Mountain Brook residents want more open discussion about drugs, mental health

Mountain Brook residents feel that substance abuse is the most important issue for the community to address publicly, followed by stress and anxiety and suicide, according to a recent survey.

Last month, 191 people, 85 percent of whom live in Mountain Brook, responded to a survey conducted by community awareness group Aware on Village Living’s website about areas of concern for the community and how Aware can help address them.

The survey results indicate five issues to be of the greatest concern. Aware leader Catherine McCarty summarized the results for the group as listed below.

1. Substance abuse. Twenty-seven percent said this was the most important issue. Specific comments spoke of parents who allow drinking at home, the growing reach of the problem and how substance abuse is a symptom of depression and other mental illness.

2. Stress and anxiety.  Twenty-three percent said this was the most important issue.  According to comments, there is too much stress imposed by parents as well as the community to be perfect.

3. Suicide. Sixteen percent said this was the most important issue. Comments indicate that there is a strong desire to know signs and symptoms of suicidal thoughts and especially where to get help.

4. Depression. Sixteen percent said this was the most important issue. People indicated that they want to know signs and symptoms of depression, what to do about it and, most frequently, where to get help. Comments also indicated that many recognize this as the root of the other problems.

5. Bullying. Eleven percent said this was the most important issue. Most comments did not provide specific guidance on how they would like this issue to be addressed, but some mentioned that life is hard for kids who don’t fit the “Mountain Brook mold.”

Other survey question responses indicated that the community would like Aware to provide resources and education regarding these issues, especially symptoms of mental health and how and where to get help; continue to increase awareness about these issues and open venues for dialogue; and get the schools more involved. 

Specifically, 75 percent said they want Aware to share information through speakers at schools, 59 percent said through Facebook, 49 percent through local counselors and other professionals, 49 percent through speakers and panel events and 44 percent through an Aware website.

Aware organizers said they plan to use this data to guide their efforts going forward.