For more information and to arrange interviews with mental health
experts on these topics, email DHMedia@causecomm.org.Phone: (323)
419-3141
DIGITAL PRESS KIT (Includes BROLL)
In recognition of World Mental Health Day on October 10,
Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services (Didi Hirsch) is spotlighting
critical mental health challenges impacting our community today,
including election anxiety, substance use and overdose, suicide and
the impact of bullying and social media on youth. As a national
leader in whole-person mental health, crisis care, and substance
use services with decades of experience serving children, youth,
and families, Didi Hirsch is committed to providing compassionate,
comprehensive support across this breadth of complex mental health
challenges.
"World Mental Health Day serves as an important reminder that
mental well-being is a right that should be accessible to all,
regardless of circumstances," said Kristine Santoro, PhD, Chief
Health and Innovation Officer for Didi Hirsch Mental Health
Services. "From managing election-related stress to supporting
youth mental health, we are here to provide the tools and resources
our communities need to thrive."
Addressing Election-related Anxiety and DepressionAs the
2024 presidential election approaches, Didi Hirsch recognizes the
significant mental health strain many individuals face during the
election season. A recent Pew Research Center survey revealed that
65% of U.S. adults frequently or consistently feel drained by
politics, while 55% often or always experience anger.
According to the American Psychological Association, nearly half
of U.S. adults report politics as a major source of stress, leading
to issues like lost sleep, irritability, and obsessive thoughts,
with separate studies revealing political events worsen emotional
reactivity and physical health.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, operated by Didi Hirsch in
Los Angeles and surrounding communities, is available 24/7 for
anyone feeling overwhelmed. People don’t need to be in a suicidal
crisis to call 988; the service also provides immediate support for
anyone dealing with anxiety, stress, or depressive feelings related
to the election.
"Our dedicated crisis counselors are here to listen without
judgment and help people manage their stress," said Shari
Sinwelski, MS/EdS, LPCC, NCC, Vice President of Crisis Care for
Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services. "You’re not alone in feeling
overwhelmed during this time, and reaching out for support can make
a significant difference."
Substance Use and Harm ReductionOctober is also National
Substance Use Prevention Month and Didi Hirsch, which is unique in
its ability to offer integrated substance use and mental health
services for teens and adults, has a long history of care focused
on substance use prevention and harm reduction. More than half of
people with mental illness also have a co-occurring substance use
disorder.
Didi Hirsch’s Via Avanta program (Spanish for “The Way
Forward”), exemplifies our commitment to providing comprehensive
care for individuals struggling with addiction. Established in
1979, the residential treatment program was one of the first in the
county to recognize the importance of keeping mothers and their
young children together during treatment, providing essential
support for both and breaking cycles of addiction and trauma.
The ongoing opioid crisis continues to devastate communities,
but resources like Narcan distribution and Medicated Assisted
Treatment (MAT) can save lives. Didi Hirsch’s harm reduction
programs provide critical overdose prevention services and
treatment pathways for those struggling with addiction and provides
prevention and treatment services for individuals in both
outpatient and inpatient settings.
"Through our residential treatment programs and harm reduction
efforts, including Narcan distribution, we are preventing overdoses
and supporting people find long-term recovery," said Stephanie
Halpern, Assistant Medical Director for Didi Hirsch. "Our goal is
to empower individuals with the resources they need to reclaim
their futures."
Youth Mental Health and the Impact of Social Media and
BullyingDidi Hirsch is also drawing attention to National
Bullying Prevention Month and the negative mental health impact
social media can have on youth. Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent
signing of a bill to protect children from social media addiction
highlights the growing concern over how digital platforms can
contribute to mental health struggles, including cyberbullying,
anxiety, and isolation among adolescents.
With programs like Teen Line, Didi Hirsch offers peer-to-peer
support for teens facing bullying, stress, and social media
pressures. Teen Line provides a safe space for young people to
discuss their challenges and access resources that support their
mental health.
"Bullying and social media pressures can have a profound impact
on youth, and contribute to/exacerbate anxiety, depression, and in
some cases, even suicidal thoughts," said Cheryl Eskin, Senior
Director of Teen Line. "At Didi Hirsch, we are committed to helping
young people navigate these challenges through compassionate peer
support and therapeutic programs."
Teen Line, Didi Hirsch’s peer-to-peer youth-led hotline,
connects youth from across the United States (and even the world)
to highly trained, compassionate Teen Listeners who provide
support, validation and connection to resources. In 2023, Teen Line
fielded more than 8,000 calls, texts and emails from teens in need
of support. Recognizing the important roles schools play in
supporting youth mental health, the Teen Line Teacher Facilitation
Guide also reached 156 schools and over 25,000 (25,175) youth last
year.
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About Didi Hirsch Mental Health ServicesDidi Hirsch
Mental Health Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in
Southern California, has been a national leader in mental health,
crisis care and substance use services for more than 80 years. As a
pioneer in suicide prevention and crisis care for all ages, Didi
Hirsch is home to the nation’s first and most comprehensive Suicide
Prevention Center. Didi Hirsch is the largest crisis center for the
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in California and one of the
largest centers in the U.S. Didi Hirsch also operates Teen Line,
the leading youth peer-to-peer hotline, and partners with the Los
Angeles Police Department to divert mental health crisis calls from
911. The Suicide Prevention Center serves as a model of care
internationally and provides outpatient therapy and crisis
counseling, support groups for survivors of suicide loss and
suicide attempts, and suicide prevention training for the
community. Learn more at www.didihirsch.org.
About World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day, celebrated annually on October 10th,
aims to raise awareness of mental health issues and promote global
support for individuals experiencing mental illness. This year's
theme encourages open conversations about mental health, reducing
stigma, and fostering a supportive environment for all.
About National Substance Use Prevention MonthNational
Substance Use Prevention Month in October seeks to educate and
empower communities to prevent substance use disorders. By
promoting healthy choices, providing resources, and raising
awareness about the risks associated with substance abuse, this
initiative aims to create a safer and healthier society for
all.
About National Bully Prevention MonthNational Bully
Prevention Month in October focuses on raising awareness about
bullying and promoting a culture of kindness and respect. By
encouraging schools, communities, and individuals to stand up
against bullying, this initiative aims to create safe and inclusive
environments for everyone.
- Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services
Cause Communications
Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services
(323) 419-3141
dhmedia@causecomm.org