Shiv Gandhi

English 1213

Professor Hammett

Essay 1 Argument Proposal

October 14, 2024

Word Count: 1148

Suicide Epidemic​

​     Imagine feeling pain so intense that it leads to the belief that the only escape is self-harm. Over 720,000 people tragically take their own lives each year worldwide (World Health Organization, 2024). This rising epidemic affects people from all backgrounds, leaving friends and families in emotional devastation. In the U.S., suicide rates have been steadily increasing due to mental health struggles and economic pressures (Marshall, 2024). Providing better access to mental health care is the most effective solution to reduce suicide rates.
   By bringing the proper awareness of mental health crises, the general public would have an increased understanding of those having suicidal thoughts. Awareness can be brought through many different activities, but one particular movement that stands out is walking for suicide awareness. According to National Suicide Prevention Month (NSPM, 2024), “By walking with others, we find comfort in knowing we are not alone, and that we are connected through great purpose to healing and support” (para. 4). Some might say this walk might only be a small step in the right direction, but this event brought awareness to thousands of people who are walking for family members, loved ones, friends, neighbors, and more (NSPM, 2024). By addressing the lack of awareness and providing better resources to the public, we can potentially reduce suicide rates globally.

 

 

 

​

 

 

   Improving access to therapy and counseling is essential to addressing the alarming rise in suicide rates. Counselors and therapists with licenses supply help to those with mental health problems. The Mayo Clinic (2018) points out that “In psychotherapy, also called psychological counseling or talk therapy, you explore the issues that make you feel suicidal and learn skills to help manage emotions more effectively” (para. 13). Individuals can develop improved techniques for coping and challenge negative mindsets with the use of cognitive behavioral therapy, a popular type of talk therapy (Mayo Clinic, 2019). By making this therapy more widely available, crises can be avoided before they happen. Although some may argue that therapy alone cannot solve the issue of suicide, but it becomes much more effective when combined with broader mental health improvements that address underlying issues.
   Along with counseling and treatment, crisis hotlines are necessary for those needing support on time. Support lines like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline enable people to get assistance as soon as possible (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2021). These services allow individuals to contact qualified experts who can support them at their most difficult times. For example, “The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis" (NIMH, 2021, para. 1). Some argue that talking to someone over the phone won't be enough to address the root cause of their mental health problems; however, in an emergency, immediate help could mean the difference between life and death.
   Social media campaigns are another powerful tool in preventing suicide by spreading awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. Different social media platforms allow individuals to share their stories, helping others feel less alone. As noted by Kothambikar (2023), “Social media is gently creating a space for everyone to open up their struggle with mental health and their journey towards healing” (para. 1). These platforms allow mental health professionals to reach a broad audience through posts, blogs, and videos, accessible resources and support (Kothambikar, 2023). Critics may argue that social media lacks the depth of real-life interaction, but this approach networks its wide reach connecting individuals to resources from the comfort of their own homes making it an effective method in combating the suicide epidemic. 
   Adding mental health services to regular primary care visits is important for preventing the suicide epidemic from getting worse. This approach allows primary care providers to catch mental health issues during routine visits. Since primary care physicians are often the first to encounter patients with mental health problems, they must screen for conditions like anxiety, depression, and other related disorders (Mayo Clinic, 2018). According to NIMH (2021), “People can work with their health care providers to find the best medication or medication combination, as well as the right dose. Many people at risk for suicide often have a mental illness or substance use problems” (para. 23). Although some would disagree, primary care physicians lack the resources to offer comprehensive mental health care, collaborative care models ensure that specialists in mental health work closely with healthcare professionals to offer patients full support in both their mental and physical well-being (Preventing suicide among health care professionals, 2021). 
   Other methods that boost emotional well-being and lower the risk of suicide include mindfulness, meditation, and physical exercise, among other holistic and alternative mental health practices. These techniques give people the tools they need to handle stress, anxiety, and depression without the help of conventional therapy (Troughton, 2021). According to recent research, physical activity “has significant benefits in supporting mental well-being, improving stress resilience, and lowering the risk of anxiety, and depression” (Troughton, 2021, para. 9). Individuals who find it difficult to verbalize their emotions might benefit greatly from activities such as yoga and art therapy (Mayo Clinic, 2018). Even though some might disagree that these approaches lack the scientific backing of traditional therapy, many individuals find them to be more powerful complements to their existing treatments, fostering a more balanced mental health journey.
   Another way to prevent suicide is by bringing mental health programs into classrooms. These programs help students get the support they need in a friendly environment. Schools are essentially important because they can provide early help for mental health issues. According to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA, 2020), “School counselors support the mental health of all students by teaching about mental health, helping with academic and career choices, and connecting students to resources for long-term support” (para. 1). These programs give students tools to handle stress, build coping skills, and deal with personal problems in a safe space. Some people say schools don’t have enough resources to run full mental health programs, but providing support to kids as soon as possible is worth the effort and cost (ASCA, 2020). Starting support during their formative years can have a big effect on a student’s mental health for the rest of their life. 
   Suicide is a serious problem that needs our attention, and making mental health care easier to access is the best way to tackle it. By increasing awareness, improving access to counseling and treatment, and utilizing crisis hotlines we can effectively support those who are struggling. Incorporating mental health programs in schools will prevent suicide rates from increasing at a young age. These solutions address the underlying causes of the suicide crisis and build a stronger support system for those in need. If we prioritize mental health care, we can reduce suffering and save lives. Together, we have the chance to fight this epidemic and ensure that everyone has the support they need to thrive.

​​

References
American School Counselor Association. (2020). The School Counselor and Student Mental Health - American School Counselor Association (ASCA). Www.schoolcounselor.org. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Standards-Positions/Position-Statements/ASCA-Position-Statements/The-School-Counselor-and-Student-Mental-Health
Kothambikar, A. (2023). APA PsycNet. Apa.org. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2024-24041-005
Marshall, L. (2024, February 15). Suicide rates in the US are on the rise: New study offers surprising reasons why. CU Boulder Today. https://www.colorado.edu/today/2024/02/15/suicide-rates-us-are-rise-new-study-offers-surprising-reasons-why
Mayo Clinic. (2018). Suicide and suicidal thoughts - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic. Mayoclinic.org. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/suicide/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20378054
Mayo Clinic. (2019, March 16). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Mayoclinic.org; Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610
National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Suicide prevention. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention
National Suicide Prevention Month. (2024, September 3). American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. https://afsp.org/national-suicide-prevention-month/
Preventing suicide among health care professionals. (2021, September 20). American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. https://afsp.org/healthcare-professionals-mental-health-and-suicide-risk/
Troughton, R. (2021, September 30). Is there a role for physical activity in reducing suicide risk? James Kirk Bernard Foundation. https://jameskirkbernardfoundation.org/featured/is-there-a-role-for-physical-activity-in-reducing-suicide-risk/
World Health Organization. (2024). Suicide. World Health Organization; World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide​​

​

​