May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
Each year since 1949 the month of May has been dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, eliminating stigma, and providing support and education.
Here are just a few statistics:
- A 36% increase in suicides between 2000 and 2021
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death in children aged 10-14
- Emergency room visits for suicide among pediatric patients continue to increase.
The current mental health situation for our youth has been called a crisis, so how can you help?
Consider becoming certified in Mental Health First Aid. This is a program that trains people to identify, understand, and respond to mental health challenges. This is similar to being certified in medical first aid or CPR. Information about training can be found here: Get Trained – Mental Health First Aid
Crisis Resources:
If you or someone you care about feels overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or like you want to harm yourself or others call 911 or one of the national crisis resources below.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 Chat at 988lifeline.org
National Crisis Resources National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1–800–273–TALK (1-800-273-8255)
This is a crisis hotline that can help with many issues, not just suicide. For example, anyone who feels sad, hopeless, or suicidal; family and friends who are concerned about a loved one; or anyone interested in mental health treatment referrals can call the Lifeline. Callers are connected with a professional nearby who will talk with them about what they are feeling or concerns for other family and friends. Call the toll-free Lifeline, 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.
Crisis Text Line
Text “MHFA” to 741741
Available 24/7, 365 days a year, this organization helps people with mental health challenges by connecting callers with trained crisis volunteers who will provide confidential advice, support, and referrals if needed.
The Trevor Project
Call 866-488-7386 or Text “START” to 678678
https://www.thetrevorproject.org
Trained counselors available 24/7 to support youth who are in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment free place to talk. Specializing in supporting the LGBTQI+ community.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline
Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
Finding a Behavioral Health Provider
The National Council for Behavioral Health https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/providers/?region= Search for organizations that are committed to providing mental health services to anyone in the community who needs it regardless of their ability to pay.
References
Facts About Suicide | Suicide | CDC
Mental Health Month | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness