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BY LEONIE HELM

Many people believe that #suiciderates are at their highest during the winter months, specifically around #Christmas, when many people struggle with #loneliness, strains on their #finances, and exacerbated family issues.

The truth in fact, is that the bulk of research consistently shows that the #spring/summer months result in the highest number of suicides, a pattern that has remained consistent for many years. The #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention reports that the highest number of suicides in the U.S in 2021 occurred in August. In fact, one study found that cardiac mortality is at its highest around #Christmas and New Year's than any other time of the year, making it far more of a risk factor than #suicide at that time of year.

The #Christmas #suicide myth spreads the false idea that #suiciderates increase during the #holidays and while it is a positive to see cultural discussions of #suicide and #mentalhealth, it's important to recognize that #suicide is a complex health issue, and can occur when a variety of biological, psychological and environmental factors come together, often triggered by stressful events.

A study from 2014 examining #suiciderates in Queensland, Australia found that between 1990 and 2009 there were significantly more #suicides reported on both #Christmas Eve and New Year's Day than other days. This time of year is the height of summer in Australia.

#Suicide is a leading cause of death in the U.S, with 45,979 recorded suicides in 2020, and the number of people who think about or attempt #suicide is even higher. In 2020 alone, 12.2 million #Americans seriously considered killing themselves, 3.2 million planned a #suicide and 1.2 million attempted it, according to the #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention.

A stock image of a spring meadow. Despite the common misconception that #suicides are at their highest around the winter #holidays, the statistics consistently show that #suiciderates in the U.S. are at their highest in the #spring. This is in part due to the fact that suicidal people feel left behind at a time of year that is supposed to represent new beginnings and hope

Death by #suicide accounts for more fatalities worldwide than accidents, homicides, and war combined.

Despite these shocking statistics and the evident threat of #suicide, false and damaging myths about #suicide are still prevalent within society, and one of the main ones is that #suiciderates go up at #Christmas. The Annenberg Public Policy Center regularly conducts research looking at the frequency with which the media falsely link the holidays with a rise in #suicides. Between 2010 and 2014, 70 percent of U.S. media outlets supported the myth, while only 30 percent debunked it. Despite this, December 2017 had the lowest rate of #suicide in the U.S. of every month in the year.

Are #SuicideRates Actually Higher at #Christmas?

The short—and heavily supported by research—answer is no. #Suicide by nature can be hard to quantify, with so many going unrecorded. However, the vast majority of global research shows that the #holidays often report the lowest #suiciderates of the entire year.

"The #Holiday #Suicide Myth is indeed a myth," said Leila Azarbad, Ph.D., professor of psychology at North Central College, "in fact, #suiciderates drop during the winter months and rise in the spring. November and December tend to have the lowest #suiciderates, whereas April, May and June tend to have the highest rates."

Doreen Marshall, Ph.D., vice president of mission engagement at the #AmericanFoundationforSuicidePrevention agreed said, "While it is common to experience complex feelings of #loneliness, #grief and #depression during the #holiday season, the idea that #suiciderates rise in December and on #Christmas is not true. We do not typically see more #suicide deaths in December than in other months of the year."

Why Do We Think #SuicideRates Go Up at #Christmas?

While #suicide rates might be at their lowest, #Christmas can often be a time of heightened #stress for many. A 2021 poll by the #AmericanPsychiatricAssociation found that out of 2,100 people surveyed, 41 percent reported increased #stress during the #holidays. Similarly, a study from the #NationalAllianceonMentalIllness found that 24 percent of people with a diagnosed #mentalillness reported that the #holidays made their condition "a lot" worse and 40 percent reported it made it "somewhat" worse."

Azarbad said that it's possible the media perpetuates this myth in an effort to validate and normalize the "#holiday blues" experienced by many and Dan Romer, Ph.D., research director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania agreed. He said, "We think it has to do with the goal of providing advice to people about dealing with #holiday #stress, which then merges into the idea that this time of the year is actually a time of greater #suiciderisk. It also meshes with other theories like shorter days and #seasonalaffectivedisorder."

#Suicide and the #holidays. Despite the common misconception that #suiciderates rise around the #holidays, rates are consistently at their lowest in December

While it can be considered a good thing that this myth is in fact a myth, experts suggest that this misinformation can do damage.

"It goes against the reporting recommendations which encourage giving people accurate information about #suicide and not encouraging contagion, which is the phenomenon of thinking that #suicide is a solution to life problems that others are taking," said Romer. Cynthia Vejar, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology and program director of Clinical #MentalHealth #Counseling at Lebanon Valley College suggested that a positive symptom of this myth may be that "this awareness might alert people to the fact that others are struggling, and people might be inclined to check-in on others during this time of year".

Why Are #SuicideRates Lower at #Christmas?

Despite heightened levels of #stress over the #holidays and the effects of the weather and #SeasonalAffectiveDisorder, #suiciderates are almost unanimously reported to be lower at Christmas globally than any other time of the year.

Despite this, experts agree that a possible reason that #suiciderates are lower around the holidays is the tradition of forgiveness and family. Marshall said, "many people may think about the #holiday season and connect to traditions which ground us in our histories, our feelings toward one another, and our hope for a new year. The holidays can be a time for introspection that inspires people to check in on ourselves and connect with our loved ones. Holiday festivities and gatherings might also serve to bolster protective factors, such as feeling connected to family and community support, that encourage help-seeking for those struggling."

This community sense of togetherness during hard times directly feeds in to Durkheim's theory that periods of external threat create group integration within society and lower the #suiciderate through the impact on social cohesion.

This can be seen historically as one study from 2003 found that after the tragic events of September 11, #suicide rates in England and Wales immediately afterwards were significantly lower than other months in the same year, and any other September for the past 22 years as people came together to support each other through the tragedy.

The #CDC reported that #suiciderates in the U.S had been steadily rising every year between 2004 and 2019, but after the #COVID-19 restrictions took over the world, despite risk factors caused by the #isolation increasing, #suiciderates actually dropped from March 2020. Experts believe that, as at Christmas, the sense of communal feeling led people to reach out more to loved ones, whether for help or to help, leading people to have increased communication and support than during regular times.

This theory is also supported by the #CDC data showing that in 2021, when restrictions largely eased in the U.S., the #suiciderate went up as people began to resume their normal lives, and the collective support system waned. Despite this rise, the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that the average daily #suiciderate during the holiday months remained among the lowest in the year.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

Why Are #Suicide Rates Higher in #Spring?

Our experts all agree that #suicide rates in the U.S. are higher in the spring and summer months than in the winter or around the holidays. The Annenberg Public Policy Center reported in 2017 that the average amount of suicides per day in December was 117.00, the lowest of the year compared to 137.71 in August, the highest.

In its latest report, the APPC reported that in 2021/2022, only 37 percent of stories that mentioned the link between the holidays and #suicide debunked it, despite December 2021 seeing an average of 121.81 suicides per day, compared to 139.61 in August.

#Suicide rates rise in the summer and fall in the winter. Stock image. #Suiciderates in the U.S. are consistently at their highest in August

Vejar suggests that it may be that "there is an expectation that with the warmer weather, people will be happier and more inclined to be outdoors, participating in fun activities with family/friends. If people are struggling with #mentalhealthconcerns, and/or if they have strained relationships with loved ones, a spotlight might be shined on the fact that they should be happy/doing fun things but they are not—in other words, their expectations and realities are incongruent with each other and this causes a sense of #grief".

Some experts have even made the link between increased risk factors such as allergies leading to a spike in suicides in the warmer months. Johns Hopkins HealthCare reports that "there is overwhelming evidence that inflammation from various sources including allergic reactions can cause or worsen #depression". The #NationalInstituteofMentalHealth reports that there are approximately 52.9 million recorded people living with #mentalhealthissues in the U.S, while Johns Hopkins HealthCare reports that 50 million #Americans suffer from allergies. They report that the chances of #depression in people with rhinitis (both allergic and non-allergic) is 42 percent higher than those who don't.

What #Suicide Help Is Available?

Azarbad said that a key misconception about #suicide is that talking about #suicide or asking someone if they feel suicidal will encourage #suicideattempts. "The research has shown that this is simply not true. In fact, asking someone if they are thinking about #suicide is a crucial step toward offering support and obtaining proper treatment".

"It's important to know you're not alone," Marshall said, "If you are struggling with #mentalhealth and/or #suicide, there are a number of #suicideprevention resources, such as visiting your primary care provider or local walk-in clinic. #Mentalhealthprofessionals have education, tools, and resources to support someone that is struggling with their #mentalhealth and can help work through challenges they may be facing. In a crisis situation, text TALK to 741741 at the Crisis Text Line or call the #NationalSuicidePreventionandCrisisLifeline at #988."

