September is National Suicide Prevention Month

New survey results show that almost 90 percent of Americans value mental health and physical health equally.

The survey results are part of the Mental Health and Suicide Survey that was conducted on behalf of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the National Alliance for Suicide Prevention.


“Progress is being made in how Americans view mental health, and the important role it plays in our everyday lives. People see the connection between mental health and overall well-being, our ability to function at work and at home, and how we view the world around us. I am encouraged by the survey findings – respondents want to help a loved one by connecting them to the right mental health treatment and support,” said Dr. Christine Moutier, Chief Medical Officer, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.


The survey identified age and gender trends in mental health and suicide prevention, including:

• Adults ages 54 and younger are more likely to have received treatment for a mental health condition than those 55 and older. 
• Adults ages 18-34 are more likely to consider it a sign of strength to see a mental health professional, compared with older age groups, and also more likely to believe that suicide can always or often be prevented. 
• Women are more likely than men to have received mental health treatment and more likely to report experiencing anxiety and depressive disorders while men are more likely than women to report substance related conditions.

By American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Read Article