As Mental Health Issues Rise, Thompson Works to Reverse the Trend
Mental Health issues including suicide are a growing public health crisis, affecting communities across the nation. With rising rates in nearly every demographic, the impact touches families, friends, and entire neighborhoods. Understanding the factors behind this epidemic is crucial to fostering awareness, prevention, and support for those in need.
Key factors that contribute to higher rates
Unwrapping the underlying problems communities with high rates face is where we must begin in order to implement the right social programs to reverse the trend. Mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse are significant contributors to rising suicide rates. Without proper care, these conditions can lead to feelings of hopelessness, increasing risk.
Access to lethal means, especially firearms, also significantly impacts suicide rates, particularly in vulnerable communities where socioeconomic stressors like financial problems and unemployment play an added role.
By the numbers in the U.S.A.
Suicide rates in America have become a pressing public health concern, with data revealing an alarming increase across several age brackets. Understanding these statistics helps highlight the importance of early intervention and mental health care.
Here are some key findings from a CDC report on the vital signs and factors influencing suicide statistics in the United States:
- Suicide rates increased by 5% from 2021 to 2022, affecting every age group except those aged 10–24
- Youth suicide rates for those aged 10–24 decreased by 8.4%, showing some progress in prevention
- Adults aged 25–44 experienced a 6.6% rise in suicide rates, reflecting the growing mental health crisis among this age group
- Older adults aged 65–74 saw the largest increase at 8.1%, underscoring the need for targeted mental health support
- Men were disproportionately affected, with males accounting for nearly 80% of all suicides
- Firearms remain the most common method, used in 55% of all suicide deaths
These trends emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive mental health care and support, but highlight how organizations such as Thompson are making a noticeable difference in suicide prevention for children and adolescents.
Fighting back with evidence-based mental health services
At Thompson, we take America’s mental health challenges seriously and actively work to deliver the right services to make a potentially life-saving impact for at-risk youth in the Carolinas and Florida.
Our loving team delivers personalized therapy, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care with a big heart and open arms. Through outpatient programs and residential treatment, we help children and their families address emotional struggles and build resilience.
By providing ongoing support and creating a safe path to healing, we are making a real impact in the communities we serve – even in the most severe cases, where clients need an immediate escape.
Residential treatment centers are crucial
Thompson’s residential services deliver safe, structured care for children and adolescents facing serious emotional and behavioral challenges. At times when a client is overwhelmed and needs a safe space to stabilize during a crisis, our facilities are a vital resource.
Our evidence-based approach to addressing the root causes of suicidal thoughts in a healing environment lead to positive results for nearly every child who receives our residential care services. An incredible 84% of residents report mental health gains from the program.
Key elements contributing to the success of Thompson’s residential treatment centers include:
- Safe, trauma-informed care
- Specialized treatment plans tailored to individual needs
- Therapy and counseling focused on emotional resilience
- Life skills development for long-term success
- Supportive environments that foster hope and healing
Thompson’s residential services are delivered at three distinct facilities, our enhanced residential treatment center targeting traumatized adolescents between the ages of 11 and 17, two psychiatric treatment programs, and our short-term crisis stabilization center.
Mental health services make an impact
Mental health care aids in suicide prevention by providing early intervention, therapy, and support for individuals struggling with emotional distress or mental illness. Through counseling, coping strategies, and treatment, Thompson’s experienced team of mental health professionals help vulnerable youth to address underlying issues, reduce suicidal thoughts, and promote resilience, ultimately offering hope and preventing tragedy.
To support our mental health services and residential treatment centers, please consider making a one-time or recurring donation through our online fundraising portal.