The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Behavioral Health works year-round to spread the message that mental health is an essential part of our overall health and well-being. Prevention works, treatment is available, and people do recover from mental health and substance use challenges.
Recently, Soliant Health, a leading provider of specialized healthcare staffing services to hospitals, schools, and other healthcare providers, released its 2023 Best States for Mental Health Report, which ranks all 50 states on various factors that impact mental health and access to mental healthcare. This report ranked Nebraska as number one.
“Mental health is just as important as physical, emotional, and spiritual health,” said Tony Green, Interim Director for the Division of Behavioral Health. “We must continue to raise awareness and support our fellow Nebraskans experiencing mental health or substance use challenges. It takes bravery, strength, and persistence to reach out for help. Remember that there is always hope and there is always help.”
Many reports rank based on general survey responses, but this report researched a broader array of factors. The report researched eight categories taken into consideration to determine the overall mental health of a state:
- The frequency of “bad mental health days” reported by the existing population.
- Access to mental health providers.
- Suicide rate of 15-24 age group.
- Unemployment rate.
- Violent crime rate.
- Disconnected youth rate, which is teens and young adults aged 16-19 who are neither working nor in school.
- Access to exercise opportunities, including public parks, recreation facilities, and YMCAs.
- Air pollution, to offset states with limited access to exercise opportunities due to rural landscapes and larger bodies of nature or protected land.
Additionally, the report found that Nebraska has the lowest level of teenagers and young adults (ages 16-24) who are not working or in school in all 50 states, at 4.28%. Nebraska was in the top five states for having the lowest number of bad mental health days and the lowest unemployment rate.
Need to talk or get immediate help in a crisis? Help is available. If you or a loved one need assistance, please reach out to:
- The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline; call, text, or chat 988.
- Nebraska Family Helpline – Any question, any time. (888) 866-8660.
- Rural Response Hotline, (800) 464-0258.
- Your faith-based leader, healthcare professional, or student health center on campus.