Mental health has been a HUGE topic of discussion in Iowa over the past few years and I've been glad to spotlight efforts in the state to get people the help they need. Now, two famous "gingers" are lending a helping hand.
Today is World Mental Health Day, created in 1992 by the World Federation of Mental Health, to bring attention to worldwide mental health issues. According to a study last year, job stress is a major mental health issue in the U.S. The study found that work stress and long hours are a leading cause of suicide among Americans. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., and the suicide rate has risen 30-percent since 1999.
The subject of mental health is important to Prince Harry, so he and Ed Sheeran have teamed up to encourage others to “look after yourself, your friends and those around you.” The famous gingers released a video that jokingly noted that nobody understands what’s it’s like for “people like us.”
It took a decidedly serious turn in saying ‘There’s no need to suffer in silence - share how you’re feeling, ask how someone is doing and listen for the answer. Be willing to ask for help when you need it and know that we are all in this together.”
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.TALK (8255).