Stress is all around us. From jobs and relationships to unexpected trauma, stress can quickly creep into each area of our lives. Not all stress is bad; it is our brain’s normal response to change. When stress works properly, it enhances our focus and helps us to rise to meet challenges. But over time, if not properly managed, stress can take a toll on our health and mood. To avoid these outcomes, it is important to learn your limits and how to properly manage this normal part of living.
Schools, teachers, parents, legislators, researchers, and members of the larger community often view academics as definitive of student success, however, a child’s mental health is a topic that isn’t often discussed which can have a critical impact on their academic success and personal well-being. A recent study has found our SOS Signs of Suicide program for middle school students to be a promising way to teach adolescents about depression and suicide and encourage them to get help.
A 2012 survey released by the the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids and the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) revealed that 10% of Americans aged 18 and older consider themselves to be in recovery for a drug or substance abuse problems. On a national level, that percentage reflects 23.5 million Americans who have been able to overcome their addiction and are now symbols of hope for those who are still struggling.
Each year there are approximately 293,000 victims of sexual assault. The United States Department of Justice defines sexual assault as any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient. Unfortunately, nearly 70 percent of sexual assaults are not reported to the police. While the majority of offenders will not spend time in jail, victims can feel imprisoned by the magnitude of this trauma, unsure how to break free.
In 2013, over 41,000 lives were lost to suicide in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The rate of suicides, which is defined as the number of suicide deaths that occur for every 100,000 people in the intended population, was the highest it had been in the last 27 years (12.6). The highest suicide rate was among those 45 to 64 years of age and the vast majority were men. Suicide is a public health issue in the United States, one that accounts for more years of life lost than any other cause of death, after cancer and heart disease.
In the United States, much of our culture centers around drinking. Happy hours, work parties, holiday celebrations and football games are just a few of the many events we partake in that often are marked by heavy drinking. It’s easy to be swayed by studies about alcohol that proclaim to have health or social benefits like “a glass of red wine a day could protect the heart,” or “moderate alcohol consumption increases attractiveness,” but the truth is, if drinking is having a negative impact on your life, it’s time to make a change.
Screening for Mental Health, Inc.
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