The evolution of mental health support over the last few decades has been tremendously positive. When I was growing up, mental health problems were for those who were taking 20 medications and were being locked up in psych wards.
In 2024, it’s a regular topic of conversation. You’ll find the most famous and put together celebrities opening up about mental health. There are resources - like 988 and other suicide hotlines and movements - coming from every angle.
But as I thought about all the resources, it occurred to me that we’ve moved from “we don’t talk about it” to a reactive approach. 988 is one of the best things to come out of the last five years, but that requires someone to make a call. How about those that don’t make the call. Let me tell you about them…
In the time it took me to write this, two people in the US have died by suicide.
More concerning, though, is that in the time it takes you to read this, six people will have attempted suicide.
We lose 50,000 people a year in the US to suicide, while a staggering 1.6 million attempt suicide.
Scarier yet - about 1 in 10 think seriously about it every year.
So, what do we do?
We start by checking in. Will you join me?
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