Here are some mental health statistics by the numbers, taken from NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness):

• 1 in 5 US adults experience mental illness each year
• 1 in 20 US adults experience serious mental illness each year
• 1 in 6 US youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
• 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
• Suicide is the 2^nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14 

One thing to remember is we are not alone.  Resources and people are available. 

If you are responding to someone in need, here are a few tips from UHS Recognize, Respond, Refer:

• Express concern openly and honestly
• Listen without judgment
• Offer hope
• Be direct
• Do not be sworn to secrecy
• Share the below resources

For easy reference, here is a list of resources that may benefit you or someone you know:

• EAO/LifeMatters (for employees)
  • EAO: Lowell Center, 608-263-2987, eao@mailplus.wisc.edu
  • LifeMatters: 1-800-634-6433, text “Hello” to 61295, https://members2.mylifematters.com/
• UHS (for students), (https://www.uhs.wisc.edu/)
  • No-cost mental health services include individual, couple/partner, group counseling, outreach programming, and stress management.  24/7 crisis services.
  • (608) 265-5600 (option 2) to schedule an appointment
  • 24/7 crisis support: (608) 265-5600 (option 9)
  • Let’s Talk- Daily drop-in consultations with a counselor are available virtually and at various sites across campus.
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
  • UW: https://www.namiuw.org/
  • Dane County: https://www.namidanecounty.org/
  • WI: https://namiwisconsin.org/
  • National: https://www.nami.org/Home
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
  • Crisis Text Line, text “Home” to 741741

Check eCALS again next week (May 8) for 31 tips to boost your mental health.