September 1, 2022
9-8-8: The 9-1-1 for Mental Health Crises
By Vincent Sokolowski, Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Supports (CAARES)
As many of you may know, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, and it’s just over a week away. Therefore, we at the Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Supports or simply “CAARES” would like to share some information about mental health, the relatively new lifeline for suicide and mental health crises, 9-8-8, and some information on mental health experiences of neurodivergent individuals.
Mental Health:
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices (CDC, 2022). Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. However, it is important to note that poor mental health and mental illness are not the same things.
Mental illnesses are serious conditions that can affect your thinking, mood, and behavior-they may be occasional or long-lasting. An individual can experience poor mental health and not be diagnosed with a mental illness. Additionally, an individual who is diagnosed with a mental illness can experience periods of physical, mental, and social well-being.
Mental health is important because it can help you to cope with the stresses of life. It can also ensure that you’re physically healthy, enjoy good relationships, and make meaningful contributions to your community. Having poor mental health is not a life sentence. . For example, you may be dealing with a difficult situation (financial issues, illness, loss of a loved one, etc.) that may wear you out and overwhelm your ability to cope but that over time will be resolved. In the meantime, taking steps to improve your mental health by learning relaxation and coping techniques from a professional for instance, can help until your mental health improves.
Mental Health Experiences of Neurodivergent Individuals:
For some, having neurodivergent traits may create challenges, especially when navigating settings where there are social expectations. The differences can lead to, or be associated with, difficulties, including mental illnesses (Kirby, 2021).
There is extensive evidence of greater rates of depression and anxiety co-occurring with autism, dyspraxia, and ADHD. For example, nearly 3 in 10 children diagnosed with ADHD have an anxiety disorder (Tannock, 2009). In addition, there is evidence that children as young as 3 or 4 years of age with dyspraxia have higher rates of anxiety compared with children without a diagnosis (Piek, 2008). Autism has been associated with higher rates of anxiety, eating disorders, gender dysphoria, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder , personality disorders, schizophrenia, and substance misuse disorders. Because of differences in symptom presentation and assessment limitations, many neurodivergent individuals are inaccurately diagnosed with behavioral, psychotic, or personality disorders, leading to increased mental health difficulties.
As the World Health Organization states: “There are several gaps in understanding the many issues related to neurological disorders, but we already know enough about their nature and treatment to be able to shape effective policy responses to some of the most prevalent among them.”
Unfortunately, most standardized psychological tests were developed for neurotypical individuals, so they do not always provide an accurate picture of neurodivergent minds. Additionally, because neurodivergent individuals may have different ways of expressing themselves and communicating, they are often misunderstood and underestimated. Therefore, providers may overlook or minimize the signs of mental health difficulties in a neurodivergent person because they are mistakenly considered to be less debilitating, or a result of being neurodivergent. Too often, the result of these assessment limitations is either an under- or overdiagnosis of mental health difficulties. When this happens, individuals may not get the supports they need or may receive the wrong supports (Marx, 2019).
Available Mental Health Supports:
It’s important for everyone to know that there are supports available, if you’re experiencing mental health issues or having suicidal thoughts. These resources include:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):
The NAMI HelpLine provides information, resource referrals, and support to people living with a mental health condition, their loved ones, mental health providers, and the public. The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., EST at 800-950-NAMI (6264). You may also text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email helpline@nami.org.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):
SAMHSA’s national helpline is open 24/7 year round. You can reach them by calling
800-662-HELP (4357). This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
Lifeworks MySSP:
LifeWorks MySSP offers free and confidential mental health counseling for all students. You can learn more about this service by going to this website and clicking “Mental Health Supports.” Alternatively, you can download the app or call 866-743-7732 to talk to a licensed mental health therapist.
9-8-8:
While there are many supports available for mental health issues such as SAMHSA’s national helpline, NAMI’s HelpLine, and Lifeworks MySSP.app, we want to take some time to focus on the new lifeline for suicide prevention and mental wellness, 9-8-8.
On July 16, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act was signed into law hat, which authorized 9-8-8 as a new number for suicide and mental health crisis as an alternative to 800-273-8255, which remains available. Recognizing the need to better support at-risk communities in crisis, including youths and individuals with disabilities, the FCC adopted additional rules in November 2021 to expand access to this important service by establishing the ability to also text 988. Collectively, the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a network of more than 200 state and local call centers supported by U.S. Health and Human Services HS through tSAMHSA. 9-8-8 is the equivalent of 911 for mental health crises. 9-8-8 is now available for calls and text 24/7 to anyone in a suicidal crisis or to anyone under emotional distress.
References:
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. (2022). About Mental Health.
https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm.
Kirby, A. (2021). Is There a Link Between Neurodiversity & Mental Health? Retrieved https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/pathways-progress/202108/is-there-link-between-neurodiversity-and-mental-health
Tannock, R. (2009). ADHD with anxiety disorders. In T. E. Brown (Ed.), ADHD comorbidities: Handbook for ADHD complications in children and adults (pp. 131–155). American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc.
Piek, J. (2008). Motor Coordination and Social–Emotional Behaviour in Preschool‐aged Children. International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (pp. 143-151).
Marx, A. (2019). What is Neurodiversity? Place of Mind. Retrieved from https://myplaceofmind.com/Neurodiversity
World Health Organization. (2020). Neurological Disorders: Public Health Challenges. Retrieved https://www3.paho.org/hq/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=198:2008-trastornos-neurologicos&Itemid=40615&lang=en
National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2022). NAMI HelpLine. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/help
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