mental health

Gymnastics prizes physical and mental perfection — which can lead athletes to push themselves beyond their capacities.

In the wake of a year interrupted by the coronavirus, Oklahoma is making a big bet on helping students with mental health support from a $35 million program that will hire hundreds of counselors in schools across the state.

You don't need a gold medal to justify putting your mental health first. Whether you or someone you know is struggling, NPR's Life Kit has a few ways for you to focus on your mental wellbeing.

Simone Biles' decision to exit the women's team final has prompted comments from around the world. Here's the transcript of what the gymnast said about her exit.

Biles' teammates applauded her decision to take care of her mental well-being. But she's not the only athlete who has spoken about the pressures of performing at the Games.

The top star of U.S. swimming hadn't had the start to the Games that she wanted. "I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me, or feel like silver or any other medal besides gold is a disappointment."

After her surprise withdrawal from the gymnastics team final at the Tokyo Olympics, the star American gymnast amplified recent statements that the immense stress she faces has been affecting her.

"I tried to go out here and have fun," the U.S. superstar said, "but once I came out here, I was like, 'no, mental is not there, so I just need to let the girls do it and focus on myself.'"

A New York City pilot program dispatches mental health and medical care instead of police to some 911 calls. Early data shows more people accepted help and fewer people were admitted to the hospital.

Unarmed crisis teams respond to suicide threats, substance abuse calls, welfare checks and other moments where a counselor — not a police officer — can de-escalate a situation.