Happy Thanksgiving, readers – I sincerely hope you experience the joy of family gatherings in homes across Michigan today. Those are some of my favorite memories.
I also encourage you to use this opportunity to check in on loved ones in a way that goes beyond catching up on a busy year.
MLive’s Public Interest team is in the midst of a year-long project reporting on mental illness – how pervasive it is in Michigan, the stigma that prevents recognition and treatment, and the holes in the treatment safety net.
Back in September, I wrote about the project, headed by reporter Julie Mack. She unearthed some startling statistics – for example, 1 in 5 people is affected by a mental health issue in any given year, and that in Michigan it takes an average of 19 calls to find an open treatment bed. And she told stories of Michigan residents whose lives have been turned inside-out by illness, and by the inadequate health care system.
I’m not sharing this because of the “holiday blues.” In fact, the Centers for Disease Control reports that the suicide rate is, in fact, the lowest in December. And that myth promotes misinformation about suicide that might ultimately hamper prevention efforts, professionals say.
Rather, let’s use the family gatherings over the next month to check in on people we care about with a sense of awareness of mental health illnesses, and with an openness and outreach that transcends stigma. Someone you love may not tell you they need help, but you may see signs that they do.
Mental health professionals have told Mack that if a friend or family member starts behaving differently, consider the possibility of depression or other mental health issue.
If you feel that someone is having a mental health issue, start with the primary-care provider – urge them to call their doctor and make an appointment. If necessary, offer to make the appointment, and go with them.
Our mental health project continues next week on MLive with a series of personal essays, written by our readers, about how they or their family members have been affected by mental health issues, or their experiences with the treatment system. You will see these stories, and more facts about mental illness, on MLive and on our Facebook page.
This phase of reporting was driven in large part by your poignant responses to the original reporting in September. Many of you wrote to share your stories of pain, frustration and heartbreak.
“After reading so many messages, we decided it was important to give a voice to those struggling with mental health issues – either for themselves or friends and family,” said Shannon Murphy, the editor who oversees the project. “We wanted them to be able to tell their stories in the way they want to, not having a reporter pull out what they think is the most important part.”
If you would like to share your personal experiences for consideration, please send 300-500 words to projects@mlive.com. Include your name, age and hometown, as well as a photo of yourself.
We’re asking for names and photos because an important part of this project is lifting the stigma in having and talking openly about mental health issues. That sense of shame contributes to the fact that only half of people with some form of mental illness in the past year sought treatment.
Awareness is the beginning of a solution. MLive’s continued reporting opens a door for all of us to do something about an issue that can seem overwhelming, especially at a personal level.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving, and take care of yourself and your loved ones.
John Hiner is the vice president of content for MLive Media Group. If you have questions you’d like him to answer, or topics to explore, share your thoughts at editor@mlive.com.
TO FIND HELP
Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.
Suicide Prevention hotline: 1-800-273-8255
List of suicide and crisis hotlines in Michigan: http://www.suicidehotlines.com/michigan.html
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