If you or someone you know needs help, please call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
If you’re caring for someone who has a mental illness, you may be well familiar with the ups and downs of the recovery process for both parties. Approximately one out of four caregivers for people with mental illness suffers with depression themselves. However, there are resources available. Visit the Mind Your Mental Health website or click on the links below to learn more.
- Review these tips on how to be an effective caregiver—through self-education about mental illness, recovery advocacy, being a trusted friend and practicing adequate self-care.
- Consider these challenges and associated coping strategies.
- Take this brief quiz to help determine if you’d likely benefit from setting more limits and attaining better balance in your life.
This month, Stamp Out Stigma is taking the opportunity to bring more awareness around how suicide affects us. We will be highlighting the importance of knowing what roles we play when it comes to preventing suicide, as well as share resources and tips on how to start the conversation. Throughout November, we encourage family, friends, and loved ones to learn more about mental illness and what resources are available to help those find treatment. Here are some important facts you should know:
- Depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for ages 15 to 44.
- On average, there are 129 suicides per day.
- Among females, the suicide rate was highest for those aged 45-54. Among males, that rate was highest for those aged 65 and older.
- Depression affects 20-25% of Americans ages 18+ in a given year.
- In 2017, firearms accounted for 50.57% of all suicide deaths.
- White males accounted for 69.67% of suicide deaths in 2017.
Remember, mental illness does not discriminate. Join us to help bring attention to the importance of sharing mental health stories and help improve the lives of millions of Americans living with a mental illness.
Help is available! Visit www.MagellanHealthcare.com/About/MYMH or contact your program to learn more about how to help yourself or someone you care about.