DeepSummary
This episode of the BBC World Service's The Global Story podcast focuses on the alarming rise in youth suicides in the United States. The program features interviews with BBC correspondent Will Vernon, who investigated a cluster of student suicides at North Carolina State University, and Jordan Burnham, a mental health advocate who survived a suicide attempt. The guests discuss the staggering statistics, with a 60% increase in suicides among those aged 10-24 in the past decade, and suicide now being the second leading cause of death for Americans under 35.
Potential contributing factors explored include the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which isolated young people from crucial social connections, and the pervasive use of social media, which experts believe can exacerbate mental health issues. The episode also highlights the difficulties in accessing mental health resources, with cost and lack of awareness being major barriers.
The program emphasizes the importance of open communication and seeking help when needed. Jordan Burnham shares his personal story and advice for reaching out to loved ones who may be struggling. The guests also discuss efforts by universities, such as North Carolina State, to improve mental health support services and training for staff to identify students in distress.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The United States is experiencing a record-breaking rise in youth suicides, with a 60% increase in the past decade among those aged 10-24.
- Potential contributing factors include the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on social connections and the pervasive use of social media, which experts believe can exacerbate mental health issues.
- Cost and lack of awareness are major barriers to accessing mental health resources, despite efforts to increase funding and support services.
- Universities are implementing measures to improve mental health support for students, such as increasing counseling staff, training staff to identify students in distress, and providing resources for peer support.
- Open communication and actively listening to loved ones who may be struggling with mental health issues are crucial in preventing suicide and providing support.
- Seeking help and utilizing available resources, such as the 988 suicide prevention hotline, are essential steps for those experiencing suicidal thoughts or mental health challenges.
- Destigmatizing mental health discussions and increasing awareness of the warning signs and support services available are key to addressing the youth suicide crisis.
- Personal stories and experiences, like those shared by Jordan Burnham and the Salus family, play a vital role in raising awareness and encouraging open conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “There's been a 60% increase in suicide in the ten to 24 age group in the US in the last ten years.“ by Will Vernon
- “It'll sound biased, I'm sure, but he was just an all around good human being. He was an athlete. He was a good student. He had a lot of friends. He was very well known for his laugh.“ by Anthony Salus
- “If it can happen to us, then it can happen to anybody else.“ by Tony and Catherine Salus
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Episode Information
The Global Story
BBC World Service
5/1/24
A record number of Americans are taking their own lives, and suicide is now the second-leading cause of death in the US for people under the age of 35. Why is this happening? How can you get help if you need it? And how is the US responding to what President Biden calls a ‘crisis’ in youth mental health?
Mark Lowen speaks to BBC North America correspondent Will Vernon. He’s been to North Carolina State University, which has seen a string of student suicides over the past two years. They are joined by Jordan Burnham, a suicide survivor and youth mental health advocate in the US.
WARNING: This episode deals with issues of suicide and depression. If you are experiencing distress, despair or suicidal thoughts, contact a local mental health care provider. If you live in the US or Canada, you can call or text 9-8-8 to be connected to a support line. You can learn about the resources available in the UK at bbc.co.uk/actionline. Or you can access help anywhere in the world through Befrienders Worldwide at www.befrienders.org
The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. #TheGlobalStory.
The Global Story is part of the BBC News Podcasts family. The team that makes The Global Story also makes several other podcasts, such as Americast and Ukrainecast, which cover US news and the war in Ukraine. If you enjoy The Global Story, then we think that you will enjoy some of our other podcasts too. To find them, simply search on your favourite podcast app.
This episode was made by Peter Goffin and Beth Timmins. The technical producers was Gareth Jones and Matt Hewitt. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.