The courts serve as an alternative for people with mental health issues when legal charges are filed. The courts steer people to help through community services rather than jail.
Mental Health
Wilderness therapy could battle addiction, is lacking in Alaska
One approach for battling addiction and other behavioral health issues lies just outside our front doors.
Brother-in-law reflects on life after Anthony Choquette’s death at AFN
Anthony Choquette’s brother-in-law says the family did everything they could to help him before he committed suicide last month at the Alaska Federation of Natives convention in Anchorage.
Norton Sound looking for ‘something different’ to deal with mental health, substance abuse
The focus of the talks across the Norton Sound are broad, but discussions at Nome’s Pioneer Hall brought local providers face to face with the heads of major state agencies, forcing many to confront uncomfortable truths.
Behind Bars, Vets With PTSD Face A New War Zone, With Little Support
“For my PTSD issues, jail is the least therapeutic atmosphere you could ever imagine,” says Iraq veteran David Carlson. “You come in one way and you leave three times worse.”
Defense secretary talks to Fairbanks servicemen on drawdown, suicide
“I would be proud if we figured out suicide in a way that was not only helpful to our own members who are having that problem, but to society as a whole,” Defense Secretary Ash Carter said.
‘Ridiculous Fun’ Helps A Blogger See Through Depression’s Darkness
Since childhood, humor writer Jenny Lawson has struggled with mental health issues. In her latest book, Furiously Happy, she explains what it means to fight back with spiteful happiness.
Missed Treatment: Soldiers With Mental Health Issues Dismissed For ‘Misconduct’
The Army has “separated” more than 22,000 soldiers for “misconduct” since 2009 — often without benefits — after they returned from war with mental health problems or brain injuries.
Could Depression Be Caused By An Infection?
Infection and autoimmune activity result in inflammation. And many psychiatric researchers think inflammation may play a role in depression and other mental illnesses.
Reflecting on an unexpected tragedy
Thousands travel to the Elders and Youth conference and the Alaska Federation of Natives convention every year. The week is considered by many a celebration — this year was different.