READ MORE

- More People Are Talking About #Suicide

- "I fought for my country and lost 15 friends to #suicide"

- Jameela Jamil tells Meghan Markle "smear campaign" made her feel suicidal

- Prince Harry's 'desperation' during Meghan Markle crisis visible in video

- As #teen #loneliness rates soar, #schools may be making it worse

If you or someone you know is considering #suicide, please contact the #988 #SuicideandCrisisLifeline by dialing #988, text "#988" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.

Photo by Jan Krnc on Pexels.com
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2023/03/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-suiciderates-start-spiking-in-spring-this-is-why-and-how-to-get-help/

By 

John Mac Ghlionn

#Men comprise some 80% of all #suicides with #depression being a component of the majority of them. #Depression among #men is rising, fast, yet current psychotherapy treatments typically fail to differentiate between what works best for each sex. This must change if we want to keep #men mentally fit -- and alive!

The masculinity crisis is real.

#Men make up 49% of the population but nearly 80% of all #suicides.

Every 13.7 minutes a #man takes his life somewhere in the U.S. #Depression is present in at least 50% of these #suicides, according to Canada’s Centre for #SuicidePrevention.

Along with medication, psychological therapy can help alleviate depressive symptoms.

For #women, that is.

But less so for #men.

That’s because we appear to have #depression all wrong.

#Men and #women view the world very differently; their brains are literally wired differently.

And this means #men and #women also suffer from #depression in different ways.

There was a time when the #AmericanPsychologicalAssociation (#APA), the organization responsible for accrediting #psychologists in the U.S., appeared open to the idea of “#male-based #depression.”

Back in 2005, the APA noted that those in the #psychological community were “coming to think that the traditional signs of #depression (sadness, worthlessness, excessive guilt) may not represent many men’s experience of a depressive period.”

Unfortunately, not long after, the “sex is a construct” narrative started gaining traction, and the APA began denying that differences between the sexes actually exist.

Soon after, the APA decided to label qualities associated with traditional masculinity as “psychologically harmful.” 

Having effectively turned its back on #men, is it any wonder that the current system is so ill-equipped to help the #men of #America?

For most of its history, the esteemed #AmericanPsychologicalAssociation treated #male and #female #mentalhealthconditions with distinction; that all changed once pressure mounted to end the focus gender differentiations.

Which brings us back to the idea of “#male-based #depression.” Adam Lane Smith, a licensed psychotherapist who specializes in treating both #men and #women, says that #male #depression tends to revolve around feelings of helplessness and powerlessness.

“#Men need the ability to change their environment, create an impact that lasts (a legacy), and to either stop their pain or make it have purpose,” he explained.

They are less interested in having their feelings validated, and more interested in finding a solution.

They want answers, and they want them now.

#Female #depression, on the other hand, “tends to center around feeling unloved or feeling useless to the people they love,” Smith noted. “#Women need to feel cared for, appreciated, and helpful.”

#Veteran #therapist Adam Lane Smith says #men are seeking the ability to change the world around them from therapy; they want solutions — and they want them fast.

For #men, feeling unable to positively affect their environment appears to be the prelude to deep #depression.

“First,” said Smith, “they start feeling helpless in these areas, that they can never get out of these negative feelings.”

Then, after some time, he added, the “suicidal feelings set in.”

Smith words are particularly troubling because the rate of #male #depression is now rising so dramatically.

For #men seeking therapy, their key concerns are feelings of uselessness and being a burden to loved ones; they’re not necessarily looking to simply feel better.

If given the choice, #men tend to prefer speaking to a #male #therapist.

This has nothing to do with sexism.

Data confirms that #men just respond better to #male #therapists than they do to #female #therapists.

Sadly, there just aren’t enough #male #therapists to choose from.

Almost two-thirds of #psychologists in the #UnitedStates are #female.

Eighty percent of clinical #psychologists are #female.

Some 75% of psychology graduate #students are #female.

This is one reason why therapy is failing #men.

#Women, on the other hand, want therapy to help them feel more loved and connected with the world around them; this dichotomy helps explain why so many #men are being failed by conventional therapy.

Another reason is that most therapy sessions center around making #men feel better, “more loved and more connected,” Smith notes.

However, the vast majority of the time, he said, #men feel powerless, “so making them feel loved while still powerless makes them feel like more of a burden, not less of one.”

In other words, we are trying to treat #male-based #depression using #female-oriented approaches.

And this is likely making #male therapy #patients feel even worse.

Which begs the question: What, if anything, can be done?

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

One of the biggest challenges in properly treating #male #depression is the paucity of #male #therapists; some 75% of psychology graduate #students today are #women.

First and foremost, the time has come for the broader psychology community to reverse course and recognize that biological differences exist – both for the physical body and the immaterial mind. “

A one-size-fits-all approach is… going to turn the tide against the #suicide epidemic, the drug epidemic, or any other #mentalhealth-based issue currently growing worse,” Smith explains. 

To get #men out of their rut, they must not only be made to feel better, but actually achieve impactful and meaningful results.

This should be the end game of any #mentalhealthtreatment.

What do you think? Post a comment.

Because to truly address #male suffering, we must first accept the idea that a #man’s pain often looks nothing like its #female counterpart.

If you are struggling with #suicidalthoughts or are experiencing a #mentalhealthcrisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 #NationalSuicidePreventionhotline at #988 or go to #SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2023/03/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-we-must-stop-using-a-female-model-to-treat-mens-mentalhealth/

Nicole F. Roberts

Contributor

#Firefighter Gerard McGibbon, of Engine 283 in Brownsville, Brooklyn, prays after the World Trade ...

Firefighting is a brave and noble profession often associated with heroism. But #firefighters and researchers are sounding the alarm on the #mental and physical effects of the profession, warning that it comes with a severe cost – increased levels of occupational #stress that can lead to depression, burnout, #anxiety, #posttraumaticstressdisorder (#PTSD), and #suicidalideation. The National Fallen #Firefighters Foundation estimates that there are between 100 and 200 firefighter deaths by #suicide each year, double the rate of the general population.

#Firefighters, being #firstresponders, stand on the frontline of disasters and emergencies. The stress they bear comes at a critical cost to their well-being. Repeated exposure to traumatic scenes including car accidents, homicides, #suicides, infant drownings, and cardiac arrests – in addition to fires - can cause cumulative #stress overload and distress as a result of the scenes they attend. In addition to traumatic events, #firefighters may also suffer the effects of shift work (often 24 hours), long hours , physical and emotional exhaustion, #stigma associated with seeking help, and a culture of toughness.

In 2021, a systematic literature review of 29 studies found that #firefighters experienced a variety of psychosocial stressors in additional to physical #stress, and that those stressors were associated with multiple health?related outcomes. These were organized into six areas: “#depression?suicidality, non?depressive #mentalhealthproblems, burnout, #alcohol use disorders, sleep quality, and physiological parameters, and somatic disorders.”

Additionally, a recent publication from the Ruderman Family Foundation follows up its initial 2018 report on #mentalhealth and #suicide of #firstresponders, finding that, “#policemen and #firefighters are more likely to die by #suicide than in the line of duty.”

While the new report doesn’t include recent 2021 and 2022 statistics, it’s known that the added effects of the #Covid-19 pandemic such as increased workload, #stress and #trauma from being a #firstresponder, and exposure to the #virus itself impacted both work and home life. In fact, a study on the #stigma on #firstresponders during #Covid-19 showed a notable “increased sense of #isolation, stigmatization, and lack of support.”

As Jay Ruderman, President of the Ruderman Family Foundation described the new data, “Our research underscores the ongoing #mentalhealthcrisis facing #firstresponders, which has become a perfect storm that combines the existing dangers of their work and the toll exerted by the #pandemic.”

But, according to the Firefighter #Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA), moral injury is additionally to blame, although rarely discussed. Their most recent paper explores the implications of moral injury, or as they describe it, “Moral injury is the damage done to one’s conscience or moral compass when that person perpetrates, witnesses, or fails to prevent acts that transgress one’s own moral beliefs, values, or ethical codes of conduct.” Given the distressing events faced on a regular basis, it’s easy to see how one’s beliefs and emotions become wounded.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

Another way to think of the #mental toll is as cumulative exposures to traumatic #stress, that when left unaddressed, can “snowball,” leading to burnout, #PTSD, and moral injury.

