Consumer and family organizations, concerned about fragmentation and inaccessibility of mental health services, encourage individuals to seek needed mental health services. Such groups work to prevent discrimination towards persons with mental illness, promote self-help groups, promote recovery from mental illness, and overcome stigma associated with mental illness, all of which create barriers to providing and receiving effective mental health treatment. Suicide represents one of the leading causes of preventable death. It occurs most frequently as a consequence of a mental disorder. Although women attempt suicide more often than men, completed suicide is significantly higher among men.
Suicide is attempted most frequently during adolescence and through mid-life.
Increase the number of persons who receive mental health screening and assessment in a primary health care setting. The primary health care setting is the initial point of contact for many adults with mental disorders. Attention to mental health in primary care settings can promote early detection and intervention, thus improving quality of life. Increase the number of persons who receive mental health screening upon entry into the criminal justice system. NH and US Baseline NA NH Target 2010 Developmental People with mental illnesses are over-represented in jail populations.