By Dorothy York, President and CEO of North American Precis Syndicate (NAPS)
As people have been weighing the advantages and disadvantages of reopening businesses while fighting a global pandemic, the recent increase in lives lost to suicide has factored into the decision making process. The tragic loss of lives from suicide can be prevented, to a great extent, with adequate diagnosis and treatment for anxiety and depression. Knowing who is at risk and being able to recognize the symptoms can help to enable people to begin to address the problem.
Sometimes suicides come as a complete shock to friends and family members, because smart people are very good at hiding their feelings, so early warning signs could go undetected. Following the guidelines set forth by the experts at various professional organizations can be a great first step towards helping those in need.
A recent study by Kaiser Family Foundation indicated that 45% of adults in the U. S. reported that their mental health has been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over the Coronavirus. Necessary measures taken to slow the spread of COVID 19, including social distancing, business and school closures, and shelter-in-place orders have led to distress and anxiety, as people have been worried about their financial conditions, the health and safety of their family members, and possibly losing their jobs.
If you have a way of helping to alert people about what symptoms they need to look for or where people can turn to for help, please tell your story. Here are some of our top stories of the decade about suicide prevention, for inspiration:
1- Teladoc: “If You’re Feeling Down, You’re Not Alone”
2- Philips/ NCOA: “The Public Health Threat No One Talks About: Loneliness”
3- Shepherd Center: “Five Ways To Help Prevent Veteran Suicide”
4- California Association Of Marriage And Family Therapy: “Tackling Depression Can Lead To A Happier New Year”
5- University of Phoenix:
“Survey Suggests The Majority Of Parents May Be Unaware Of The Effects Of Cyberbullying On Their Children”
“Veteran Mental Health”
6- SAMHSA:
“Help Your Kid Say No To Underage Drinking”
“Surviving Suicide: Recovery Steps And Resources For Survivors”
“Mental Health First Aid: How To Help In A Crisis”
“When To Worry About Suicide: A Parent’s Guide”
“Sports And Mental Health: What You Should Know”
“An App That Aims To Save Lives”
“Middle Aged Men And Suicide”
“For Military And Families Coping With Psychological Health Concerns, The Real Warriors Campaign Offers Resources, Support”
7- Walden University: “Popular Kids Can Help Curb Bullying”
8- AASM: “Sleep Is Key To Helping Teens Recharge For Success In School”
9- The U. S. Preventive Services Task Force: “When Is A Moody Teenager A Cause For Concern”
“Your Next Doctor’s Visit May Include Questions About Alcohol Use”
“Primary Care Doctors Offer Mental Health Checkups At Regular Adolescent Exams”
10- NIH: “Veterans And Opioid Abuse”
11- National Council For Behavioral Health: “What Would You Do? Your Role In Suicide Prevention”
12- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
“Everyone Can Help Prevent Suicide”
“Investing In Improving Mental Health”
13- CalMHSA/ Rand Corporation: “Strides Made In Mental Health Awareness Among California Youth”
14- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: “Survivor Day Changes Lives”
15- National Education Association: “Tips On Dealing With Bullying”
16- Ortho-McNeil-Janssen: “Living With Schizophrenia: A Story Of Inspiration”
17- LG: “Helping Kids Respond To Mobile Harassment”
18- AOL: “Keeping Tabs On Your Teens’ Virtual Social Life”
19- Covenant House: “Protecting America’s Children From Human Trafficking”
20- FTC: “Legal Drinking Age Protects Kids”
For more information or a free proposal from our experts, visit https://mynewstouse.com/ or email: info@napsnet.com.
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