Support the prevention of mental illness and suicide

Mental Health America means "providing practical tools that everyone can use to improve their mental health and increase their resiliency regardless of their personal situation." 

With 1 in 5 adults struggling with mental health issues.

Opinion letter published in The Daily Chronicle, in  Centralia, 

Washington.

From the National Alliance of Mental Illness:

NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.

January is Mental Wellness Month and has been designated to recognize the importance of attending to our mental health and the mental health of our friends and loved ones.

According to NAMI, one in five adults experience mental illness each year, and one in 20 experience serious mental illness each year.

Mental health disorders also affect our nation’s youth, as one in six aged 6-17 experience these each year. Fifty percent of all lifetimes mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24. NAMI also lists suicide as the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-34.

In the United States, 90% of people who die by suicide may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition, according to interviews with family, friends and medical professionals.

One of the major problems with mental illness is that less than half of people with a mental health condition receive treatment. As stated earlier, many mental health disorders can begin at an early age.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two of the most common mental health disorders in young people are depression and anxiety disorders.

Not everyone who is depressed is suicidal, but depression is the leading condition associated with suicide and many times is left undiagnosed and untreated. It is important to know the warning signs of suicide because four out of five individuals considering suicide give some sign of their intentions either verbally or behaviorally.

If you suspect someone is experiencing a mental health crisis or is contemplating suicide, consider reaching out to them with empathy and understanding. Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Dial 911 if it is an actual emergency.

The Jason Foundation is another available resource. The Jason Foundation is dedicated to the awareness and prevention of suicide through educational programs and provides tools and resources to identify and assist those who are at-risk. 

Please visit jasonfoundation.com for more information about helping your friends and loved ones who are suffering with a mental illness. 

Taylor Harling, Divisional Director of The Jason Foundation

Mission Statement: The Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI) is dedicated to the prevention of the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide through educational and awareness programs that equip young people, educators/youth workers and parents with the tools and resources to help identify and assist at-risk youth.

JFI believes that awareness and education are the first steps to prevention. We want to establish a Triangle of Prevention by providing students, parents and teachers the tools and resources to help identify and help at-risk youth. This is accomplished through a curriculum unit for students and informational seminars for teachers and parents. The programs provide resources to accomplish this goal. The materials are easy to use and are intended to provide educational information. There is no intent to diagnose or treat suicidal ideation. JFI’s intention is to empower youth, educators and parents to help recognize when young people are in pain and know to get professional help involved as soon as possible. The Jason Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit 501c3.