In Our Community
The DMHA In our Community
It takes a village to do… well, a lot of things. Becoming educated about mental health, mental illness and suicide prevention is no different. Each member of our community, whether you are a shop owner, a neighbor, a librarian, a mayor, a server, a teacher, a coach or a faith leader- can play a part when it comes to the health and wellness of our community. Mental health challenges do not discriminate. Every person on the planet has ups and downs and past experiences. It is up to each of us to understand and recognize this and lend a hand when possible.
The DMHA can Connect You with Training Opportunities
Whatever role you play in your community, no matter your title, your job, your duty or your service, learning about what mental health is and what it isn’t is an important step to eliminating stigma and empowering you to offer help to someone experiencing an emotional crisis. For a list of training opportunities for community members, first responders, youth and family serving institutions and organizations, and for anyone in between, click here.
We all have mental health.
The truth is, we all have mental health. All people, children and adults, move along the “Mental Health Continuum.” Where we are on the continuum of mental and (physical) health is not static; it’s influenced by many factors and circumstances (ex. stressors, environment, personal experience) and can change over time.
A Real Scenario
Imagine you are walking in the park. Suddenly, an older man falls just steps ahead of you while clutching his chest. What would you do?
Let’s take this same set up. What would you do, and how would you feel if you observed someone having a clear emotional crisis?
When a physical health crisis of a person occurs, they are quickly helped by concerned citizens, sometimes strangers, and if need be, first responders are called.
When a mental health crisis of a person occurs, it’s oftentimes ignored by others due to lack of knowledge or stigma. The person observing this scenario my form internal judgements like “crazy” or “losing it” which may prevent someone from helping if this scenario played out in front of them.
Alarming Statistics
According to the CDC, NIMH and other sources, the 12-month prevalence of common mental illnesses among adults are:
- 1 in 5 experience mental illness
- 1 in 25 experience serious mental illness
- 19% experience anxiety disorders
- 7% experience depression
- 4% experience PTSD
- 3% experience bipolar disorder
- 1% experience schizophrenia
- 1% experience borderline personality disorder
- Depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy $1 trillion each year in lost productivity
For young people:
- 17% of youth (6-17) experience a mental health disorder
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-34
According to a recent CDC study, during COVID-19:
- 75% of young people (18-24) reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health symptom
- 25% of this same group reported serious suicidal ideation
Did you know…
On average it takes a person 11 years to seek help for a mental health challenge. Why so long? Whether it’s media portrayals of those with mental illness, or preconceived notions that mental illness only applies to certain demographics, the fact is, it remains a taboo subject. Conversations about mental health must be normalized in our culture so that people can get help without feeling shame or discrimination.
Trainings Available in the Dover Community
Check our Event Calendar for the next training sessions.
Mental Health First Aid – Become a mental health first aider and learn about the tools and resources you can use to help someone in a mental health crisis. Classes options include focusing on youth, adults and teens.
ACE Interface Training – Why is learning to ask “what happened to you” instead of “what’s wrong with you” important in developing compassion and understanding?
Suicide Prevention Training– We can all help to prevent suicide. Do you know the signs of someone who may be thinking about suicide?