suicide in 2024.

About 1 in 5 women experience some negative feelings after the birth of a child or a mental health condition during pregnancy. About three quarters of these women do not receive any treatment, especially in underserved communities. Untreated mental health issues can lead to things like disrupted child bonding, impaired infant development, and even some serious health outcomes for the child and mother – suicide and overdose are among the leading causes of maternal death in the U.S., especially in the late postpartum period. Since its founding in 1977, Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida has had a mission to provide quality healthcare that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial means or insurance status. We sit down with its Chief Medical Officer to have a conversation about women's mental health.

How do you develop a better mind frame? At Florida Gulf Coast University, one program utilizes compassion, kindness and empathy as tools for building better mental health.

Normal is Overrated is an annual event designed to help young people break barriers and improve communication about their own mental health and well-being and open up about their own personal challenges and the kinds of help they’ve received. We get a preview of this year's event that's happening on Sat., May 3 from 11am to 2pm at Florida Southwestern State College in Fort Myers.

The School Board of Lee County has voted to change the job descriptions of several key positions. The action begins a restructuring of some district operations. The decision came despite opposition from some members of the public, district employees and one member of the board.The board also voted to implement the Safe Start Initiative, which would change school start times district-wide for the 2025-2026 school year. The initiative passed with a 7-0 vote.

Over seven million adults serve as a primary caregiver for their parents. But what about the physical, emotional and financial costs that come associated with providing this care?

For 10 years, FGCU’s Contemplative Life community has been helping students learn to tackle life's challenges.The Contemplative Life course teaches students meditation, yoga and other skills that allow for greater mindfulness, stress management and emotional resilience. Dr. Maria Roca introduced the class – and what eventually became a community — to FGCU.