Tulane’s Newcomb Institute uncovered some alarming mental health concerns with a recently released 2023 statewide survey. Executive Director, Anita Raj calls it a mental health crisis of epidemic proportions with one in nine Louisiana adults living with severe depression and/or anxiety – many contemplating self-harm.
“About one in eleven Loouisiana’s have thought about taking their own life in just the past year. This means about 400 thousand people in our state have thought about suicide in the past year.
Raj says in Louisiana, an alarming number of men especially have contemplated suicide – greater than one in ten have thought about suicide in the past year. She says risks of non-intervention are substantial so if you see alarming behaviors, seek help
You can see certain signs with this. Certainly like, and increase in isolation, isolating themselves. More negative talk, and honestly threats against themselves or others.
Raj says Louisiana has a shortage of mental health providers, but help is available. If someone is struggling, even if they don’t have a plan to harm themselves, they could still be in a difficult or dire circumstance that needs intervention.
Its really important for people to be very aware that there is a 9-8-8 number that people can call so they can get support for themselves or to be able to give that number to someone that they are concerned about.
9-8-8 can help connect those needing support with resources in their area. The survey is available at newcomb.tulane.edu
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