A new group to help people struggling with mental health problems and addictions

TAMPA, Fla. — If you’ve been looking for a mental health therapist lately, you’ve likely encountered a shortage. However, the need for mental health support is growing across the country.

“It is very disturbing that the number of suicides among young people is increasing every year. There was a very big jump between 2007 and 2018,” said Andrea Boffice, learning and content development specialist at Mental Health Partnerships.

She continued: “I think it’s between 40% and 50%, depending on the state. “However, most states are seeing a very rapid increase in suicide deaths among young adults.”

Boffice found that as suicide rates increase, suicidal thoughts and behaviors increase in some groups.

“So, by race, consistently, Indigenous youth have the highest rates of suicide deaths. But one of the newer trends is that among young black adults, the rate of suicide deaths is also rising the fastest in these groups,” Boffice explained.

There is another group where the suicide rate is increasing.

“Consistently, LGBTQ youth have higher rates of suicidal behavior and thoughts than cisgender or heterosexual youth, and this trend unfortunately continues,” Boffice said.

As the demand for mental health therapists increases, Boffice is now training others to become “Certified Peer Specialists” and “Certified Peer Recovery Specialists.”

“Peer counselors who provide one-on-one support to people on the road to recovery, and everyone who is a peer is themselves, a person with a mental health or substance use issue,” Boffice explained.

She continued, “That’s why we train those with lived experiences to support others who are also on their recovery journey.”

Often, confiding in a specialist is easier than talking to a doctor.

“Sitting with someone and knowing that you’re not alone in what you’re going through and that the person sitting across from you really understands. They’ve been through it and they’re giving that hope, and that example of them sitting in front of you is incredibly powerful,” Boffice said.

Due to the increase in suicide rates, even prisons are offering government grants for non-clinical roles in training staff in suicide prevention.

“Young adults incarcerated, especially for the first time, have a significantly higher suicide death rate and a significantly higher suicide risk than young adults who have no contact with the juvenile justice system,” Boffice explained.

If you know someone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts, Boffice said, just know that they need support from family and friends.

“It’s listening without judgment or fear, accepting and not judging for suicidal thoughts,” Boffice said.

If you want to stay “Certified Peer SpecialistThe only requirement is that you have had a history of mental health or addiction issues.

If you find yourself in a crisis, call 988 for immediate assistance or call 911.