New study: 13 Reasons Why did not cause an increase in suicides, and may have done some good

I’ve written repeatedly about Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why, and usually in a pretty damning light. Like others (who are far more informed and educated than I am), I’ve expressed my real concern that the show has unintentionally glamorized suicide, and there has been evidence to suggest that it actually led to an increase in suicides. However, a new … Continue reading New study: 13 Reasons Why did not cause an increase in suicides, and may have done some good →

Netflix removes controversial suicide scene from 13 Reasons Why

13 Reasons Why is a Netflix series based on the popular book by Jay Asher. The book deals with the aftermath of the suicide of Hannah Baker, who then sends tapes to people involved in her life, detailing the reasons behind her suicide. The show was then turned into a hit Netflix series, which generated … Continue reading Netflix removes controversial suicide scene from 13 Reasons Why →

Report: Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why tied to rise in suicides

13 Reasons Why started as a book and then made it’s way to a Netflix series. From the summary: Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a strange package with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker—his classmate and crush—who committed suicide two … Continue reading Report: Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why tied to rise in suicides →

The most common age group to complete suicide is not what you’d think

For obvious reasons, you cannot discuss mental health without discussing the tragedy that is suicide. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, we lose nearly 45,000 Americans a year to suicide, making it the 10th leading cause of death in this country. My experience when it comes to suicide and age is this: Most … Continue reading The most common age group to complete suicide is not what you’d think →

Google launches depression screening tool

I caught this over the weekend and found it to be very interesting: Apparently, Google has launched a tool that serves as a brief depression screening. First, about the screening. It is the PHQ-9, which is only nine statements. It asks users to select the level of agreement with nine statements, ranging from “Not at … Continue reading Google launches depression screening tool →

Suicide rates are rising in girls – with the highest rise among ages 10-14

I guess I should warn you ahead of time, but this entry has some absolutely brutal statistics. For those who may be disturbed by such content, please note that the following blog entry will review information on suicide, including methods. A new study which appeared in JAMA examined whether or not the gap between suicide … Continue reading Suicide rates are rising in girls – with the highest rise among ages 10-14 →

What professions have the highest rates of mental illness?

UPDATE 11:45am: In the interest of transparency, I’m keeping the information below, but please note that the information about farmer’s IS NOT CORRECT. Please see the CDC retraction. Last week, as part of my real job, I took part on a hearing legislative hearing involving first responders, mental health and their ability to get the care … Continue reading What professions have the highest rates of mental illness? →

Depression rates by state, and what one state is doing about it

USA Today has run a fascinating and eye opening article on the state by state depression rates throughout the country. First, here’s the basics (sorry, tried to get this as an infographic but having trouble getting the link to load): The bluer the state, the higher the rate of depression. Leading the pack, sadly, … Continue reading Depression rates by state, and what one state is doing about it →

Physician shortages: The biggest challenge facing mental health in America

I often write about stigma and the devastating role it can play in terms of keeping people out of treatment. I think a big part of the reason I discuss it so frequently is that it’s the one area that people can actually get involved in and feel like they are making a difference. That … Continue reading Physician shortages: The biggest challenge facing mental health in America →