Unfortunately, no government organization requires reporting of #firefighter deaths or attempts. Nor is there mandatory research to find patterns, trends, or understand the multidimensional aspects that lead to loss of life. However, some cities and departments, like Detroit, do audits of their fire services.

In addition, work like that being conducted by the FBHA can support the development of strategies to help this essential workforce deal with the considerable #mentalhealthchallenges that come with their work. Jeff Dill, Founder and CEO of FBHA says, "One of our goals is to ensure, through #behavioralhealth workshops and providing resources, that our brothers and sisters have a great career, but a better retirement.”

With that in mind, to reduce the number of deaths by #suicide in our firefighting population during service and in retirement we must promote a culture of #self-care as well as provide access to #mentalhealthservices, train #firefighters on #suicideprevention, and implement effective debriefing after traumatic events. The psychosocial stressors and moral injury related to their work calls for specific interventions and #mentalhealthsupport.

“It is incumbent upon us to redouble our efforts to end the silence and eradicate the #stigma surrounding the #mentalhealth of #firstresponders,” says Ruderman.

Although the conversations can be uncomfortable, by increasing awareness and drawing attention to the lives, experiences, and #traumas experienced by #firstresponders we can collectively ensure more resources and support are available.

Follow me on #Twitter or #LinkedIn. Check out my website or some of my other work here. 

Nicole F. RobertsFollow

Dr. Nicole (Fisher) Roberts is the Executive Director of Feed A Billion, an international nonprofit that feeds #girls around the world to... Read More
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2023/03/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-sounding-the-alarm-firefighters-remain-more-likely-to-die-by-suicide-than-on-duty/

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Jon Edelman

More #college #students than ever were anxious, depressed, and struggling with #suicidalthoughts last #school year. It’s a disheartening finding from the Healthy Minds Study (HMS), which conducts an annual online survey of nearly 96,000 #college #students on 133 #American campuses that was released last Friday. However, the study did reveal a potential silver lining: more #college #students than ever are seeking help.

HMS found that 44% of #students reported #depression, 37% reported #anxietydisorders, and 15% reported having seriously considered #suicide, increases of two to three percentage points from winter and spring 2021 data. The rates were the highest in the 15-year history of the survey.

Dr. Justin Heinze, an associate professor in the combined program in education and psychology at the University of Michigan and a principal investigator of the HMSThe increases equate to thousands of #students, said Dr. Justin Heinze, an associate professor in the combined program in education and psychology at the University of Michigan and a principal investigator of the HMS.

Although the #pandemic might seem like an obvious explanation for the increase in #mental unwellness, Heinze cautioned against attributing the upticks solely to #COVID-19.

“We’ve been seeing this trend since at least 2015 and perhaps even a little bit before,” he said. “This just seems to be a continuation.”

Societal factors such as #gunviolence, climate change, and #racial injustice may play a role, according to Dr. John Dunkle, senior director of learning and knowledge at The JED Foundation (JED), a non-profit focusing on young #adult #mentalhealth and #suicideprevention. Heinze thought that some portion of the increases could be attributable to better measurement of #mentalhealth and a decrease in the stigmatization of #mentalhealthproblems. He also pointed out that the issues don’t seem to be beginning in #college—#adolescents have shown similar increases in #mentalhealthproblems in other surveys.

Although #students are clearly struggling, they are also reaching out for help at higher rates than ever before. 37% of #students reported having at least one counseling or therapy session in the previous year, a seven percentage point increase from winter/spring 2021. It was the largest improvement since 2018.

The increase in therapy and counseling may simply be because more students are having #mentalhealthproblems. But the study also provides evidence of continuing changes in #student attitudes about professional help. Only 6% of #students said that they would think less of someone who has received #mentalhealthtreatment, and 40% believed that most people would think less of someone who has received #mentalhealthtreatment, a decrease of five percentage points from winter/spring 2021.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

Dr. John Dunkle, senior director of learning and knowledge at the JED Foundation (JED)“I think we’ve moved the needle on #stigma,” said Dunkle. “On some campuses, #students are more comfortable than the so-called #adults.”

#Colleges also seem to have succeeded in making sure that their #students know what services are available. 51% of HMS respondents agreed or strongly agreed that if they needed to seek professional help for their #mentalhealth, they would know how to get resources from their #schools.

Although the 37% of #students receiving counseling or therapy was encouraging to Dunkle, he noted that it still falls short of the 52% of #students who said that they needed help for #mentalhealthproblems in the past year. He advocated for #schools to examine the survey results more closely to learn about the #students who are not receiving professional help.

“I would encourage institutions to dig deeper into the data and start to stratify them based on demographics so that they can really get a deeper understanding of who those 52% are,” he said. “Then they can be more intentional and strategic about getting those #students connected to services.”

The HMS did find differences by #race: #studentsofcolor were less likely to access #mentalhealthtreatment. According to Heinze, this may be attributable to differing levels of #mentalhealth #stigma in different cultures. He speculated that #peopleofcolor may be likelier to access other forms of support, through their social or faith networks. Dunkel pointed out that there are relatively few clinicians of color.

“Some want to see #mentalhealthprofessionals who look like them and have shared identities,” he said. “And, in some cases, they may not be too many.”

The study also found changes in the ways that #students were interacting with substances. #Alcohol use was at its lowest ever, with 54% of #students reporting that they had not taken a drink in the two weeks before completing the survey. However, it was unclear whether #students were using substances less overall. 22% of #students reported using #marijuana in the 30 days prior to filling out the survey, a two-point increase from winter/spring 2021. 17% of #students reported vaping, also a two-point bump.

Heinze said that an important next step will be the creation of a resource that #schools can use to figure out what sorts of #mentalhealthprograms will best fit their circumstances. He also thought that more #schools could have standard #mentalhealth check-ins for #students and saw potential for online or hybrid #mentalhealth support as a means of getting #students access to services faster.

But, according to Jennifer Rothman, senior manager for #youth and young #adult information, support, and education at the #NationalAllianceonMentalIllness, #anxiety, #depression, and #suicidalideation will likely keep increasing unless underlying causes change.

“I think we’re going to at least see the same numbers for next year because we’re continuing to have the same stressors,” she said. “Our best route is just to put more time and energy and funding into having services available to these #students to support them.”

Jon Edelman can be reached at JEdelman@DiverseEducation.com.

Photo by Andy Kuzma on Pexels.com
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2023/03/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-more-students-are-having-mentalhealthproblems-but-more-are-asking-for-help/

Heather Loeb

Guest columnist

A few years ago I was suicidal and had to Google a 1-800 number, the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline. They had a chat feature, and as upset as I was, I didn’t think I could talk to anyone through the sobs, so I waited in the queue. 

Tears blurred my vision, but I noticed on the screen that 75 people were ahead of me. I didn’t think I could get more upset. 

I didn’t wait until it was my turn; I called a friend. Luckily, I didn’t have a plan to end my life that night. I guess I needed to vent and distinguish reality from the lies my brain was telling me. 

That was one experience, one person and one night out of many. I in no way would ever bash the Lifeline, established in 2005, but in 2022 I was elated to see that the 10-digit #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline is now the three-digit #988, the #NationalSuicideandCrisisLifeline. 

Lyssette Galvan, public policy director at #NAMI Texas, says #988 is imperative to make it easier for individuals in crisis to be connected with a trained #counselor, not only to de-escalate the situation, but to create a safe space for someone. The next steps after de-escalation depend on the severity of the crisis and services available in the area. The goal is to stabilize a person in crisis, she said.

In the first six months after the line launched (July to December), more than 2 million calls were fielded. The majority are being answered in under a minute. 

I read in a #CNN article that the average time to answer calls year over year was three minutes in 2021 versus 44 seconds in December 2022, according to Dr. John Palmieri, a senior medical adviser at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' #SubstanceAbuse and #MentalHealth Services Administration, who serves as #988’s deputy director.

What I like about #988 is that it has a special prompt for #LGBTQ+ #youth and a prompt for #veterans. Both have a higher risk of #suicide.

What worries me about the program is the funding. I know that may seem silly when you read/hear that the Biden-Harris administration increased federal investments in the #988 program from $24 million to $432 million — that’s absolutely great — but that money will go very fast if we’re talking about strengthening current call centers; investing in new ones; hiring and training #counselors for 24/7/365 coverage; paying for special crisis intervention officers; reinvesting/building new facilities to treat people who are in crisis, etc. That’s a lot of what #NAMI Texas is focusing on this 88th legislative session, which I think is a no-brainer.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

Other #NAMI Texas ideas:

- Increasing the line item for Community #MentalHealthCrisis Services in the Health and Human Services Commission budget

- Creating a monthly fee on all phone lines (how 911 was funded)

- Investing in public education and awareness of #988

Galvan said it is vital to have adequate funding to provide services for people in crisis. Within the first month of implementation of #988, Texas had 15,000 calls made with a 57% in-state answer rate. Texas has five call centers in various parts of the state but does not have the workforce necessary to answer higher call volumes.

