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Mental Health Issues On The Rise

Mental illness does not discriminate. It affects people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and socio-economic classes. Health insurance claims for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders have been steadily rising over the years. Recent job losses and stay-at-home orders have made things even worse, with federal agencies and experts warning that a wave of depression, substance abuse, PTSD, and suicide is on its way. Our already underfunded mental health system is at risk of being overwhelmed.

“If we don’t do something about it now, people are going to be suffering from these mental-health impacts for years to come,” said Paul Gionfriddo, president of the advocacy group Mental Health America. “That could further harm the economy as stress and anxiety debilitate some workers and further strain the medical system as people go to emergency rooms with panic attacks, overdoses and depression.”

High Numbers Among Young Adults & Adolescents

While mental health claims among all Americans have been going up, data reported by FAIR health, a nonprofit database of more than 28 billion private healthcare claim records, shows that they are shockingly high among young adults and adolescents, Between 2007 and 2017, mental health claims relating to depression and anxiety in young people were especially high.

In 2007, young people accounted for 15% of all claims tied to serious depression. By 2017, they accounted for 23%. Claims for anxiety also grew more common among young people. Between 2007 and 2017, claim lines for generalized anxiety disorder rose 441% among young people ages 19-22. The report also found that behavioral health diagnoses rose 108% from 2007 to 2017.

Suicide Numbers Rising

Suicide rates are also on the rise, with many worried that an increase in mental health issues combined with our current stressful environment could make things worse. A report issued by the CDC found that suicides are up 30% since 1999, and only half of those who died were diagnosed with a mental health disorder prior to their deaths. Unfortunately, many people suffer in silence, and added stresses such as job loss, or relationship, financial, or health problems, can lead to disastrous consequences.

Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, a Texas nonprofit, created models estimating that if unemployment rates continue to rise to a level similar to the Great Recession, then an additional 4,000 people could die by suicide and an additional 4,800 could die from drug overdoses.

Mental Health Coverage

two men sitting down, one man with a hand on his chin and the other man with his hands on his head. — *All ACA-approved plans must cover behavioral health treatment, such as psychotherapy and counseling.*

Some experts point out that it’s unclear whether more people are suffering from mental illnesses, or whether we’re getting better at talking about it, recognizing it, and treating it. According to Dr. Stephen Strakowski, a psychiatrist at the University of Texas at Austin’s medical school, “It’s very hard to disentangle [increased prevalence] from increased recognition, more people accessing care, and people being willing to fill out forms more honestly.”

Research shows that people who need mental health care are more likely to get it now than they were at any time in the past, but things are not perfect. There are still many people who aren’t getting the help they need because they don’t have mental health insurance coverage. Fortunately, as of 2014, the ACA requires all Marketplace healthcare plans to cover mental health and substance abuse services.

All ACA-approved plans must cover:

Behavioral health treatment, such as psychotherapy and counseling
Mental and behavioral health inpatient services
Substance use/abuse disorder treatment

Employer-based health insurance, Medicaid and Medicare all offer mental health and substance abuse coverage. It is important that people are encouraged to use this coverage to get screened for suicidal thoughts, to treat any underlying mental conditions, and to access therapy. Seeking help makes a difference.

If you or someone you know is showing warning signs of suicide, help is one call away. For free 24/7 crisis support:

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.
Text Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Call Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: 1-800-662-4357

Why Are Senior Suicide Rates Rising?

Suicide is often associated with young people, but it is in fact much more common among seniors. The suicide risk increases with age, and is unfortunately hard to estimate the exact number due to “silent suicides.” Silent suicides are considered those of overdose, self-starvation, and self-dehydration.

Woman with gray hair sitting on a bench looking out into the dessert. — *Loneliness is a large problem for seniors and puts them at a higher risk.*

Seniors at long-term care facilities are taking their lives more than ever. Some can no longer accept the fact that they are slowly dying, while others have mental health issues. Most mental health issues do not get addressed for the elderly. Why? Either they do not speak up about it, or it is not covered by insurance. So, why is the suicide rate going up?

