This year is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and statistics show that more people in their late teens and early 20s, as well as people over 65, are turning to suicide instead of seeking help.
National Alliance on Mental Illness CEO Susan Holtzman says there are several reasons for this.
“The loneliness caused by coronavirus is particularly affecting young people, which is why it’s on the rise.” [in suicides] “There is also evidence that addiction to social media promotes increases in suicidal thoughts and behavior,” she said.
More than 3,700 people participated in the Mental Health Awareness Walk held Saturday morning at ZOO Miami, raising more than $380,000 to provide programs for those in need, according to NAMI.
“Since 2018, we have contacted more than 10,000 young people,” she said. “We are now working with families to get young people and families speaking the same language so they can talk about mental illness and mental health, how to know when they need help and where to go to get help. That’s what I’m trying to do.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniela Levine Cava attended a mental health awareness walk at ZOO Miami.
“When communities come together and recognize the importance of addressing mental health issues, we can truly solve these challenges,” she said.
If you need help for yourself or someone else, call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264 or text/chat “Helpline” to 62640 or call/text 988 Please send.
