For those of you who do not know, May is “Mental Health Awareness Month” and has been since 1949.
Mental health is a big concern in this country for a variety of reasons and some recent statistics specifically regarding the suicide rate in this country are alarming.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) WISQARS Leading Causes of Death Reports, in 2016:
– Suicide was the tenth leading cause of death overall in the United States, claiming the lives of nearly 45,000 people.
– Suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34, and the fourth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 54.
– There were more than twice as many suicides (44,965) in the United States as there were homicides (19,362).
Many people may not be aware of the support that is available to them but please know that help is available.
Please visit http://up2sd.org/ or http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may/ for more information about how to raise awareness for mental health issues and helpful resources such as suicide prevention and support as well as many other valuable resources for parents and others related to mental health.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression and having suicidal thoughts, please call the Access and Crisis Line at (888)-724-7240.
-Dr. Kimberly Wagner