Loneliness & Depression

Losing a loved one and feeling alone contributes greatly to a person committing suicide. Extensive research shows that post-breakup or losing a spouse, elderly men are at a high risk of suicide. Loneliness is a large problem for seniors and puts them at a higher risk. They feel like they have no one to talk to and fall into depression.

Mental Health

The National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates that about 1 in 5 adults deal with some form of mental illness each year. About 20% of adults sixty-five and older in America are diagnosed with either schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders such as OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), and/or certain phobias. Some seniors will not seek help, get it too late, or get misdiagnosed.

Substance Abuse

Once a senior has dealt with a life crisis such as the loss of their spouse, or falling into depression, they can turn to alcohol and drugs. This is the third most common risk factor of suicide in seniors. Substance abuse has been an issue for years, but recent rates show significant rises. The government is struggling to reduce the opioid issue in America, especially among seniors.

Physical Health

Physical ailments are hard to accept, Learning you can no longer function, or move around the same way, takes a toll on a person’s mental state. A research conducted in 2017 found that seniors with traumatic brain injury, sleep disorders, and HIV or AIDS had an increased suicide risk. Some seniors feel like they are better off gone than to need constant care. This is also a large reason as to why seniors in long-term care facilities will take their own life. Instead of waiting for death, they choose to meet it.

Finances

calculator balancinf a spoon with coins in it and a potato stuck on the other end. — *Many seniors struggle to pay their medical bills, housing costs, and daily living expenses, so they look for a way out with suicide.*

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) has found that more than 25 million Americans sixty years old and older are living at or below the federal poverty level. Many seniors struggle to pay their medical bills, housing costs, and daily living expenses. This stress leaves them feeling hopeless and considering suicide. That way they will no longer have to deal with the burden and will not have to put pressure on their family.

There is always an easier way to deal with stress. Seek help and talk to a professional if you feel suicidal. Reach out to your family, and know that you have a sense of purpose. If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also text HELLO to 741-741 for free, 24-hour support from the Crisis Text Line.

Teen Suicide Rates At An All Time High! How Can We Help?

Suicide has been a hot topic due to the continual rise every year. The suicide rate rose in all the states between 1999 and 2016, except for Nevada, and continues to climb every year since. Suicide has no boundaries, showing an increase in all demographicsbut the sharpest rise is among teenage boys. The grim reality is that for people between

Chart showing a steady rise of an arrow. — *Suicide rate has been rising over the years, and is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-34.*

the ages of 10-34, suicide is the second-leading cause of death.

A large percentage of people, especially teens who are dealing with a range of emotions, including depression and

stress, are just not getting the help that they need. In order to help people who are dealing with issues, it is important that we listen, and help teach people, especially young adults, with how to manage stress and stressors.

What To Look For

Statistics show the number of teens experiencing depression has climbed by over 40% over the past couple of years. Of those numbers, nearly half of them were in the hospital for suicide attempts or thoughts. It is important for parents to identify if their kid is experiencing depression because if it is left unnoticed, it can be harmful, and even deadly. Recognizing irregular behavior, or something “not right” with a person can play a major role in getting them help before it ends fatally. Symptoms can include:

Irritability
Social withdrawal
Anger or agitation
Changes in appetite
Changes in sleep patterns
Difficulty concentrating
No motivation
Guilt or worthlessness
Poor school performance
Thoughts of death or suicide
Poems or writing about suicide

What You Can Do

Silhoutte og a person with their head in their hand and sad thoughts all around them. — *Look for irregular behavior in your children, and learn the different ways you can help.*

If your kids are acting differently, take the time to talk to them and find out what is bothering them. There are different approaches to take to provide support and help.

Pay attention- Ask questions and notice the signs of depression.
Listen- Take the time to listen to the teen’s problems, talking about their feelings. Do not lecture them, just listen, and offer help.
Exercise- Exercising promotes mental health. It releases hormones that make you feel good. Suggest going out together and get active.
One on One Time- Talking with your child helps to reconnect with them. Make them a priority.

