National Mental Illness Facts & Statistics
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, “1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year. 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year. 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year. 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14.”
Factors Contributing to an Increase in Mental Illness
Mental health issues have been on a steady increase in the US with 1 in 5 Americans suffering from such conditions. The mental health crisis amongst elderly and young adults is becoming more severe in part due to a lack of health insurance and limited access to healthcare providers in certain locations, exacerbating an already severe situation.
Pandemic Woes
The COVID-19 pandemic forced everyone indoors and away from their families, friends, work and community. Fear of becoming ill and being around others who might be sick and not know it increased paranoia and anxiety to an all-time high. Those who had many social connections and busy daily lives were now forced into their homes (or in some cases, wherever they happened to be at the shutdown), and away from vital activities and people who contributed to the positive aspects of their lives. Anxiety, PTSD, and depression were common outcomes, as well as increased frustration and feelings of anger.
How Social Media Transformed Everything We Know
While social media was a much-needed tool for those during the pandemic, the increased use led to some disastrous results. Anger, frustration, and anxiety contributed to online feuding and bullying. As people began to rely on social media and the internet for their social connections and for work, more opportunities arose for negative interactions.
Resources were Maxed Out
With many Americans out of work, the ability to gain access to health care, and thus, mental health services decreased. With those who could afford insurance, services were maxed out for the care of COVID-19 patients and available workers in vital areas were at an all-time low. Resources were sent to treat the ill, leaving those in dire need of mental health services out in the cold. Hospitals were overrun with patients. Healthcare workers were overworked and severely stressed, contributing to the rising numbers of mentally ill.
Help is Available
We’ve come out of the other side of the pandemic and our lives are forever changed. Slowly we’ve crept back to normal lives. Resources are recovering and remote work has become normalized, assisting those with regaining their independence and health insurance.
Managing your mental health shouldn’t have to be difficult. If you or someone close to you are having issues with mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out. We have the necessary resources, and instruments that will assist you in finding your footing again.
