When a teen is contemplating suicide, they are more likely to turn to a friend than an adult or authority figure for help. However, young people are often unsure how to respond when a peer turns to them for support.
Mental Health America recently released a report highlighting demand for peer-to-peer support and recommending young people have access to training that empowers them to talk about mental health and support themselves and as well as their peers.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for individuals ages 10 to 24 years. Studies show that 60 percent of female students experienced persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Nearly 25 percent reported they had made a suicide plan.
Legislators in Congress have heard the demand for peer-to-peer support and are working to ensure federal funding to make the programs more readily available in middle and high schools.
On Thursday, Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA) and John Curtis (R-UT) introduced the Peer-to-Peer Mental Health Support Act to facilitate student-led mental health efforts through a grant program.
The Senate companion legislation passed out of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee as part of the reauthorization of the substance use-disorder prevention that promotes opioid recovery and treatment for patients and communities act.
“Too many young Americans are struggling with their mental health and suffer in silence,” said Beyer.
“We can do more in Congress to support teenage mental health, including by facilitating student-led peer-to-peer education initiatives which are already showing promise across the country.”
Through a program called Project AWARE, states have seen significant benefits and children are more prepared to recognize and address mental health issues.
“This bill’s expansion to include peer-to-peer programs will further bridge critical gaps in teen mental health care, help destigmatize seeking help and benefit our communities,” said Curtis.
Mental Health America thinks the legislation to address behavioral crises will help improve youth literacy around mental-health issues.
“This bill will incentivize schools to offer youth peer support training amidst growing anxiety, depression and suicidality in children and adolescents as part of an overall continuum of services,” said Caren Howard, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at Mental Health America. “This bill will incentivize schools to offer youth peer support training amidst growing anxiety, depression, and suicidality in children and adolescents as part of an overall continuum of services.”
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For more coverage, search “mental health” on Augusta Free Press.
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If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org
For local mental health resources, visit AFP’s Project Mental Health page.
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Crystal Graham