A comparable state, Florida, has 12 call centers with a 77% in-state answer rate. Galvan said Texas needs to ensure that the state is recruiting and properly paying trained crisis #counselors to increase the in-state answer rate. It also needs to increase funding for Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams and community crisis services. 

“By equipping our #988 system with all the tools needed,” she said, “we can save lives.”

Some people might not understand why we need 988, but the advantages (to me) are clear: It’s less #stress (and money) on 911 and its dedicated resources; it’s faster (and more efficient) to connect if you’re having a #mentalhealthcrisis; and there are multiple ways for you to connect: chat, text, call.

That one night, when 75 people were ahead of me, could’ve been fatal. Thank God, it wasn’t. I have so much faith in the people who made #988 happen, the resilience and strength of the people keeping it going. The lawmakers who can turn this program into the next 911. I’m not worried about that happening again to anyone. I beseech you, legislators, please don’t make me regret my words. 

I don’t think that #988 is the answer to all of our #mentalhealthproblems, but it certainly brings light to a huge problem that has been in the dark for so long.

Let’s keep going; let’s bring everything into the light.

We can start by sharing with our friends/family what #988 is and why it’s a vital service. The first — and most important thing — is that it saves lives.

How could I have forgotten to mention that?

Sure, the program saves time. It saves money. But out of those 2 million calls in six months, how many lives must have been saved?

I leave you with that.

Facts

- 1 in 5 U.S. #adults experiences #mentalillness each year.

- 1 in 20 U.S. #adults experiences serious #mentalillness each year.

- 1 in 6 U.S. #youth aged 6-17 experiences a #mentalhealthdisorder each year.

- Half of all lifetime #mentalillness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.

- #Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-14.

Source: #NAMI.org

- Every year in the U.S., more people die by #suicide than in car accidents and more #suicide deaths occur than homicides and AIDS deaths combined. 

- For every one person who dies my #suicide annually 316 seriously consider #suicide but do not kill themselves.

- The Lifeline has received more than 20 million calls from people in distress looking for support when they needed it the most (2005-2021).

Source: https://988lifeline.org/

For more than 20 years, Heather Loeb has experienced major #depression, #anxiety and a #personalitydisorder, while also battling the #stigma of #mentalhealth. She is the creator of Unruly Neurons (www.unrulyneurons.com), a blog dedicated to normalizing #depression and a member of state Rep. Todd Hunter’s #SuicidePrevention Taskforce.  

MIND MATTERS

Now more than ever we need to take care of our #mentalhealth. Guest columnist Heather Loeb discusses why and explores other important #mentalhealth topics in this special series.
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2023/03/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-mentalhealth-matters-suicidelifeline-988-is-a-vital-service-that-saves-lives/

Summary: Engaging in an #exercise program reduced #suicidalthoughts and actions in patients with #mental and physical health problems who previously had #suicidalideations

Source: University of Ottawa

A new study from the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Medicine found #patients with #mental or physical illness were able to successfully adhere to #exercise regimes despite previous thinking, resulting in decreased #suicideattempts.

The findings cast doubt on the misconception that #patients suffering from #mental or physical illness are not motivated to participate in a physical #exercise regime, which has similar efficacy to antidepressants and cognitive #behavioraltherapy in the treatment of #depression. It’s effect on #suicidalbehaviors, however, was unclear.

A new study from the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Medicine found #patients with #mental or physical illness were able to successfully adhere to exercise regimes despite previous thinking, resulting in decreased #suicideattempts. Image is in the public domain

“This misconception has led to primary care providers under-prescribing exercise, resulting in further deterioration of #patients’ #mental and physical health,” says Dr. Nicholas Fabiano, a psychiatry resident and lead author of the study with medical student Arnav Gupta.

“The findings of this study “debunk” this belief as #exercise was well tolerated in those with #mental or physical illness. Therefore, providers should not have apprehension about prescribing exercise to these #patients.”

Under the supervision of Dr. Marco Solmi and Dr. Jess Feidorowicz from the Department of Psychiatry, Fabiano and Gupta evaluated 17 randomized control trials with over 1,000 participants to deduct their findings.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

About this #exercise and #mentalhealth research news

Author: Paul LogothetisSource: University of OttawaContact: Paul Logothetis – University of OttawaImage: The image is in the public domain

Original Research: Open access.“The effect of #exercise on #suicidalbehaviors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials” by Nicholas Fabiano et al. Journal of Affective Disorders

Abstract

The effect of exercise on #suicidalbehaviors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Although #exercise may positively impact those with #mental or other medical illnesses, there is a lack of understanding on how it influences #suicidalideation or risk.

Methods

We conducted a PRISMA 2020-compliant systematic review searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and PsycINFO from inception to June 21, 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating #exercise and #suicidalideation in subject with #mental or physical conditions were included. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted. The primary outcome was #suicidalideation. We assessed bias of studies with risk of bias tool 2.

Results

We identified 17 RCTs encompassing 1021 participants. #Depression was the most included condition (71?%, k?=?12). Mean follow up was 10.0?weeks (SD?=?5.2). Post-intervention #suicidalideation (SMD?=?-1.09, CI -3.08–0.90, p?=?0.20, k?=?5) was not significantly different between #exercise and control groups. #Suicideattempts were significantly reduced in participants randomized to exercise interventions as compared to inactive controls (OR?=?0.23, CI 0.09–0.67, p?=?0.04, k?=?2). Fourteen studies (82?%) were at high risk of bias.

Limitations

This meta-analysis is limited by few, and underpowered and heterogenous studies.

Conclusion

Overall, our meta-analysis did not find a significant decrease in #suicidalideation or mortality between #exercise and control groups. However, #exercise did significantly decrease #suicideattempts. Results should be considered preliminary, and more and larger studies assessing suicidality in RCTs testing #exercise are needed.
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2023/03/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-exercise-decreases-suicideattempts-in-those-with-mental-and-physical-illness/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP8oFSJ8gEA

The question for #parents of tweens used to be: When should I get my #kid a phone?

Now, there’s a bigger dilemma: When are they ready for #socialmedia?

By the time they hit middle #school — if not before — #kids are lobbying to be able to interact with their friends on #SnapChat, #Instagram, and #TikTok.

They feel left out if other #kids are allowed to have access to #socialmedia and they’re not.

But there’s potential for serious harm if kids aren’t mature enough to make good decisions about what to share, who to share it with, and how to handle negative feedback.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2023/03/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-how-to-keep-teens-safe-on-socialmedia/

Photo by Galvu00e3o Menacho on Pexels.com

On Tuesday, February 28th, the Biden-Harris Administration held a conversation titled Addressing the #MentalHealth Crisis Among Young #Black #Men. Led by Ambassador Susan Rice and Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, the discussion centered on addressing the #mentalhealth of young #Black #men and discussing solutions to prevent disparities in #mentalhealth in #America.

Ambassador Rice and Dr. Murthy were joined in their discussion by Dr. Arthur Evans, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President of the #AmericanPsychologicalAssociation, Naheim Banks, and Miles Noble. Naheim Banks, a senior at Howard University, stressed how in #Blackcommunities there are #stigmas surrounding #mentalhealth that deter people from receiving treatment. In part, Banks believed this is due to growing up with the belief that he, and others, were not able to show emotions. This sentiment was echoed by Miles Noble, a junior in #highschool, who believed that he had to handle his emotions on his own. Dr. Arthur Evans acknowledged that the hardest part is admitting you have a problem and asking for help.

During the conversation, Ambassador Rice proves the startling disparities young #Black #men are facing everyday regarding their #mentalhealth. It is reported that 40% of #Black #teenagers struggle with persistent sadness and feelings of #hopelessness. As many as 22% seriously consider #suicide. The #suicide rates of #Black #Americans between 10-24 years old increased 36% over the past three years alone. As compared with #white #Americans, half as many #Black #Americans that need help, receive treatment. Further, #Black #men are more likely than #Black #women to die by #suicide.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

#Mentalhealth is health and is “our fuel that allows us to show up in the world” as stated by Dr. Murthy. It takes expanding the #behavioralhealth workforce to be more diverse, creating prevention measures in our communities, and prioritizing the voices of those suffering.

