We surveyed St. Louis adults for World Mental Health Day, and found that nearly half (48%) believed the mental health of people in St. Louis has become worse over the last year. Only 6% felt it was getting better; 46% said it was about the same.
What do different groups believe?
Among 222 adults surveyed in St. Louis and Omaha, NE, those from households with children under 18 were more likely to believe mental health was declining than those with no kids in the household (57% vs. 43%). Similarly, those ages 40-49 were more likely than other age groups (71% vs. 43%) to express that mental health was declining.
Many unaware of local mental health resources
More than half of St. Louis respondents didn’t know (32%) or were unsure (19%) who to contact if someone close to them was experiencing a mental health crisis. In the 2 states combined, younger adults (ages 18-29) were less likely to know who to contact than those 30 and older (30% vs. 52%). Men also had lower awareness than women (41% vs. 51%).
Knowledge of 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline increasing in St. Louis
When asked what number they would call to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 29% of St. Louis adults surveyed correctly responded 988. This is up from 19% in May 2023, the last time iHeard asked about it in a survey.
Raising awareness of mental health resources
Community organizations in St. Louis can play a vital role in raising awareness of life-saving mental health and crisis services by sharing the resources below and promoting use of 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline resources.
Survey information
This week’s report is based on responses from a panel of 222 adult residents of St. Louis, MO (n = 140) and Omaha, NE (n = 82). Explore these data and more at HeardSTL..
Download the graphics below to share about this topic.
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⚠️ Only 29% of St. Louisans are aware that 988 is the 3-digit Suicide and Crisis Lifeline ⚠️
Let’s change that! Spread the word, and save lives. Together, we can make a difference in our community’s mental health 🗣️💙
#iHeardSTL #MentalHealthAwareness #988 #STLMentalHealth
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Here in STL, awareness of the 988 Suicide and Lifeline Crisis is growing. Let’s spread the word and share some resources.
Together, we can increase awareness and save lives. 🗣️💙
#iHeardSTL #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #SpreadAwareness #988 #STLMentalHealth
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You are not alone. Connect with us for support.
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