What can we agree on? Mental health

It baffles us in the news business to hear someone say they don’t pay attention to news. When I ask why, invariably I hear, “It’s too depressing.”

The thing is, it isn’t all bad, or even mostly bad. There is much good news, reported daily in this and other local newspapers. I think we have the opposite impression for three reasons:

1. The negative stuff is scary, so it stands out and sticks to memory longer.

2. Fewer people read the daily paper, focused instead on social media — which tends to be biased, user-driven, and again, the negative stuff gets shared and commented on more than the positive. Social media exaggerates impacts by sheer repetition, and makes us more divisive and less trusting. Because it substitutes for face-to-face interactions, we feel more alone, which is depressing.

3. Perhaps in part for the same reasons, repeated research confirms that America, at least, is more depressed as a whole, and human beings tend to see reflections of what we already feel. Which if we feel down and separated from one another, is negative stuff. Seek and ye shall find.

Here’s the kicker: It’s not so bad; we still have more to connect us than what divides us.

It’s true; I’m no Pollyanna. Despite how divided we feel and perceive, we actually do have a lot in common and I aim to prove it. If I’m successful and you feel any better, you can thank Press reader Barb Neal, whose brainchild this is.

What can we agree on? First and most important, we (still) care about one another.

September is Mental Health Month. Life-impacting mental health issues are part of the reality in many families, but society is becoming more aware. That means we’re better able to help one another cope and prevent harm.

We’re dropping stigmas, more open about mental health. A 2019 poll for the American Psychological Association concluded 87 percent of American adults agree that having a mental health disorder is nothing to be ashamed of, and 86 percent believe people with such problems can get better. We’re also less alienating than before, with 81 percent of adults “very or somewhat comfortable” being friends with someone with a mental health disorder.

We’re taking action against suicide. A Harris Poll for the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention found Americans overwhelmingly believe — 94 percent — that suicide is preventable and would take action to help someone considering it. In terms of understanding the numbers are lower, but increasing: The majority of Americans recognize its contributing factors, such as feelings of hopelessness (74 percent), being bullied (71 percent), financial issues (69 percent), relationship problems (64 percent), and losing a job (58 percent).

We’re willing to learn how. The same poll showed Americans also agree we all have an important role to play in preventing suicide — and most (78 percent) are interested in learning how to do that.

In other words, we care about one another.

Thursday’s “What can we agree on?” Politics.

Seriously.

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Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at [email protected].