Stephany Daniel

Daniel is a communications specialist for the U-M Department of Psychiatry with over a decade of experience in marketing communications and storytelling. She writes about topics related to mental health and is passionate about reducing stigma for those experiencing mental health conditions. Daniel received her MFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College in 2015.
A man sits with his head against clasped hands as if in deep thought
Department News

New study shows the “chemical imbalance” theory of depression may hinder patient agency

Hans Scroder, Ph.D., is quoted in a PsyPost article about a psychological experiment comparing patient attitudes about depression as a biological malfunction versus a functional signal of unmet needs.
 McCoy is a golden retriever. He is laying on a brick walkway with his head resting on his front paws and his eyes closed. He is wearing a blue bandana.
Department News

Family-focused mental health fair a wellness resource for the A2SF community

Michigan Medicine faculty and staff volunteers hosted a youth mental health fair at the Ann Arbor Summer Festival with games and activities to reduce stigma and bring mental health resources to the community
 Zero Suicide Framework graphic depicts 7 puzzle pieces, each fitting together into a full circle. Each piece represents a different principle of the Zero Suicide Framework. These principles include: Lead, Train, Identify, Engage, Treat, Transition, and Improve. Improve is highlighted in purple, reflecting that it is the focus of this document.
Department News

Summer 2026 Zero Suicide Newsletter

The Summer 2026 Zero Suicide Newsletter explores the "improve" element of the Zero Suicide Framework, sharing how a focus on continuous quality improvement and measurable goal-setting can make a meaningful difference in youth suicide prevention.
 Speaking of Psychology logo has a yellow background and depicts a brain and a speech bubble that look to be in conversation with one another
Department News

Incentivizing Recovery: Why Contingency Management Works to Treat Addiction

Dr. Lara Coughlin was interviewed in the American Psychological Association's Speaking of Psychology podcast. Coughlin discussed contingency management as treatment for addiction and substance use disorders.
 A hand is raised, holding a bright yellow dandelion against a background of gray clouds
Department News

Elevating Voices in Youth Suicide Prevention

How a Zero Suicide framework and community voices are working together to save young lives
 airplane landing
Department News

Want to Avoid Jet Lag? This Is the Best Time to Fly, Says a Sleep Scientist

Helen Burgess, Ph.D., was interviewed for this article published in Reader's Digest
 portrait of Huda Akil
Department News

Dr. Huda Akil speaks at National Institutes of Health

Dr. Akil invited to speak at highest-profile lecture program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Health Lab

The link between sleep and mental health

Sleep and mental health are closely related to one another. Good sleep can support positive mental health while poor sleep can lead to mental illness. Michigan Medicine experts share simple sleep tips that anyone can follow to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
Health Lab

8 facts to know about childhood suicide

With suicidal thoughts and behaviors on the rise among kids, experts provide suicide prevention tips for families experiencing a mental health crisis. 
Health Lab

8 facts about addiction and recovery

Michigan Medicine mental health experts shares facts and information about addiction and treatment options available.