Drs. Oz & Roizen

recent Princeton study confirmed the CDC findings that the top causes of adult suicides are failing relationships, health issues, and job and financial security. That makes long-term, pay-for-ityourself therapy an unlikely option for many.

IMPROVED DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OPTIONS ARE ESSENTIAL

The CDC also states that 54 percent of people who committed suicide were not known to have a mental health condition. However, according to Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman, chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University, 90 percent of those who commit suicide had previous mental health issues; they were simply undiagnosed.

In addition, the CDC says there aren’t any federally funded suicide prevention programs for adults, and insurance coverage for behavioral health care often is out-of-network. As Dr. John Mann, another psychiatrist at Columbia University, points out, since the 2008 recession, states were forced to cut over $4 billion in public mental health funding. The latest budget out of Washington would slash the one source of public funding for mental health treatment that’s available to 70 million low-income and disabled Americans: Medicaid.

GUN CONTROL IS ANOTHER PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE THAT RELATES TO SUICIDE

Research shows that the decision to attempt suicide often is made quickly and impulsively, and guns are by far the victim’s first choice. Stricter background checks and a longer waiting period for gun purchases could help prevent such acts.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

There is always something you can try to help someone in need or yourself. Go online to BeThe1to. com. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). The Suicide Prevention Resource Center lists state-by-state resources at www.sprc.org/ states. Offer help. Reach out for help. Write your representatives, insisting on more funding for mental health nationally and locally.

Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. To live your healthiest, tune into “The Dr. Oz Show” or visit www.sharecare.com.

(c) 2018 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.