In order to avoid feelings of depression, a lot of teens may experiment with drugs or alcohol, which can further aggravate the problem. Ask your kids how they are feeling, if those feelings are negative, or suicidal. The number of suicides in the U.S. is at a steady climb. As mentioned before, because it needs to be reiterated again, suicide is the SECOND leading cause of death in people aged 10-34. Listen to your kids, friends, and family. Pay attention, teach them ways to properly cope with what is going on in their lives, and help get the proper treatment before it is too late.

Seek help by contacting the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255, or to use the Crisis Text Line by texting “Home” to 741741 for immediate assistance.

Depression in Teens Is On The Rise

Trying to fit in and find yourself during your teenage years is tough. There are constant changes in friends, clothing style, likes, and dislikes. On top of the changes teens experience, they have to keep up with school work, and after school activities. There is a lot of pressure for them with unrealistic academic, social and family expectations, which brings on emotional highs and lows. One of the lows they can experience is depression. Depression has been on the rise for teens as years go by, and they feel like they go through these tough years by themselves. We all remember what it was like being a teenager, feeling alone and like our parents do not understand us. Take the time to talk to your kids, notice the signs, and get help when needed.

*Teens entering the hospital for depression and suicide has been on the rise. It is important to notice the signs before it is too late.*

Symptoms

One in five teens will experience depression. Statistics show the number of teens experiencing depression has climbed by over 40% over the past couple of years. Of those numbers, nearly half of them were in the hospital for suicide attempts or thoughts. It is important for parents to identify if their kid is experiencing depression, because if it is left unnoticed, it can be harmful, and even deadly. Symptoms can include:

Irritability
Social withdrawal
Anger or agitation
Changes in appetite
Changes in sleep patterns
Difficulty concentrating
No motivation
Guilt or worthlessness
Poor school performance
Thoughts of death or suicide
Poems or writing about suicide

In order to avoid the feelings of depression, a lot of teens may experiment with drugs or alcohol. Some may even use sex as an escape of their feelings. These are temporary fixes, and can lead to self-destruction. These behaviors will lead to ruined relationships with friends, and family, which will worsen their depression. The more serious the depression gets, the worse the outcome, including suicide. Some teenagers may feel like the only way to escape these feelings is by ending their lives. Some may seek help to avoid these feelings, while some kids keep a happy appearance but struggle internally.

How To Help

If your kids are acting different, take the time to talk to them and find out what is bothering them. There are different approaches to take to provide support and help.

Pay attention- Ask questions and notice the signs of depression.
Listen- Take the time to listen to the teen’s problems, talking about their feelings. Do not lecture them, just listen, and offer help.
Exercise- Exercising promotes mental health. It releases hormones that make you feel good. Suggest going out together and get active.
One on One Time- Talking with your child helps to reconnect with them. Make them a priority.

*Group therapy is one way to treat teen depression. It offers a sense of understanding and belonging.*

Treatment

If things do not improve, there are ways to treat depression:

Group therapy- Talking about what is going on internally with other people who feel the same builds a sense of belonging. They understand the struggle and create support for each other to help get through it.
Psychotherapy- Talking with a therapist or counselor will help with limited cases of depression.
Medication- Doctors may prescribe antidepressants, which are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. It is very important to make sure this is necessary by a psychiatrist, because of the risk these medications come with. The FDA issued a warning of kids and teens taking these because of increased risks of suicidal thoughts.

Anxiety accompanies depression, and with kids on their phones more than ever, anxiety has increased in teens. Some of these anxious feelings will increase a person’s feelings of despair and hopelessness. Depression is on the rise for teens with all the expectations they feel they must achieve. Between trying to excel in school, be accepted socially, and make their parents proud, it can become overwhelming. Not to mention the issues they may be going through in all of these areas. Talk to your kids, and notice the signs because a lot more kids are experiencing depression more than ever. Reach out, you may be saving a life.

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