According to the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 18.6 percent of all adults in the US have had an experience of a mental health challenge in the past year. Illicit drug use is more likely among this group of people. Suicidal thoughts were higher among people that use illicit drugs. Also the 2012 NSDUH found 3.9% of all people, 18 years of age and older, had had suicidal thoughts.
All these numbers, represent real people that are out there struggling and a person represented by these numbers may be working right next to you day in and day out. Statistics indicate that people make presumptions about people living with behavioral health conditions in our culture every day. Presumptions like that people that live with mental health conditions may be more dangerous than others. When one looks at the real numbers, one quickly realizes such presumptions are false. Chances are that our workplace and our extended families are not immune to the fact that real people with real challenges are among us. So, what can we do as a culture to go against the grain of stereotypes and real discrimination that takes place everyday?
* If you see a coworker in distress take the time to talk to them.
* Remember that your casual interactions with people may impact them in ways you can't imagine.
* Make accomodations for people in the workforce that allow people to work side by side and do the same work.
* Be there for people when they share challenges whether they are a family member or coworker.
* Take time to make real connections that can assist a person in distress.
* Remember the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-TALK)
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
http://www.samhsa.gov/data/NSDUH/2k12MH_FindingsandDetTables/2K12MHF/NSDUHmhfr2012.htm#ch5
No comments:
Post a Comment