In Crisis

Health

The Hidden Cost of COVID Shutdowns

Amy Barnhorst MD on May 4, 2020

Coronavirus shutdowns are saving lives now, but their economic impacts may worsen poverty, unemployment, and access to healthcare and education, increasing mortality years later.

Coronavirus shutdowns are saving lives now, but their economic impacts may worsen poverty, unemployment, and access to healthcare and education, increasing mortality years later.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

The Killer in Your Closet

Amy Barnhorst MD on April 21, 2020

Staying at home is preventing the spread of coronavirus, but it could put some firearm owners and their families at risk.

Staying at home is preventing the spread of coronavirus, but it could put some firearm owners and their families at risk.

Health

Should Trump Be Put on a Mental Health Hold?

Amy Barnhorst MD on January 6, 2020

Putting Trump on a 72-hour mental health hold after he ordered a strike on Iraq is just the kind of abuse of power people want him out of office for.

Putting Trump on a 72-hour mental health hold after he ordered a strike on Iraq is just the kind of abuse of power people want him out of office for.

Health

Fixing Our Broken Mental Health System

Amy Barnhorst MD on August 7, 2019

After almost every mass shooting, there are calls to shore up the mental health system. What does that mean, and what would it accomplish?

After almost every mass shooting, there are calls to shore up the mental health system. What does that mean, and what would it accomplish?

Parenting

Parenting in the Age of School Shootings

Amy Barnhorst MD on April 19, 2019

As a physician, my loyalty is to my patients. But when that patient is a potential school shooter, my loyalties get complicated.

As a physician, my loyalty is to my patients. But when that patient is a potential school shooter, my loyalties get complicated.

Health

The Mental Health System Can't Stop Mass Shooters

Amy Barnhorst MD on March 25, 2019

Psychiatrists know how to treat mental illness, but there are no reliable cures for insecurity, resentment, entitlement and hatred.

Psychiatrists know how to treat mental illness, but there are no reliable cures for insecurity, resentment, entitlement and hatred.

Caregiving

The Secret to Being a Better Caregiver

Amy Barnhorst MD on January 26, 2019

Before I became a doctor, I taught backcountry mountaineering courses for Outward Bound. I had no idea how much I would draw on those experiences in the hospital.

Before I became a doctor, I taught backcountry mountaineering courses for Outward Bound. I had no idea how much I would draw on those experiences in the hospital.

Psychiatry

Court Restores Gun Rights to Violent, Delusional Man

Amy Barnhorst MD on December 7, 2018

J.P. had a history of violence and drug use, and was paranoid about the mafia. He lost his gun rights when he was psychiatrically hospitalized. Why did a court give them back?

J.P. had a history of violence and drug use, and was paranoid about the mafia. He lost his gun rights when he was psychiatrically hospitalized. Why did a court give them back?

Health

Hate Is Not a Mental Illness

Amy Barnhorst MD on November 9, 2018

There is a difference between being psychologically unwell and mentally ill. Angry, entitled, vengeful mass shooters overwhelmingly fall into the first category.

There is a difference between being psychologically unwell and mentally ill. Angry, entitled, vengeful mass shooters overwhelmingly fall into the first category.

Career

Physician Wellness Doesn't Mean More Yoga

Amy Barnhorst MD on October 21, 2018

Doctors have high rates of depression and suicide, and organizations are creating all kinds of wellness programs to address this. But what if part of the problem is us?

Doctors have high rates of depression and suicide, and organizations are creating all kinds of wellness programs to address this. But what if part of the problem is us?