Across #America there is a #behavioral healthcare workforce shortage that prevents millions from receiving critical care. To address this issue, Dr. Evans argued that #America must address #student debt to alleviate the financial burden for individuals to get trained. In turn, this would improve system capacity and yield a more diverse workforce. Banks recalled his difficult experience in finding a #behavioral #healthcareprofessional with the same #racial and cultural background as him. This difficulty is another example of the importance in diversifying the workforce and providing race-based #trauma support for #BlackAmericans.

In addition, the panelists discussed taking a preventative approach through an increase in funding for #mentalhealthresource programs in our communities. The question was raised, how can we foster healthy and safe environments in our daily lives? Even if we can expand the workforce to meet the needs, understanding prevention and building programs that aim to prevent #mentalhealthdisorders is at the forefront of this issue. This includes training programs for: violence prevention, the workplace, resilience programs in #schools, and equity.

Please take a moment to listen to this important discussion.  If you would like to become involved in ACA’s advocacy efforts, you can contact the ACA Government Affairs and Public Policy team at advocacy@counseling.org. 

Photo by Galvu00e3o Menacho on Pexels.com
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2023/03/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-white-house-addressing-the-mentalhealthcrisis-among-young-black-men/

By VICTORIA GARCIA WILBURNState Representative

House Bill 1321, authored by State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers), would require annual, in-service #mentalhealth training for all #firstresponders. What follows is an op-ed written by Garcia Wilburn detailing her motivations and goals in passing HB 1321.

Our #firstresponders are among the bravest and most selfless members of our community here in House District 32, and I consider it my duty as state representative to support them with the resources they need to get the job done. But unfortunately, being the first person to run into a fire, active shooter situation or another emergency comes with a #psychological toll.

Our first responders’ #mentalhealth is often overlooked because these positions are inherently recognized to be held by strong-minded and fearless people, and so we forget that underneath every uniform is a person. What they see through their eyes and experience in the field should not be minimized simply because it is a part of the job. Additionally, #stigma, lack of resources and research have all been cited as long-time barriers for #firstresponders to seek #mentalhealthtreatment.

Unfortunately, this #stigma has claimed the lives of too many #firstresponders. A study from 2018 found that more #policeofficers and firefighters die by #suicide than in the line of duty. For #firefighters, the risk of #suicide is 10 times more likely than that of the general population. These heroes stare down #trauma and horrifying acts on a daily basis in the line of duty. As a result, they’re more vulnerable to #PTSD, #depression, suicidality and other #mental and #behavioralhealth conditions.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

A bill I’ve authored, House Bill 1321, will begin to address this silent epidemic in our community and across the state. It’s an opportunity for Indiana to lead, to serve as an example of how to address #firstresponder #mentalhealth in an evidence-based manner.

This bill will require annual in-service virtual training to all #firstresponders, including the professions of law enforcement, full-time professional #firefighters and EMS. The training will address #mentalhealth and wellness and #suicideprevention. This resource will not only preserve anonymity, but help deal with thoughts of #suicide, #trauma and other #mental or emotional obstacles in order to reduce #stress and #anxiety.

“We see you, we hear you, you are not alone.” This is the message that Karie Phelps, the wife of a medically retired #policeofficer who developed #PTSD during his law enforcement career, has for Hoosier #firstresponders.

“Would Jeff be in the same place if this training would have been available? We will never know,” Phelps said in her testimony in support of HB 1321. “I can’t believe he would be. If he had the proper knowledge of how to deal with traumatic and critical events from the beginning of his career instead of the mentality of just stuffing it and not processing the feelings and emotions, until the ‘stuff it’ bucket was full and starts to overflow with all the past #traumas.”

Phelps is a founder of Behind Thin Lines, an organization that connects law enforcement officers with the right #mentalhealthtreatment that is needed on their individual basis.

“Knowledge is power!” Phelps concluded. “So let’s give our #firstresponders the power to deal and cope with their day to day #trauma and critical incidents.”

This crisis is personal to me, too. My husband is a retired law enforcement officer, so I know how important #firstresponder #mentalhealth is firsthand. I want to see that each and every first responder is met, supported and heard.

The #mentalhealthcrisis some heroes live through is clear to me, and nobody should feel alone or afraid. I am committed, as your state representative and wife of a retired law enforcement officer, to provide a space to foster healthy relationships and make positive steps towards a peaceful life for #firstresponders who are our neighbors, loved ones and friends.

We have an ethical responsibility to take care of the people who take care of us – and this bill is one way to make positive strides toward that goal. This legislation is on its way to being considered by the Senate after a unanimous vote out of the House. I will continue to champion this bill until it’s signed into law.
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2023/03/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-we-must-prevent-suicide-mentalhealthcrises-in-our-firstresponders/

   

Author

Pader Moua, MPHPolicy Analyst501-526-2244PMoua@achi.net

#Suicidalthoughts and poor #mentalhealth are at high levels among #female U.S. #highschoolstudents, a new report by the #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention finds.

In 2021, 22% of all U.S. #highschoolstudents seriously considered attempting #suicide, up from 16% in 2011, according to the #Youth Risk #Behavior Survey Data Summary and Trends Report. Among #female #students, nearly one in three, or 30%, seriously considered attempting #suicide, an increase from 19% in 2011. The survey also found that #female #students were more likely to make a #suicide plan, attempt #suicide, or be injured in a #suicideattempt compared to their #male peers.

An alarmingly high rate of U.S. #students, 42%, reported they were unable to do their usual activities due to almost daily feelings of sadness or #hopelessness for at least two weeks in 2021. This is up from 28% of #students in 2011. The rate is even higher for #female #students: nearly 60% (up from 36% in 2011), compared to 29% for #male #students.

These survey-based findings are released every two years. The findings for 2021 are the first to capture the disruptions and challenges faced by #highschool #students since the #COVID-19 #pandemic began.

State-specific data for 2021 are not yet available, but Arkansas-specific data from surveys in recent years indicate disproportionately higher rates of #suicidalthoughts and poor #mentalhealth among #female #highschoolstudents compared to #male #students. The percentage of #female #students in Arkansas who seriously considered attempting #suicide rose from 18% in 2011 to 25% in 2019, while among #male #students the percentage increased from 11% in 2011 to 14% in 2019. Among all #highschoolstudents in Arkansas, 20% considered a #suicideattempt in 2019, up from 14% in 2011. In 2019, #female #highschoolstudents in Arkansas were also more likely than their #male peers to make a #suicide plan and attempt #suicide.

Forty-seven percent of #female #students in Arkansas reported feeling sad or hopeless in 2019 (up from 36% in 2011), compared to 25% of #male #students (up from 21% in 2011). Among all Arkansas #highschoolstudents, 36% reported feeling sad or hopeless in 2019, up from 28% in 2011.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2023/03/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-survey-suicidalthoughts-high-among-us-teen-girls/

The team’s earlier study found that #depression and #anxiety symptoms had doubled in #children and #adolescents during the first year of the #pandemic.

Elizabeth Payne

A file photo of CHEO. PHOTO BY ADRIAN WYLD /THE CANADIAN PRESS

Article content

#Emergencyroom visits by #children and #adolescents who had attempted #suicide rose sharply during the #COVID-19 #pandemic, according to new research reflecting what children’s hospitals in Ottawa and elsewhere have been experiencing.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

Article content

The global study, led out of the University of Calgary and co-authored by researchers at the University of Ottawa and CHEO, among others, found that, even as overall #pediatric emergency department demand plummeted early in the #pandemic, visits for #suicideattempts and #suicidalideation jumped steeply.

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From the beginning of the #pandemic until July 2021, #pediatric emergency visits for #suicideattempts by #children and #youth rose by 22 per cent compared to rates before the #pandemic. There was also an eight-per-cent increase in emergency department visits by #children or #youth experiencing #suicideideation.

The study was published Thursday in the journal Lancet Psychiatry.

The research, based on more than 11 million #pediatric emergency department visits across 18 countries, follows earlier work by the researchers that found an increase in #depression and #anxiety symptoms among #children and #youth globally at the beginning of the #pandemic.

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Dr. Nicole Racine is a clinical #psychologist and chair in #child and #youth #mentalhealth at CHEO. PHOTO BY RILEY BRANDT, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY /Handout

“This new study further demonstrates that the #kids have not been alright during the #pandemic, with increased presentation to the emergency department for serious concerns,” said Dr. Nicole Racine, a clinical #psychologist and chair in #child and #youth #mentalhealth at CHEO and co-author of the research.

The team’s earlier study found that #depression and #anxiety symptoms had doubled in #children and #adolescents during the first year of the #pandemic.

