S
stilldreaming
Student
- Aug 30, 2021
- 103
Been gone for a bit, just saw the thread about the NYT article and am so upset. People get a bit myopic (and hysterical) when it comes to topics like suicide; this is completely reflected in how coverage of this website / topic occurs.
So, to them, I gather this is how they want to prevent suicide:
1. Limit access to info about suicide methods as much as possible
2. Hotlines for all / trust in the system that is clearly failing people, because elsewise this website wouldn't be here. I mean, all therapists and psychiatrists are equal, right? (***raise your hand if you've ever had counseling / psychiatric help***)
Meanwhile, if you go to the CDC, they have a graphic of Strategies to Prevent Suicide, at the top of which is, importantly, "Strengthen economic supports" (https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html).
There are real systemic problems out there that Congress could focus on, and fixing that should be the priority. Yes "mental health" needs to be addressed, but it is so clear that so many people are at a breaking point due to unmanageable stress levels, that then lead to latent mental health problems developing or worsening. So let's treat the cause, not the symptoms.
And just to be clear: there will always be people who struggle with serious mental health issues, and of course supporting them is a priority. It's just, I've lived outside the US for years and it is shocking how many people here are barely keeping things together, simple things like paid time off would be such a game changer and I'm certain would lead to less strain on our mental health resources.
Years ago (2009) I read an article that skyrocketing housing prices and healthcare costs were putting the greatest strain on the American middle class. Vienna has demonstrated how amazing rent-controlled renting can be, not to mention, the government can invest in housing projects to increase the supply of housing (and so lower the cost). And M4A should've been passed decades ago. It's high past time too we started teaching students about eg the importance of community and coping / mental resilience skills. (Added bonus, might help stop some students from going off the rails)
But no, let's focus time and resources on going after this website. Because, y'know, hotlines.
That Marquis or anyone from this website could be spoken of in such a way is sickening, when I'm pretty certain this might be the most caring website on the internet. Rant over. Hope everyone is safe x
So, to them, I gather this is how they want to prevent suicide:
1. Limit access to info about suicide methods as much as possible
2. Hotlines for all / trust in the system that is clearly failing people, because elsewise this website wouldn't be here. I mean, all therapists and psychiatrists are equal, right? (***raise your hand if you've ever had counseling / psychiatric help***)
Meanwhile, if you go to the CDC, they have a graphic of Strategies to Prevent Suicide, at the top of which is, importantly, "Strengthen economic supports" (https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html).
There are real systemic problems out there that Congress could focus on, and fixing that should be the priority. Yes "mental health" needs to be addressed, but it is so clear that so many people are at a breaking point due to unmanageable stress levels, that then lead to latent mental health problems developing or worsening. So let's treat the cause, not the symptoms.
And just to be clear: there will always be people who struggle with serious mental health issues, and of course supporting them is a priority. It's just, I've lived outside the US for years and it is shocking how many people here are barely keeping things together, simple things like paid time off would be such a game changer and I'm certain would lead to less strain on our mental health resources.
Years ago (2009) I read an article that skyrocketing housing prices and healthcare costs were putting the greatest strain on the American middle class. Vienna has demonstrated how amazing rent-controlled renting can be, not to mention, the government can invest in housing projects to increase the supply of housing (and so lower the cost). And M4A should've been passed decades ago. It's high past time too we started teaching students about eg the importance of community and coping / mental resilience skills. (Added bonus, might help stop some students from going off the rails)
But no, let's focus time and resources on going after this website. Because, y'know, hotlines.
That Marquis or anyone from this website could be spoken of in such a way is sickening, when I'm pretty certain this might be the most caring website on the internet. Rant over. Hope everyone is safe x