In an effort to raise awareness about suicide prevention and combat the stigma surrounding mental health issues, the 988 lifeline has initiated the #BeThe1To campaign.
#BeThe1To comprises five key components: “ask,” “be there,” “keep them safe,” “help them stay connected,” and “follow up.” These elements serve as practical measures that everyday individuals can take to support a friend or loved one during challenging times.
Suicide awareness is a critical issue in the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting a national suicide rate of 14.1 per 100,000 people. In Nebraska, the rate is slightly higher at 15 per 100,000, while farmers face an even more alarming rate of 36 suicides per 100,000 individuals.
Psychiatrist Dr. Zachary Keller highlighted the significant role stigma still plays in the field of mental health. Despite advancements in awareness and services, some individuals remain hesitant to seek mental health support.
Dr. Keller explained, “I think that that’s the hardest part of the job: getting people over that hurdle of the fact that this is normal. So I think the hardest thing is with other illnesses, whatever it may be, it’s fairly normalized, right?”
One challenge, according to Dr. Keller, is that employers and those around someone in need may not readily approve of them seeking hospitalization for mental health reasons. A crucial aspect of his work involves dismantling the stigma associated with mental health issues.
He emphasized that breaking mental health stigma has been a multigenerational effort. For some, they were taught not to seek help and to adopt a “pull-up your bootstraps” mentality. However, Dr. Keller noted that stigma is gradually diminishing, particularly among younger age groups.
He said, “I think that’s the biggest thing you see between age groups is people that are our parents’ age or older. They didn’t really utilize those services, but now in days we utilize them all the time.”
Dr. Keller pointed to the availability of mental health support through texting therapists in high schools and the role of social media and the 988 lifeline in facilitating access to mental health services. The 988 lifeline has been operational for a year, providing individuals with immediate access to help without the need to wait for a mental health specialist.
Dr. Keller highlighted that many young people have utilized the 988 service more than adults have. This lifeline has served as an essential gateway for individuals to receive the necessary support and connect with mental health professionals when needed.
In conclusion, the #BeThe1To campaign and the 988 lifeline are working to destigmatize mental health issues, making it easier for people to seek help and support each other through difficult times.
