Suicide rates have risen by about 30% since 2000. Understanding mental health can help decrease the amount of suicides. This is something that needs to be prioritized to help save lives. Nebraska’s suicide death rates alone, has increased 43% between 2011 and 2021. Go the extra mile to be nice and check up on people. 

The numbers of suicide and mental health issues have only been increasing. Alaska, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Montana are the 4 highest of the 12 states where suicide death rates have increased by 25% or more (Saunders and Panchal). This shows that these specific areas need more help. There has also been “an increase of almost 15 million people in treatment since 2002” (“Wolfson”). According to Wolfson, one in five U.S. adults have recently received some kind of mental health care, as well as one in eight now taking an antidepressant. This shows that the numbers are only going up.

There have also been some major causes leading to suicides. Half of the parents in a KFF/CNN survey found that the covid pandemic had a negative impact on their child’s mental health, 17% said it had a “major negative effect” (Sauners and Panchal). This shows that there was a large amount of people struggling during the pandemic. “Extensive evidence, including studies of the 1930s Great Depression, 1997 Asian economic crisis and 2008 global financial crisis, shows that severe economic downturns and subsequent unemployment are often accompanied by increases in suicide rates” (“Surtini”). This summarizes how rising financial stressors also have an affect on mental health. “The government provides a limited amount of funding for mental health services and counseling. This lack of funding is one of the major contributors to the shortage of mental health therapists. Many mental health providers must rely on private insurance or self-pay to cover their services” (“Phillips”). This is proof that the government can make a difference by increasing the funds for mental health services and counseling so people can get the help they need.

If every human learned how to help others, it would make the world a much better place. Listening can make a big impact when it comes to someone who is struggling. “Simply giving someone space to talk, and listening to how they're feeling, can be really helpful in itself. If they're finding it difficult, let them know that you're there when they are ready” (“How to help someone seek mental health support”). Being patient is also a key factor, even though you might be eager to help someone right away, it is important to let them take charge for seeking support themselves (How to help someone seek mental health support). “Part of the emotional support you offer could be to keep things as normal as possible. This could include involving your friend or family member in social events, or chatting about other parts of your lives” (“How to help someone seek mental health support”). Keeping social contact is one of the most important things you can do to help someone. 

Mental health is something that needs to be prioritized to help save lives. There are a lot of facts that are proven and causes that have taken place that show how important it is. Simply learning about mental health and how to help others can help the world grow better. Who knows, you might just save a life.

Works Cited

“How to help someone seek mental health support.” Mind, mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/helping-someone-else-seek-help/. Accessed 29 February 2024.

Phillips, Lindsey. “A closer look at the mental health provider shortage - Counseling Today.” Counseling Today, 8 May 2023, ct.counseling.org/2023/05/a-closer-look-at-the-mental-health-provider-shortage/. Accessed 29 February 2024.

Saunders, Heather, and Nirmita Panchal. A Look at the Latest Suicide Data and Change Over the Last Decade | KFF, 4 August 2023, kff.org/mental-health/issue-brief/a-look-at-the-latest-suicide-data-and-change-over-the-last-decade/. Accessed 13 February 2024.

Surtini, Rusty. “,.” , - YouTube, 6 May 2021, nature.com/articles/s44220-023-00042-y. Accessed 29 February 2024.

Wolfson, Elijah. “Therapy Isn't Fixing America's Mental Health Crisis.” Time, 28 August 2023, time.com/6308096/therapy-mental-health-worse-us/. Accessed 20 February 2024.