May is Mental Health Awareness Month
In 2021, 1 out of 5 10th graders in the NWESD region said they had considered suicide in the previous year, according to that year’s Healthy Youth Survey results. Seven out of 10 reported feeling anxious, nervous, or on edge.
Next school year, when the Healthy Youth Survey is administered again, educators and those who serve youth will be looking closely at those results. Was the distress related to the pandemic? Is it ongoing? What can we all do to help?
In honor of May being Mental Health Awareness month, we look at the resources available as well as the evolving perspectives on mental health, stress and anxiety.
On May 30, Mental Health Matters of Washington and the UW Forefront Center present a webinar about helping youth struggling with their mental health. The free virtual webinar follows the L.E.A.R.N. steps developed by Forefront. L is LOOK for signs. E is EMPATHIZE. and Listen. A is ASK directly about suicide. R is REDUCE the dangers and N is NEXT steps.
“These steps empower individuals to help those struggling with their mental health and move in the direction of hope, recovery, and survival,” says Jody Early, co-director, Mental Health Matters of Washington.
The new nationwide 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is another resource. You may have heard 988 is the new number to call, text or chat if you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis.
Did you know:
- Those who are concerned about a loved one can also get support from crisis counselors by calling 988.
- Support on 988 is not limited to a suicide crisis. Support is also available if it is a mental health or substance use crisis.
- Specialized services are available for LGBTQI+ youth through 988.
- Through 988, Native people can reach the Native and Strong lifeline which consists of indigenous counselors.
As we become aware of resources to help young people who are struggling, we also see an evolving view of mental health, with more focus on risk factors and signs, so help can be provided before a crisis point is reached. Mental Health America looks at mental health from upstream.
