SEATTLE — According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, 43.8 million adults experience mental illness each year, and nearly 1 in 25 adults in the U.S. live with a serious mental illness. The rise of technology and social media use coupled with the lack of meaningful social connection have contributed to a further increase in mental health issues.
“I would say if there’s a silver lining of COVID, it’s that there’s a little more normalizing of the conversations about mental health,” said Dr. Arpan Waghray, CEO of Providence’s Well Being Trust.
Providence has made an organizational commitment to increase access to behavioral health care and support and create sustainable behavioral health services. The health system is also working to close care gaps and provide whole-person care with support from Providence’s Well Being Trust. The foundation is dedicated to advancing the mental, social and spiritual health for all.
Youth mental health is a special focus for Providence Swedish. Nearly 1 in 6 kids ages 6 to 17 experience a mental health disorder annually, and suicide is the second leading cause of death among kids ages 10 to 14.
“As a father of two young girls, this is very, very close to my heart,” Dr. Waghray said.
Swedish has partnered with the Seattle Sounders to address and support the youth mental health crisis. This includes increasing access to mental health services and creating safe spaces for kids to play. Swedish also offers free virtual mental health services to all kids in the Renton School District.
“With the Sounders team, we’ve also just addressed the stigma, bringing athletes in to talk to the kids,” Dr. Waghray said.
If you know someone who is struggling with their mental health, it’s important to encourage them to seek help.
“Please be there for each other, and if you find someone struggling, do not be afraid to have the conversation,” Dr. Waghray said.
You can call or text 988 for assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A comprehensive list of mental health resources is available on the Well Being Trust website. You can also visit Swedish.org to learn more about the behavioral health programs there.
“Please do not suffer in silence,” Dr. Waghray said.
Sponsored by Providence Swedish
Segment Producer Suzie Wiley. Watch New Day Northwest at 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.