Mental health help begins in awareness

Notwithstanding that May is Mental Health Awareness Month, the impacts and increased visibility of mental health issues seem to surround us.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, issues involving mental health — suicide, drug use, domestic violence — have been at the forefront of health and human services concerns.

The advocacy and support organization NAMI points out that it is important to acknowledge the prevalence of mental illness so that those suffering do not feel alone and to work toward both reducing the stigma and improving access to treatment for those struggling, often in silence.

But it seems that even as mental health issues are more prevalent in the local and national conversation, there is a worsening crisis of drug use and suicide, particularly among young people. The statistics are sobering:

• One in 5 adults experience mental illness each year.

• One in 6 youth aged 6 to 17 experience a mental health disorder each year.

• Half of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, 75 percent by age 24.

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10 to 34

The pandemic exacerbated many of those numbers:

• One in 6 adolescents experienced a major depressive episode; 3 million had serious thoughts of suicide.

• One in 5 young people reported that the pandemic had a significant negative impact on their mental health.

• One in 10 people under age 18 experienced a mental health condition following a COVID-19 diagnosis.

• Increased use of alcohol was reported by 15 percent of adolescents and 18 percent of adults.

• Increased use of drugs was reported by 15 percent of adolescents and 19 percent of adults.

The pandemic is not the only factor. Writing earlier this month in The New York Times’ newsletter “The Morning”, David Leonhardt refers to an adolescents crisis that started around 2009 when technology and social media were seeing increasing use. Apple began selling the iPhone in 2007. Facebook opened itself for general use in late 2006, and onethird of Americans were using it by 2009, according to the Times. Technology use has also contributed to declines in exercise and sleep, seen as contributing to depression. Modern parenting strategies, among other factors, play a role as well. But digital technology — be it social media, video games, text messaging or other online activity — plays a strong role, many experts say.

Adolescents are not the only concern. As the older adult population grows and becomes more diverse, mental health issues are increasing iin that age group as well. The pandemic and social isolation took its toll on older adults as well as young.

“We know that social isolation adversely impacts older adults and can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression that can negatively affect their physical and mental health status and result in greater risk of mortality,” said state Secretary of Aging Robert Torres in a press release for Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day. “We also need to eliminate any stigma and myths surrounding older adults and mental health, which may prevent them from seeking help.”

Torres noted that one common myth is that depression is a normal, inevitable part of aging. However, when faced with depression, individuals can often be treated successfully, allowing them to live with a better sense of mental health and well-being.

Awareness of the issues surrounding mental health are critical to accepting and helping those in need. No one suffering through mental illness nor their families needs to go through this darkness alone, If you or someone you know is suffering, there are resources. Don’t hesitate to reach out and get help.

HERE ARE SOME PLACES TO START» Department of Human Services’ mental health support & referral helpline, Persevere PA: 1-855-284-2494 (TTY: 724-631-5600); National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800273-TALK (8255); Crisis Text Line: Text PA to 741741; Veteran Crisis Line: 1-800-273TALK (8255); Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990; The Trevor Project Lifeline (LGBTQ): 1-866-488-7386 Text “Start” to 678-678; Trans Helpline: 877-565-8860, and PA Link: 1-800-753-8827.