Some promising news when it comes to mental health stigma

The Huffington Post

A new survey suggests that Americans are becoming more aware of mental health issues and are in favor of making help accessible to those who are struggling. “Progress is being made in how American adults view mental health,” said Christine Moutier, chief medical officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which collaborated with the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention to survey over 2,000 adults on their perceptions about mental health. When asked what might keep people from seeking mental health support, many respondents said that high cost and lack of access to appropriate care were barriers. Leaders of the three organizations expressed concern that male respondents were significantly less likely than women to say they would tell someone if they were considering suicide. However, they were encouraged to find that 93 percent of respondents said they would intervene if a friend was suicidal. “People want to do something – they’re willing to do something,” said Doryn Chervin, director of the Action Alliance. “The more we as a field help them know what to do, the more likely loved ones can play a role in helping to prevent suicide.”

Spark Extra! Check out other findings from the Survey about Mental Health and Suicide in the United States.