ENID, Okla. — A recently released study shows #mentalhealthdisorders are rising due to the #coronavirus #pandemic and ongoing unrest in #America, and Oklahoma now ranks 14th for the most #mentalhealthdisorders in the country.
The study, #MentalHealth Incidents in 2020 by State, released by PSYDPrograms.org, is based on data from the nonprofit #MentalHealth America on #anxiety, #depression, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts.
Authors of the study point to stay-at-home orders and fear over the #coronavirus and riots, and ensuing increases in substance use, as a cause of the rise in #mentalhealthdisorders.
“#Isolation, temptation for substance abuse, extreme #anxiety and lack of access to #mentalhealthprofessionals provide all the makings of a #mentalhealthcrisis,” they wrote.
According to the report, 20.3% of adults in Oklahoma reported #mentalhealthincidents compared to the national average of 18.6%. For suicidal thoughts, Oklahoma ranks No. 36 with 4.1% of adults reporting issues compared to the national average of 4.2%.
The top five states suffering #mentalhealthissues in 2020, according to the report, are Idaho, 25% of adults; Oregon, 23.6%; Utah, 23.5%; West Virginia, 22.9%; and Washington, 22.8%. New Jersey ranks has the fewest reported incidents with just 16.2%.
A continued increase in the number of adults suffering #mentalhealthissues may be expected, the report finds, as the effects of financial strain and substance abuse take hold.
“So far, the data supports the view that the #coronavirus outbreak will exacerbate #mentalhealth and substance abuse problems across the country,” according to the report. “For example, a one percentage point increase in the unemployment rate has been shown to increase opioid addiction by 3.5%.”
The report holds up previous research, which shows the effects of #mentalhealthbreakdowns and #suicide have a greater impact in #rural areas, where #mentalhealthresources have historically been less accessible, and less accepted.
According to #CDC data, #suicide rate increases between 1999 and 2014 hit hardest in #rural areas, some of which see #suicide rates double or triple the national rate.
A 2016 #CDC study drew data from National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) and examined annual county-level trends in #suicide rates in all 50 states from 2001 to 2015, and compared #rural counties, medium or small metropolitan counties and large metropolitan counties.
The study found #rural counties experienced an average #suicide rate of 17.32 per 100,000 people, compared to rates of 14.86 for medium or small metropolitan counties and 11.92 for large metropolitan counties.
For the full PSYDPrograms.org study, visit https://psydprograms.org/incidence-of-mental-health-conditions.
Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts can call the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at (800) 273-8255, text CONNECT to 741741 or chat online at suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Help also is available through the national distress hotline at (800) 985-5990. If someone poses an immediate risk to themselves, call 911.
#JamesDonaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