Co-author Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt, Canada Research Chair for #school-based #mentalhealth and violence prevention at uOttawa, said the latest findings highlighted the fact that the #pandemic was particularly difficult for young people experiencing #mentalhealthproblems.

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Dr. Sheri Madigan of the University of Calgary is lead author of the study published Thursday in the journal Lancet Psychiatry. PHOTO BY UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY /Handout

Lead author Dr. Sheri Madigan from the University of Calgary said the research highlighted the need for better #mentalhealth supports for #children and #youth. She said the earlier research underlined the fact that “#kids were in crisis, and that we needed to bolster services and resources, or it was going to get worse.

“There’s been a debate during the #pandemic as to whether the #kids are alright or not alright. Now that more data have been published and analyzed, we can more precisely answer that question. The #kids are, in fact, not alright,” Madigan said.

Madigan called for #mentalhealthresources, supports and services to be prioritized “to help #children shift from languishing to flourishing,”

The research findings reflect the experience at CHEO in Ottawa, where emergency room visits for #suicidalideation and #self-harm increased early in the #pandemic and the surge in emergency visits for #mentalhealthissues has continued. Even as the number of #children and #youth coming to the emergency department for viral illnesses began to decrease at the beginning of 2023, after an unprecedented surge, demand for #mentalhealth treatment remained high and continues, spokesperson Patrick Moore said.

“The #mentalhealth surge just keeps on going.”

#Youth Services Ottawa operates a 24-hour crisis line at 613 260-2360. More information is available at: ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/#suicideprevention.aspx

Study co-author Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt is Canada Research Chair for school-based #mentalhealth and violence prevention at the University of Ottawa. PHOTO BY JULIE OLIVER /Postmedia
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2023/03/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-kids-are-not-alright-say-authors-of-study-on-rise-in-pediatric-suicideattempts-during-pandemic/

The team’s earlier study found that #depression and #anxiety symptoms had doubled in #children and #adolescents during the first year of the #pandemic.

Elizabeth Payne

A file photo of CHEO. PHOTO BY ADRIAN WYLD /THE CANADIAN PRESS

Article content

#Emergencyroom visits by #children and #adolescents who had attempted #suicide rose sharply during the #COVID-19 #pandemic, according to new research reflecting what children’s hospitals in Ottawa and elsewhere have been experiencing.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

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The global study, led out of the University of Calgary and co-authored by researchers at the University of Ottawa and CHEO, among others, found that, even as overall #pediatric emergency department demand plummeted early in the #pandemic, visits for #suicideattempts and #suicidalideation jumped steeply.

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From the beginning of the #pandemic until July 2021, #pediatric emergency visits for #suicideattempts by #children and #youth rose by 22 per cent compared to rates before the #pandemic. There was also an eight-per-cent increase in emergency department visits by #children or #youth experiencing #suicideideation.

The study was published Thursday in the journal Lancet Psychiatry.

The research, based on more than 11 million #pediatric emergency department visits across 18 countries, follows earlier work by the researchers that found an increase in #depression and #anxiety symptoms among #children and #youth globally at the beginning of the #pandemic.

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Dr. Nicole Racine is a clinical #psychologist and chair in #child and #youth #mentalhealth at CHEO. PHOTO BY RILEY BRANDT, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY /Handout

“This new study further demonstrates that the #kids have not been alright during the #pandemic, with increased presentation to the emergency department for serious concerns,” said Dr. Nicole Racine, a clinical #psychologist and chair in #child and #youth #mentalhealth at CHEO and co-author of the research.

The team’s earlier study found that #depression and #anxiety symptoms had doubled in #children and #adolescents during the first year of the #pandemic.

Co-author Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt, Canada Research Chair for #school-based #mentalhealth and violence prevention at uOttawa, said the latest findings highlighted the fact that the #pandemic was particularly difficult for young people experiencing #mentalhealthproblems.

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Dr. Sheri Madigan of the University of Calgary is lead author of the study published Thursday in the journal Lancet Psychiatry. PHOTO BY UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY /Handout

Lead author Dr. Sheri Madigan from the University of Calgary said the research highlighted the need for better #mentalhealth supports for #children and #youth. She said the earlier research underlined the fact that “#kids were in crisis, and that we needed to bolster services and resources, or it was going to get worse.

“There’s been a debate during the #pandemic as to whether the #kids are alright or not alright. Now that more data have been published and analyzed, we can more precisely answer that question. The #kids are, in fact, not alright,” Madigan said.

Madigan called for #mentalhealthresources, supports and services to be prioritized “to help #children shift from languishing to flourishing,”

The research findings reflect the experience at CHEO in Ottawa, where emergency room visits for #suicidalideation and #self-harm increased early in the #pandemic and the surge in emergency visits for #mentalhealthissues has continued. Even as the number of #children and #youth coming to the emergency department for viral illnesses began to decrease at the beginning of 2023, after an unprecedented surge, demand for #mentalhealth treatment remained high and continues, spokesperson Patrick Moore said.

“The #mentalhealth surge just keeps on going.”

#Youth Services Ottawa operates a 24-hour crisis line at 613 260-2360. More information is available at: ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/#suicideprevention.aspx

Study co-author Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt is Canada Research Chair for school-based #mentalhealth and violence prevention at the University of Ottawa. PHOTO BY JULIE OLIVER /Postmedia
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=11158

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The American Legion Internal Affairs & Membership Division welcomed Jeff Masters to its February virtual Training Tuesday session. Masters has been practicing yoga for over 40 years and is on the board of directors for #Veterans #Yoga Project (VYP), a nonprofit that offers free in-person and virtual yoga classes nationwide for #veterans, military families and communities to support recovery and resilience.

During the training, Masters spoke about the history of #yoga, science behind it, and the benefits of it for #mentalhealth, #anxiety, pain, #depression and #stress.

Masters first addressed misconceptions about #yoga – that it’s just about stretching, balancing on one leg or your head, chanting, only for young and flexible individuals.

“Ultimately, #yoga is for everybody,” Masters said. “What we know is that anyone, anyone can benefit from taking the time to breathe easy, focus clearly, move mindfully, rest deeply … sometimes part of the practice of #yoga is just to rest in awareness. And finally, lastly is to take a moment to remember gratitude. By remembering gratitude, we do a very specific thing to our body. It actually creates more stimulus in that vagus nerve and increases our parasympathetic nervous system response, reducing #stress, reducing pain and creating more ease in the mind and body.”

Masters said a question they receive a lot at the #Veterans #Yoga Project is what kind of #yoga to practice since there several options from hot #yoga to power #yoga.

“The trick is to find a practice that’s right for you and the purpose of your practice or really your why. Why you’re doing it,” he said. “If you’ve had a negative experience with a class or teacher, then I invite you to try another one. Because The American Legion’s focus is on #mental and physical fitness and health, I would recommend a practice that is backed by research and specifically tailored to the culture and community that the Legion serves. From my personal experience, the #Veterans #Yoga Project has the deepest well of data and research connected to its work.”

In its 2022 data, 64% of the 2,402 #veterans who took VYP classes experienced a reduction in in pain.

To learn more about how to take a free in-person or online #Veterans #Yoga Project class, visit veteransyogaproject.org.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

Photo by Monstera on Pexels.com
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2023/03/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalheath-learn-the-health-and-mental-benefits-of-yoga/

A Medscape survey of physicians highlights the #mentalhealthissues #healthworkers suffer, with #doctors twice as likely as the general population to actually attempt #suicide. Medscape itself notes a doctor's specialty affects the risk of #suicidalthoughts and #depression

Fierce Healthcare: #Physicians Are Twice As Likely As The General Population To Attempt #Suicide, Medscape Survey FindsNearly a quarter of #physicians reported clinical #depression in a new Medscape survey, while 9% admitted to #suicidalthoughts, and 1% shared that they attempted to end their lives. Medscape surveyed 9,100 #physicians across 29 specialties last year. While #physicians often address the #suicidecrisis throughout the U.S., many are struggling with their own #mentalhealth. Two-thirds of #doctors reported colloquial #depression, according to the survey. (Burky, 3/3)

Medscape: Specialty, Age May Contribute To Doctors' #SuicidalThoughtsA #physician's specialty can make a difference when it comes to having #suicidalthoughts. #Doctors who specialize in family medicine, obstetrics-gynecology, and psychiatry reported double the rates of #suicidalthoughts than #doctors in oncology, rheumatology, and pulmonary medicine, according to Doctors' Burden: Medscape #Physician #Suicide Report 2023."The specialties with the highest reporting of #physician #suicidalthoughts are also those with the greatest #physician shortages, based on the number of job openings posted by recruiting sites," said Peter Yellowlees, MD, professor of psychiatry and chief wellness officer at UC Davis Health. (Lehmann, 3/7)

If you are in need of help —

Dial 9-8-8 for 24/7 support from the #Suicide&CrisisLifeline. It's free and confidential.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=11132

Board members strive to prevent #suicide and ‘save lives’

Board members strive to prevent #suicide and ‘save lives’

#NAMI board member and #Ellensburg Poet Laureate #MarieMarchand and NEAR founder Nan Doolittle. Photo courtesy of #MarieMarchand

Katherine Camarata, Lead Editor

The #NationalAllianceonMentalIllness (#NAMI) is a nationwide organization that seeks to destigmatize discussion surrounding #mentalhealth and provide resources for people with disorders and their families. The #Kittitas chapter of #NAMI was created at the start of the #pandemic by board member #MarieMarchand to bring #NAMI’s offerings to this community, and programs are set to begin this year.

