March 30, 2021

The Mental Health Implication of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic may feel like it's coming to an end, as vaccines become available and mandates begin lifting across the U.S. Unfortunately, the country can still feel the toll the pandemic took on American's mental health, as evident by the increase in anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and overdoses in the past year. From January to September 2020, 1.5 million people accessed an online screening program offered by Mental Health America (MHA). MHA explored the data from these screenings and released their findings in their 2021 State of Mental Health in America report. Here's what they found: Skyrocketing Numbers of People Seek Help for Anxiety and Depression From January to September 2020, the number of people who took their online anxiety screening increased by 93% from 2019. During that same time, MHA saw a 62% increase in depression screens. Severe Depression and Anxiety On the Rise More than 8 in 10 people who took a depression screen in September 2020 scored with moderate to severe depression symptoms. The number of people screening with moderate to severe symptoms of depression and anxiety continued to increase ...

September 28, 2020

Virginia Lock & Talk Program Prevents Suicide by Medication and Gun Means

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, claiming the lives of over 48,000 people per year. Two of the leading methods for suicide are firearms and self-poisoning (overdose). The State of Virginia is promoting safe and responsible care of lethal means to promote wellness and prevent suicide through its Lock & Talk Virginia program. Lock & Talk Virginia Suicide Prevention Initiative The Lock & Talk Virginia program is based on suicide prevention strategy and research from the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. Its components include: Safe Handling and Secure Storage of Lethal Means Lock & Talk Virginia distributes safety devices and instructions to help its community members secure prescription medications and firearms. By distributing safety devices such as medication lock boxes, medication deactivation kits, gun trigger locks, and gun cable locks, Lock & Talk is encouraging safekeeping of the leading methods of suicide. Nearly two-thirds (60%) of U.S. suicides involve firearms Child and teen firearm suicide rates have increased by 65% in the past 10 years One in five suicides in the U.S. employed overdose as the primary method 80% of overdose ...