NEW YORK, Sept. 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — A new national survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and older shows that the majority of those surveyed (81%) say that, as a result of the #pandemic, it’s more important than ever to make #suicideprevention a national priority. Conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the #NationalActionAllianceforSuicidePrevention (Action Alliance), the #AmericanFoundationforSuicidePrevention (AFSP), the #SuicidePrevention Resource Center (SPRC), and Education Development Center (EDC), the survey data also show 52% report being more open to talking about #mentalhealth as a result of #COVID-19.
The survey, which builds upon similar surveys conducted in 2015 and 2018, shows respondents overwhelmingly believe #suicide can be prevented (93%). While 95% of those surveyed said they would do something if someone close to them was thinking about #suicide, most people (69%) identified barriers that keep them from discussing #suicide with others, such as not knowing what to say (31%), feeling they don’t have enough knowledge (28%), or not feeling comfortable with the topic (19%). These findings underscore the importance of equipping all #Americans with the necessary tools and resources to feel empowered to have conversations about #mentalhealth and #suicideprevention, and to take steps to care for their own #mentalhealth. Additionally, this data points to the critical role technology plays in providing support and services, particularly important given today’s #socialdistancing rules in the wake of the #pandemic.
“These new findings indicate that the #American people are ready for the nation to take action now to mitigate the short-term, and prevent any long-term, negative #mentalhealth or #suicide-related consequences of the #pandemic,” said Colleen Carr, director of the Action Alliance. “These complex and urgent public health issues require multi-sector perspectives and solutions.”×
“Our new survey data indicate #Americans are ready and willing to have open conversations about #mentalhealth, and they are feeling more empathic (66%). Likely through the #COVID-19 #pandemic, people are growing stronger in their understanding of #mentalhealth and are more supportive of each other. The next step we must take is to make sure that when they try to access #mentalhealthcare, they are able to find effective, culturally competent, affordable care,” said Dr. Christine Moutier, AFSP’s chief medical officer.
#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
Some helpful ways people can be there for someone who may be struggling or in crisis include:
Recognizing therisk factors
Learning theaction steps
for talking with someone who might be suicidalStayingsocially connected
to family, friends, and loved onesSharing the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline number (1-800-273-TALK), which provides 24/7, free, and confidential support or the Crisis Text Line (text TALK to 741741).
“Our country has never witnessed a public health and economic event of this proportion in recent history. The #pandemic continues to take a toll on many people’s health and well-being,” said Dr. Jerry Reed, senior vice president for practice leadership at EDC. “Yet, with challenges come opportunities. This data shows us that #Americans see these issues as critically important and that they want to play a role in addressing them. We must take bold steps now to support those who are struggling and to emerge a stronger country.”
To help change the public conversation about these issues and empower #Americans with action steps they can take to support others, as well as to strengthen #mentalhealth and #suicideprevention, the Action Alliance recently launched the #MentalHealth & #SuicidePrevention National Response to #COVID-19 (National Response). Working with public and private sector partners like AFSP, SPRC, and EDC, the Action Alliance’s National Response is committed to creating lasting cultural, systems, and policy changes that ensure equitable access to the care, support, and services—both in and outside of clinical settings. In addition, AFSP’s Project 2025 continues to work to reduce the rate of #suicide 20% by 2025 by focusing on four specific areas: primary care settings, emergency departments, the gun owning community and correction systems.
OTHER KEY FINDINGS:
The online survey—conducted in July 2020—assessed public perceptions about #suicide and #mentalhealth. The survey also found:
While most #Americans (78%) view #mental and physical health as being equally important, more than 51% said physical health is treated as more important than #mentalhealth in our current health care system. Most #Americans (73%) said they are more aware of the importance of taking care of their own #mentalhealth during the #pandemic, with many relying on positive coping mechanisms.If they were having thoughts of #suicide, most #Americans (73%) would tell someone, and people select different sources of support including: #Mentalhealthprovider (34%)Family member (33%)Spouse/significant other (32%)Friend (30%)Primary care doctor (25%)Hotline/Crisis line (21%)Clergy/Faith leader (14%) #Socialmedia network (7%)Coworker (5%)Top sources for where #Americans go to find resources/tips about coping with #suicide—for themselves or a loved one—include #mentalhealthproviders (50%), doctors or primary care #healthprofessionals (43%), hotline/crisis lines (41%), and internet searches (35%).Technology plays an important role in #Americans accessing #mentalhealthcare:25% have worked with their #mentalhealthprofessional through telehealth,20% have used #mentalhealth apps, and19% have engaged with another provider through telehealth.
METHODOLOGY: The Public Perceptions of #Suicide survey was conducted online within the #UnitedStates by The Harris Poll on behalf of EDC and AFSP from July 22-24, 2020 among 2,072 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Kim Torguson at ktorguson@edc.org.
FOR MEDIA PARTNERS: Research shows that the media may influence #suicide rates by the way they report on #suicide. Evidence suggests that when the media tell stories of people positively coping in suicidal moments, more suicides can be prevented. We urge all members of the media working on these stories to refer to the Recommendationsfor Reporting on #Suicide for best practices for safely and accurately reporting on #suicide. For stories of persons with lived experience of suicidality and finding hope, refer to www.lifelineforattemptsurvivors.org.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL ACTION ALLIANCE FOR #SUICIDEPREVENTION: The National Action Alliance for #SuicidePrevention is the nation’s public-private partnership working to advance the National Strategy for #SuicidePrevention and make #suicideprevention a national priority. The Action Alliance and its initiatives are supported by funding from the public and private sector including support from the SubstanceAbuse and #MentalHealthServices Administration to provide operational support via EDC. Learn more at actionallianceforsuicideprevention.org and join the conversation on #suicideprevention by following the Action Alliance on Facebook,Twitter, and YouTube.
ABOUT THE AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR #SUICIDEPREVENTION: The #AmericanFoundationforSuicidePrevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by #suicide. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about #mentalhealth through education and community programs, develops #suicideprevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by #suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, and with a public policy office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on #suicideprevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
ABOUT THE EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER: The Education Development Center (EDC) is a global nonprofit that advances lasting solutions to improve education, promote health, and expand economic opportunity. Since 1958, it has been a leader in designing, implementing, and evaluating powerful and innovative programs in more than 80 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.edc.org and follow on Facebook and Twitter.
ABOUT THE #SUICIDEPREVENTION RESOURCE CENTER: The #SuicidePrevention Resource Center (SPRC) is the nation’s only federally funded resource center dedicated to advancing the National Strategy for #SuicidePrevention. SPRC works with states, tribes, health systems, colleges and universities, and other public and private groups, bringing the latest science and interactive resources to support #suicideprevention efforts across the country. The SPRC project is currently based at the nonprofit Education Development Center. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
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SOURCE #AmericanFoundationforSuicidePrevention
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