“One of the goals of #NAMI is to really reduce this #stigma across the world, because the less prejudice there is, the more people feel that it’s okay to ask for help, and then that reduces #suiciderates,” Marchand said. “So really, the goal is to save people’s lives.”

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

The drive behind the #NAMI board

Marchand said she was drawn to this work because her home life growing up was “chaotic.” Marchand’s brother dealt with #schizophrenia and #substanceusedisorder and her mother was in and out of hospitals battling #depression. Marchand’s background includes working at the Downtown Emergency Service Center in Seattle for the #mentalhealth drop-in center and later working at a transitional housing facility for houseless people with #mentaldisorders. 

“In #highschool, I was developing #bipolardisorder,” Marchand said. “So working with people and in the field was also a good way for me to learn coping strategies and resilience for my own illness.”

Marchand said she decided to become more open about her own diagnosis in 2014. 

“I thought that for my own #mentalhealth, it would be better if I could be open about it because I didn’t want to be ashamed of it,” Marchand said. 

#JamesDonaldson, a #NAMI #Kittitas and #NAMI #Seattle board member, additionally said he was driven to this line of work because of the situations he has overcome in his own life.

“I myself went through a lot of #mentalhealthchallenges,” Donaldson said. “That really drove me to the verge of #suicidalideations and thinking about ending my life. I made it my life’s work now to be a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawareness and #suicideprevention.”

Donaldson was a former player in the #NBA and volunteered with #NAMI #Seattle for three years prior to starting with #NAMI Kittitas. He said he made it through his personal struggles after his doctor helped him realize he had a problem.

Donaldson published a book about his journey and process called “#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From the Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy” which is available on Amazon. 

“The 12 months I went through my #depression, #anxiety, #suicidalideation, it was 12 months of pure hell and darkness,” Donaldson said. “But I made it through. Finally, that darkness started lifting and I realized that I have a purpose. I have a reason to continue living and helping other people.”

Donaldson said statistics show that two out of five people will deal with #mentalhealthchallenges at some point in their life, and this number could be on the rise due to the #pandemic and #socialmedia use. The #NAMIKittitas.org fact sheet said that, “One in four #American #adults experiences an episode of #mentalillness per year.”

Donaldson’s work with #NAMI #Kittitas includes visiting middle and elementary schools to give presentations about #mentalhealth where these issues are prevalent.  

“When I go and speak to #school-aged #kids, invariably there’s three or four young people that come up and talk to me individually after my talk and let me know that they’re suicidal right now,” Donaldson said. “They don’t know how to get through the day and these are 12 year olds and 13 year olds, 14 year olds. It’s such a shame and a tragedy that we don’t feel comfortable enough to talk about it and to reach out for help when we need to.”

Donaldson recommended #youth who struggle with #mentalhealth take a break from their normal routines to find stillness within.

“My advice to them is really trying to get to know themselves,” Donaldson said. “A lot of times, we don’t really acknowledge who we are and what we’re going through inside, but if you take a few moments a day to just put your phone down, tune out of the #socialmedia for 30 minutes or an hour and just sit still, be quiet with yourself and get to know and love yourself again, that will go a long ways toward maintaining that healthy balance. I know it’s hard to do because social media is like an addiction. It’s hard to break that cycle, but these are the steps.”

#NAMI #Kittitas offerings

#NAMI is currently training facilitators to run their signature program, and they are also planning to offer a peer recovery support group called Connection in May and a virtual family support group for those whose loved ones deal with #mentalhealthchallenges. These offerings will be available through their website, #NAMIKittitas.org.

“I want to encourage people to look for those support groups, because they can be the perfect complement to medical treatment for those looking for emotional support,” Marchand said.

Marchand said #NAMI also offers the “In Our Own Voice” program, where their two trained volunteers can speak at different #schools or businesses about their stories with #mentalhealthconditions.

“Anybody could contact #NAMI #Kittitas if they want to help stomp #stigma at their workplace or their classroom and they can host an ‘In Our Own Voice’ training,” Marchand said.

#NAMI is hosting a community forum event at the Hal Holmes Community Center on March 31 at 6 p.m. in order to, “unveil ourselves to the community so people can find out where they fit in,” according to Marchand. 

Marchand said they are searching for volunteers and interns, and interested people can reach out via their website #NAMIKittitas.org.
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2023/03/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-nationalallianceonmentalillness-local-chapter-forms-to-raise-awareness-in-kittitascounty/

Board members strive to prevent #suicide and ‘save lives’

Board members strive to prevent #suicide and ‘save lives’

#NAMI board member and #Ellensburg Poet Laureate #MarieMarchand and NEAR founder Nan Doolittle. Photo courtesy of #MarieMarchand

Katherine Camarata, Lead Editor

The #NationalAllianceonMentalIllness (#NAMI) is a nationwide organization that seeks to destigmatize discussion surrounding #mentalhealth and provide resources for people with disorders and their families. The #Kittitas chapter of #NAMI was created at the start of the #pandemic by board member #MarieMarchand to bring #NAMI’s offerings to this community, and programs are set to begin this year.

“One of the goals of #NAMI is to really reduce this #stigma across the world, because the less prejudice there is, the more people feel that it’s okay to ask for help, and then that reduces #suiciderates,” Marchand said. “So really, the goal is to save people’s lives.”

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

The drive behind the #NAMI board

Marchand said she was drawn to this work because her home life growing up was “chaotic.” Marchand’s brother dealt with #schizophrenia and #substanceusedisorder and her mother was in and out of hospitals battling #depression. Marchand’s background includes working at the Downtown Emergency Service Center in Seattle for the #mentalhealth drop-in center and later working at a transitional housing facility for houseless people with #mentaldisorders. 

“In #highschool, I was developing #bipolardisorder,” Marchand said. “So working with people and in the field was also a good way for me to learn coping strategies and resilience for my own illness.”

Marchand said she decided to become more open about her own diagnosis in 2014. 

“I thought that for my own #mentalhealth, it would be better if I could be open about it because I didn’t want to be ashamed of it,” Marchand said. 

#JamesDonaldson, a #NAMI #Kittitas and #NAMI #Seattle board member, additionally said he was driven to this line of work because of the situations he has overcome in his own life.

“I myself went through a lot of #mentalhealthchallenges,” Donaldson said. “That really drove me to the verge of #suicidalideations and thinking about ending my life. I made it my life’s work now to be a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawareness and #suicideprevention.”

Donaldson was a former player in the #NBA and volunteered with #NAMI #Seattle for three years prior to starting with #NAMI Kittitas. He said he made it through his personal struggles after his doctor helped him realize he had a problem.

Donaldson published a book about his journey and process called “#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From the Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy” which is available on Amazon. 

“The 12 months I went through my #depression, #anxiety, #suicidalideation, it was 12 months of pure hell and darkness,” Donaldson said. “But I made it through. Finally, that darkness started lifting and I realized that I have a purpose. I have a reason to continue living and helping other people.”

Donaldson said statistics show that two out of five people will deal with #mentalhealthchallenges at some point in their life, and this number could be on the rise due to the #pandemic and #socialmedia use. The #NAMIKittitas.org fact sheet said that, “One in four #American #adults experiences an episode of #mentalillness per year.”

Donaldson’s work with #NAMI #Kittitas includes visiting middle and elementary schools to give presentations about #mentalhealth where these issues are prevalent.  

“When I go and speak to #school-aged #kids, invariably there’s three or four young people that come up and talk to me individually after my talk and let me know that they’re suicidal right now,” Donaldson said. “They don’t know how to get through the day and these are 12 year olds and 13 year olds, 14 year olds. It’s such a shame and a tragedy that we don’t feel comfortable enough to talk about it and to reach out for help when we need to.”

