Mental health illnesses are frequent in the U.S. as well as in many other parts of the world. These illnesses are medical ailments that alter a person’s thoughts, feelings, or behavior.
Just in America alone, more than one in five persons are thought to suffer from mental health illnesses, which range in severity from mild to severe.
The following figures and facts pertain to the situation of Mental Health in the United States:
- Any mental illness, or AMI, affects 59.3 million people in America. Age is inclusive from 18 and up since AMI is defined as any mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder. This type has an incidence of 26.4% among females but only 19.7% among males.
- Serious mental illness, or SMI, affected 5.5% of American adults in 2021. A serious mental illness (SMI) is a cognitive, behavioral, or emotional problem that significantly impairs one or more important life activities. In 2022, people between the ages of 18 and 25 had the highest prevalence of SMI as compared to adults (26–49) and the number increased to 14.1 million
- In the current statistics, 13% of young adults report having thought about ending their lives. They are between the ages of 12 and 17. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for adults and adolescents aged 15 to 24. People who commit suicide have a diagnosable mental illness, usually a substance use disorder or depression. Although women attempt suicide more frequently than men, men are four times more likely to die by suicide.
- Retaking a grade is three times more likely for students aged 6 to 17 who have been diagnosed with emotional, behavioral, or mental health problems. This is proof of a direct correlation between AMIs and SMIs to academic performance.
- The prevalence of schizophrenia in the United States is approximately 1%. In women, this mental health problem manifests in their 20s or early 30s, but in men, it manifests in their late teens or early 20s.
- About 18% of people between the ages of 18 and 54 suffer from anxiety disorders such as OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), panic disorder, phobias, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) in any given year.
- 33.5% of American individuals with mental health issues in 2021 also had a substance use disorder. In hard numbers, that equates to 19.4 million people.
The information above highlights the state of mental health in the United States. Individuals who are affected by mental health issues, whether in America or elsewhere, often feel uncomfortable discussing their condition. However, in today’s society, having a mental health disorder should not be stigmatized. It is comparable to any other illness and is treatable. Many people who have sought help from qualified mental health professionals have seen improvements in their condition and are now able to function well.
Break through the stigma on mental illness and use your voice to get help. Stay committed to become a different version of yourself, sharing experiences and showing people that recovery is indeed achievable for all dedicated individuals who focus on constructing a meaningful life, one with hope and optimism filled with resilience.
For people of all ages living in Nevada’s cities, Arbor Wellness in Las Vegas offers evaluation and a secure environment for overcoming mental health issues. Click here to make an online appointment.
Sources:
https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/mental-health-disorder-statistics
https://www.psychiatry.org/Patients-Families/What-is-Mental-Illness
https://mhanational.org/issues/state-mental-health-america
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders