Mental Health Hotline | Photo by Daniel Delgado | Edited by Kayli Thompson | The Wright State Guardian
Both Republicans and Democrats are working together to combat mental health, with a bipartisan bill recently signed into law to designate 988 as a number for mental health emergencies, similar to 911.
President Trump signed the bill into law on Oct. 17, setting aside 988 for the Federal Communications Commission until 2022. This will allow mental health providers time to adapt to the new number.
The National Suicide Hotline is currently available at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK), but will be switched to 988 due to hope that it will be easier to remember for those needing mental help.
The national number will collect calls from across the nation and transfer the call to a local crisis center, so that incoming callers can connect with someone in their local area.
The bill will also authorize states to help pay for fees aimed at local crisis centers so that these centers can support more calls, and it directs government health agencies to submit reports to Congress in order to develop better strategies to help different groups at a higher risk of suicide, such as individuals in rural areas and LGBTQ youth.
How an easy to remember national number will help
The point of switching to a 3-digit number is so that mental health services will be quickly available to those who need counseling and help at that moment, especially during an anxious time like a pandemic.
“Access to mental health care is especially important during this trying time filled with grief and uncertainty…” Senator Cory Gardner said in a U.S. senate hearing in May, when the bill was first proposed. “It’s almost impossible to remember the current 10-digit hotline.”
Gardner’s claims are correct, with a public health group called Well Being Trust warning that there could be as many as 75,000 Americans that could die due to stress or drug/alcohol abuse because of the pandemic.
Due to the pandemic and the structure of classes this year, there is an increase of anxiety for some Wright State University (WSU) students. Luckily, the Raider Cares hotline at 833-848-1765 has been able to help these students.
“We have noticed an increase in anxiety in our clients. 45% of diagnoses given to clients this semester have been in the anxiety disorders group. This compares to 39% from last year.” said Director of Counseling and Wellness Services at WSU Robert Rando. “Luckily, we have not seen any changes in terms of suicidal behavior or other risk-taking behaviors.”
The availability of this hotline is what made the bill so appealing to both Republicans and Democrats, allowing it to quickly pass through the Senate and the Executive Branch.
“I think that anytime that we can provide resources for people who are struggling with mental health issues and suicidality, it is a good thing.” said Rando. “The addition of a simple number to dial crisis resource for our students and the community is a wonderful opportunity for people in crisis to receive help in addressing their issues.”
Rando stresses that while a national number is great for the community, there is still a benefit to contacting a local hotline like Raider Cares.
“In some ways, help is help. Wherever and however someone can receive help, it is a good thing.” Rando said. “The nice thing about using the Raider Cares line is that we get a report for calls made and can then reach out to students to offer additional assistance.”
The evolving ideas around mental health
For many years, the stigma around people suffering with mental health problems has been negative due to beliefs that they may be more violent than others, but these ideas aren’t accurate.
Graham C.L. Davey, a writer for Psychology Today, writes, “This treatment may come from the misguided views that people with mental health problems may be more violent or unpredictable than people without such problems, or somehow just ‘different’, but none of these beliefs has any basis in fact.”
Today, advancements in medicine and national mental health organizations have helped increase our understanding for these issues.
“I believe that the prevalence of mental health issues and the successful work of some national organizations have helped to decrease mental health stigma and increase our understanding that this is a common problem worthy of attention and help.” said Rando. “Unfortunately, many people in Dayton or at Wright State know someone who has attempted or completed suicide and this may have helped to increase people’s understanding of the problem and the need for attention.”
What to do in the case of mental health problems
If you think someone in your life may be having mental health problems, the best option is always to talk to them.
“If you have concerns for someone, express those concerns to the person and suggest that they speak to someone.” said Rando. “Don’t be afraid to ask the person how they are doing and express your concerns directly.”
There are many signs a person struggling with their mental health may give.
“Look for changes in mood or behavior than what they normally are like.” said Rando. “Is the person more withdrawn, are they isolating, are they viewing the world in a negative or threatening way, are they expressing feelings of sadness or anxiety that are impacting their functioning in school, at work, or in their relationships?”
If you or someone close to you is struggling with their mental health, you can call the current National Suicide Hotline number at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or the Raider Cares line at 833-848-1765.