Donaldson recommended #youth who struggle with #mentalhealth take a break from their normal routines to find stillness within.

“My advice to them is really trying to get to know themselves,” Donaldson said. “A lot of times, we don’t really acknowledge who we are and what we’re going through inside, but if you take a few moments a day to just put your phone down, tune out of the #socialmedia for 30 minutes or an hour and just sit still, be quiet with yourself and get to know and love yourself again, that will go a long ways toward maintaining that healthy balance. I know it’s hard to do because social media is like an addiction. It’s hard to break that cycle, but these are the steps.”

#NAMI #Kittitas offerings

#NAMI is currently training facilitators to run their signature program, and they are also planning to offer a peer recovery support group called Connection in May and a virtual family support group for those whose loved ones deal with #mentalhealthchallenges. These offerings will be available through their website, #NAMIKittitas.org.

“I want to encourage people to look for those support groups, because they can be the perfect complement to medical treatment for those looking for emotional support,” Marchand said.

Marchand said #NAMI also offers the “In Our Own Voice” program, where their two trained volunteers can speak at different #schools or businesses about their stories with #mentalhealthconditions.

“Anybody could contact #NAMI #Kittitas if they want to help stomp #stigma at their workplace or their classroom and they can host an ‘In Our Own Voice’ training,” Marchand said.

#NAMI is hosting a community forum event at the Hal Holmes Community Center on March 31 at 6 p.m. in order to, “unveil ourselves to the community so people can find out where they fit in,” according to Marchand. 

Marchand said they are searching for volunteers and interns, and interested people can reach out via their website #NAMIKittitas.org.
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=11124

The Mills administration has poured money into #behavioralhealthservices, but one expert says there’s not enough money in the government to fix the problems.

BY ROSE LUNDYMAINE MONITOR

Demand for #mentalhealthservices that peaked during the #pandemic has remained stubbornly high, increasing waitlists and spilling #patients into Maine’s hospital emergency rooms.

Prior to #COVID-19, Mainers might wait weeks to see a #behavioralhealthspecialist. Now waitlists are months long, said Dr. Anthony Ng, ??medical director for community services at Northern Light Acadia Hospital.

IF YOU NEED HELP

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Maine crisis hotline at 888-568-1112 or text the #nationalcrisistextline at 741741. You can also dial #988 to be connected to the hotline.

“You could put them on the waitlist but for every moment they wait, weeks and months, their illness could worsen,” Ng said.

Maine was losing #psychiatrists in the years leading to the #pandemic, and the numbers have continued to drop. In 2019, three counties – Franklin, Piscataquis and Sagadahoc – did not have any #psychiatrists, according to a statewide report released last month.

Staff shortages during the #pandemic forced outpatient programs to reduce services despite rising rates of #isolation, #depression and #anxiety at a time of economic uncertainty and political discontent, said Ng, who also is a Distinguished Fellow of the #AmericanPsychiatricAssociation.

Maine already had high #suiciderates before the #pandemic: In 2019, the state #suicide rate per 100,000 was 19.4 compared to 13.9 nationally.

#COVID-19 made the situation worse, and the need for services has not eased despite the easing of #pandemic lockdowns that caused widespread #isolation, #mentalhealthprofessionals told The Maine Monitor.

Linda Durst

Linda Durst, chief medical officer with Maine Behavioral Healthcare, said she has tracked more #suicide deaths during the #pandemic than in the five years prior. In particular, she’s seen an “acceleration in severe #suicideattempts in #youth.” Durst also chairs the department of psychiatry at Maine Medical Center.

The numbers have been higher in the past year, perhaps because as the #pandemic has dragged on, “people have gotten less hopeful,” Durst said. And delayed care meant that people who seek care had more severe cases.

But there are efforts to address this. Gov. Janet Mills allocated $230 million for #behavioralhealthservices this fiscal year, including $15.4 million released in June to help reduce waitlists for community-based services and reduce emergency department use for #behavioralhealth crises. And Maine Medical Center has expanded its psychiatry residency program into #ruralcommunities.

Experts say the #pandemic is an opportunity to rethink the way they deliver #mentalhealthservices.

#EMERGENCYROOMS GET BUSIER 

When there aren’t enough treatment providers, people with more severe #mentalhealthchallenges may end up in emergency rooms.

#Behavioralhealth visits to emergency rooms in Maine hospitals have remained 25 percent higher than before the #pandemic, according to a survey conducted this week by the Maine Hospital Association. The length of stay in the emergency room has increased 25 percent — and in some cases as much as 35-40 percent.

At one point last year, psychiatric #patients took up half the emergency beds in Maine’s largest hospital system, the Bangor Daily News reported.

Keeping #patients in emergency room beds for extended stays – a practice called boarding – is one of the top problems facing hospitals, said Steven Michaud, president of the Maine Hospital Association. It’s a bad situation for everyone because the #patient doesn’t receive the long-term level of care needed, it puts an extra strain on staff and takes away beds from other #patients.

Hospitals have seen rising rates of violence from #patients toward staff as a result.

“It doesn’t mean that all #behavioralhealth #patients are violent. Not at all. But they are disproportionately more so, and to say otherwise is just not facing reality,” Michaud said. “So when we have these #patients it is more dangerous for our staff in the #emergencyroom.”

Workforce shortages are part of the problem, but the lack of an adequate number of treatment centers goes back to the national movement in the 1970s and 1980s to shrink state #mentalhealth facilities, Michaud said.

“This is a long-standing problem, which tells you there hasn’t been enough services out in the community for years, if not decades,” Michaud said. “And by the way, this is a national phenomenon. Everybody like me is pulling their hair out about this across the country.”

In addition to allocating funds to providers, the Mills administration in January opened a close supervision residential facility to provide an alternative to incarceration or hospitalization, opened a crisis center in Portland and expanded crisis support for #youth based on a pilot program in Aroostook County, according to a spokesperson.

Increasing funding to providers and increasing the number of beds for in-#patient treatment will help, but Michaud said it’s important to also start thinking about different methods of providing care.

“There’s not enough money in all the government to take care of this so we’re going to have to do both: We need more resources …  but we also need different ways of looking at it in terms of models,” Michaud said.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

DISAPPEARING #PSYCHIATRISTS 

Between 2015 and 2020, the number of practicing licensed #psychiatrists in Maine dropped by half to 110.

The drop-off is due in large part to a wave of retirements that was hastened by the #pandemic, Durst said. The average age of a #psychiatrist in Maine is 55.

But Durst added that there seems to be renewed interest in psychiatry and she’s seen impressive applicants for training programs.

Maine Medical Center runs the state’s only #psychiatric residency program, which offers four years of postgraduate training. There are five residents in the standard program and three in #child psychiatry. The program was expanded this year to include two residents in a rural track in Rockland.

There’s a lot of evidence that people from #ruralareas, or who are trained in #ruralareas, are more likely to stay there, said John Gale, a senior research associate at the University of Southern Maine and the former president of the National Rural Health Association.

Experts said it’s important to have providers in #ruralareas because they have local knowledge and understanding of what their #patients are experiencing, and are better able to connect and treat them. In addition, it’s difficult for people to drive hours from home, spending time and gas money, to receive these services.

Gale said the shortage of workforce professionals and #mentalhealthservices has existed for his entire 40-year career in the field. There’s been some progress but it hasn’t solved the problem.

“We’re not likely to produce enough #psychiatrists and #socialworkers who want to go to #ruralcommunities to fill the need, so I think we have to think about it differently than we used to,” he said.

Dr. Anthony Ng

Telehealth is one way to improve access but it’s a “double edged sword,” said Ng, with Acadia Hospital. While it may bridge the gap for people who live in areas without local #mentalhealthservices, telehealth also means that Maine-based #psychiatrists could work remotely in other places. In addition, not everyone has broadband to support telehealth communications.

Experts told The Maine Monitor that one of the most important solutions is to weave #mentalhealthservices into primary care, school-based programs and community support.

This is a chance to be more proactive and work on #stress reduction, rather than wait for problems to get so severe that they need to see a #psychiatrist, Ng said.

“This is time for us to look at new ways to work with communities, rather than the old-fashioned way of just putting more people out there to see more #patients.”

This story was originally published by The Maine Monitor. The Maine Monitor is a local journalism product published by The Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting, a nonpartisan and nonprofit civic news organization.
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2023/03/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-as-wait-for-mental-help-increases-suicideattempts-continue-to-rise/