Guest columnist Kyle Thompson is a policy assistant for the Center for Community Solutions.
As 2022 draws to a close, we’re all busy with our annual shopping trips and gatherings with loved ones.
On the surface, the holiday season appears to be a time of cheer and celebration. However, some experience strong discouragement during this period.
As the sun goes down and the nights get colder, people become more isolated from the outside world and from each other. In fact, 55% of Americans reported struggling With the loneliness of the holidays earlier this year.
This holiday season, Ohioans 988 Lifeline Discuss mental health with family and friends.
988 and later
988 is a triple-digit short lifeline that offers a wide range of services tailored to mental health, substance use and suicide crises. The former Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-8255) redirects calls to 988 Lifeline.
988 also has culturally informed resources for marginalized groups. LGBTQIndividual When nerve divergence , black Also indigenous population. These resources are useful. However, 988’s overall effectiveness is still limited due to lack of funding.
Ohio is one of 27 states that does not have legislation to fund and enforce 988. This is detrimental to many Ohioans who struggle with mental health and suicidal thoughts.
Suicide is now the third leading cause of death among 10- to 34-year-olds in Ohio and will continue to do so unless decision makers take action to fund 988 and increase service capacity.
The 2023-2024 state budget should prioritize funding 988 to empower vulnerable people. In the meantime, you should discuss mental health with family and friends.
how to talk about mental health
Talking about mental health is very important effective In producing positive results for personal well-being. Mental health conversations are important because they help create a positive environment.
Effective practices include respecting the boundaries of the person you are conversing with, giving the person emotional space to process their emotions, and creating a comfortable space for discussion. .
Sometimes people don’t talk about mental health at all, and that’s okay. The amount of time you spend talking with your loved one should be at your (or their) discretion.
How can I make 988 and mental health support more effective?
In addition to funding 988, efforts should also be made to inform the public about lifeline services for people at risk. Some supporters also tax Supporting 988 increases funding and increases effectiveness.
Decision makers should be involved in these conversations when crafting legislation.
Discussing mental health with family and friends is also essential. At a time when many people are losing sight of what really matters, it’s important to build a support system for each other: spread love in your community, catch up with loved ones, and talk about mental health to make spring beautiful. can bloom. come.
Means:
National Helpline/Warmline Directory
Free resources during winter break
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