United States Suicide Epidemic
Suicide is a crippling epidemic in the United States. As defined by the Social Progress Index, suicide rate is the "morality due to self-inflicted injury." As of now, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. (Suicide Statistics, AFSP). Those who suffer from mental health conditions are most prone to commit suicide/ possess suicidal ideations. Despite the staggering numbers, there is a concerning lack of resources, research, and education on mental health. As a result, there has been an alarming rise in suicide rates over the past couple of decades. An equally important conversation about personality disorders and mental health conditions is imperative to gain an understanding of why suicide occurs. …show more content…
Cognitive (CBT) and dialectical (DBT) are two proven psychotherapies (Treatment, AFSP). In addition to CBT and DBT, there consists interpersonal therapy and behavioral activation (Treatment, AFSP). These therapies are short-term but are the most effective when paired with antidepressants. Although debated, severe cases have been treated with electroconvulsive therapy, which are tiny electrical shocks to the brain. There is also its less aggressive counterpart, trans magnetic simulation. Unlike most medications, suicidal ideations can be lessened. Medication followed by treatments can be used to lessen certain side effects, and vice versa.
Even with medication and treatments available, a grave number of people are still being left untreated. Therefore, the largest issue concerning mental health is the lack of conversation and education on the topic. Often, people cower away from negative stigmas placed on mental illness. Through more in-depth education, mental health is better understood and not viewed as this foreign, taboo …show more content…
This allows for suicide awareness to be pushed as a national agenda. The AFSP implemented an online counseling service by the name of "Interactive Screening Program", for those suffering from mental health conditions that do not have access to a physical aid. These anonymous, online programs have increased the amount of people receiving treatment for their mental health problem. ISP eliminates the huge factors preventing people from seeking out aid, such as embarrassment and cost. In 2015, there were approximately 30,000 patients connected to online counselors. Workplaces and colleges heavily utilize this ISP
Suicide is a crippling epidemic in the United States. As defined by the Social Progress Index, suicide rate is the "morality due to self-inflicted injury." As of now, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. (Suicide Statistics, AFSP). Those who suffer from mental health conditions are most prone to commit suicide/ possess suicidal ideations. Despite the staggering numbers, there is a concerning lack of resources, research, and education on mental health. As a result, there has been an alarming rise in suicide rates over the past couple of decades. An equally important conversation about personality disorders and mental health conditions is imperative to gain an understanding of why suicide occurs. …show more content…
Cognitive (CBT) and dialectical (DBT) are two proven psychotherapies (Treatment, AFSP). In addition to CBT and DBT, there consists interpersonal therapy and behavioral activation (Treatment, AFSP). These therapies are short-term but are the most effective when paired with antidepressants. Although debated, severe cases have been treated with electroconvulsive therapy, which are tiny electrical shocks to the brain. There is also its less aggressive counterpart, trans magnetic simulation. Unlike most medications, suicidal ideations can be lessened. Medication followed by treatments can be used to lessen certain side effects, and vice versa.
Even with medication and treatments available, a grave number of people are still being left untreated. Therefore, the largest issue concerning mental health is the lack of conversation and education on the topic. Often, people cower away from negative stigmas placed on mental illness. Through more in-depth education, mental health is better understood and not viewed as this foreign, taboo …show more content…
This allows for suicide awareness to be pushed as a national agenda. The AFSP implemented an online counseling service by the name of "Interactive Screening Program", for those suffering from mental health conditions that do not have access to a physical aid. These anonymous, online programs have increased the amount of people receiving treatment for their mental health problem. ISP eliminates the huge factors preventing people from seeking out aid, such as embarrassment and cost. In 2015, there were approximately 30,000 patients connected to online counselors. Workplaces and colleges heavily utilize this ISP