Call to Mind: The Strain of Stress
Americans are under pressure, and it’s not just the usual stressors. Money, jobs, and caregiving are still there, but now they’re layered with political division and an uncertain economy. The result is a kind of stress that doesn’t let up.
Health experts say chronic stress does more than wear you down. It can change how the brain functions and increase the risk of depression, anxiety, and substance use.
This Call to Mind special takes a closer look at stress — what’s driving it, how it shows up in daily life, and what actually helps. You’ll hear from people living through it, along with experts who study its impact and ways to manage it.
Call to Mind: Immigration and the Challenge to Belong
More than 50 million people born outside the U.S. now live here. For many, building a new life comes with pressure that goes beyond the visible — including trauma from what they left behind and the challenge of finding a place in a new community.
Ongoing global conflicts, the aftermath of COVID-19, and shifts in U.S. immigration policy have only added to that strain.
This Call to Mind special looks at how immigration intersects with mental health — through personal stories and expert insight on what support actually looks like.
Call to Mind: The Reason for Sleep
We spend about a third of our lives sleeping — because we have to. Sleep is a basic function of the body, as essential as food or water. And yet, for many people, it’s the first thing that breaks.
Nearly a third of Americans say they’re not getting enough rest. A 24/7 culture that rewards long hours and constant motion makes it harder to slow down, let alone sleep well.
Poor sleep doesn’t just leave you tired. It can signal deeper mental health issues, make existing ones worse, and increase the risk of developing new ones.
This Call to Mind special explores the connection between sleep and mental health — why it matters, what gets in the way, and what actually helps.
Call to Mind: Climate Change and Mental Health
The effects of climate change are no longer abstract. Severe storms, wildfires, and environmental damage are disrupting daily life and forcing people to adapt in real time.
Alongside the physical toll, there’s a growing mental health impact. Researchers point to rising levels of anxiety, depression, and grief tied directly to a changing climate.
This Call to Mind special examines how climate change is affecting mental health — through expert insight and firsthand accounts from people navigating an uncertain future.
Call to Mind: The Fifth Branch
Over the past decade, nearly 2,000 people in the U.S. have been killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis — about one in five police killings.
In response, many cities are trying something different: sending trained social workers and EMTs instead of armed officers to handle certain 911 calls.
This Call to Mind special, produced in partnership with Tradeoffs, takes you to Durham, North Carolina, where a new kind of crisis response is taking shape.
Upcoming specials will show up on this page. Check back soon!