Friday, November 30, 2018

Mental Health Resources

Lately, it has been difficult to escape the impact of poor mental health on society. Too frequently, this issue has led to a violent attack on some unexpecting group. We can debate other issues related to these attacks, but it’s hard to argue that poor mental health isn’t a key component and underlying cause of the perpetrator’s desire to destroy the lives of others. After these attacks, there is often a public plea for more attention to mental health and counseling. I won’t disagree that more support here would be better, but I also believe there are many mental health resources already in place that are just underused. Perhaps, a key issue for that is a lack of awareness so the following is a guide to some of those resources.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. However, it seems like we actually talk on the phone less and less. Not to worry, their website has a chat feature. The major social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have mechanisms in place as well to report suicidal threats. The first step in these is to “report the post”. While we might think these tools are there for content considered obscene or hateful in some way, answering a series questions within the reporting process can connect users with helpful links and contacts such as emergency services or preventative agencies.

Speaking of emergency services, those who work in these fields are trained to assist those experiencing a mental health emergency or have strong connections to those who do. The same is true for educators and those in the medical field. Who doesn’t know a police officer, EMT, firefighter, teacher, nurse, or doctor? These titles are ubiquitous and simply finding one of these individuals and expressing your concern is generally enough to get the ball rolling.

Of course for young people, mental health usually starts at the school. We often call counselors “school counselors” rather than “guidance counselors” because their role has grown more academic and less related to overall well being. However, that is still a critical component of what they do. Many schools have dedicated mental health counselors on staff and students are welcome to see them as needed. Schools are now also using technology to assist in the reporting of mental health concerns. Some schools have instituted “tip lines” or phone numbers one can anonymously text in order to report a concern. There are also apps that can do the same thing, such as Florida’s new Fortify Florida app.

There are many additional avenues through which one can find assistance for themselves or others who may require mental health support. However, none of these services or resources can do any good if they are not utilized or remain in the realm of the unknown. Mental health continues to be a concern in America especially for our young people and we are all responsible for guiding others to the help they might need.