In the intricate health field, mental well-being plays a pivotal role. This blog post delves into mental health in the United States, exploring prevalence, challenges, and the evolving perspective on mental health. For those seeking alternative therapies and individuals grappling with treatment-resistant mood disorders and chronic pain, understanding the landscape of mental health is paramount.
Mental Illness in America
Mental health has been a topic of concern in America for quite some time now. The mid-20th century saw a lot of attention being given to this issue, with the deinstitutionalization movement and the establishment of community mental health centers. Over the years, there have been efforts to destigmatize mental health, legislative acts like the Mental Health Parity Act (1996), and increased public discussions, which have brought mental health to the forefront of public health discussions.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of mental health has become even more apparent, and it’s now a topic that’s being discussed more openly than ever before. But despite the increasing awareness, mental health services in the U.S. face significant challenges.
Mental illness is prevalent in America. Studies show that approximately 22.8% of U.S. adults, equivalent to 57.8 million individuals, experienced Any Mental Illness (AMI). The prevalence is higher among females, young adults (18-25 years), and those reporting two or more races.
Coping with mental illness is a challenge faced by many Americans every year. According to the National Alliance On Mental Illness, a mental illness is a condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling, behavior or mood, deeply impacting day-to-day living and may also affect the ability to relate to others. It is important to understand how widespread these issues are, as they can have a profound impact on our physical, social, and financial well-being. By acknowledging the prevalence of these challenges, we can emphasize that we are not alone in the struggle. These statistics represent real people and their experiences and are vital in raising awareness and breaking down stigmas.
Fast Facts
- 1 in 20 U.S. adults experiences severe 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
Across the country, many people just like you work, perform, create, compete, laugh, love, and inspire every day.
- 22.8% of U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2021 (57.8 million people). This represents 1 in 5 adults.
- 5.5% of U.S. adults experienced serious mental illness in 2021 (14.1 million people). This represents 1 in 20 adults.
- 16.5% of U.S. youth aged 6-17 experienced a mental health disorder in 2016 (7.7 million people)
7.6% of U.S. adults experienced a co-occurring substance use disorder and mental illness in 2021 (19.4 million people).
How Common Are Mental Illnesses in America?
Surprisingly, mental health conditions are more prevalent than one might assume, and many individuals tend to avoid or feel apprehensive about discussing them. Mental illnesses are among the most widespread health problems in the United States. Below are some statistics to illustrate this fact:
- More than 1 in 5 US adults live with a mental illness.
- Over 1 in 5 youth (ages 13-18), either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness.
- About 1 in 25 U.S. adults lives with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.
The United States has made progress in addressing mental health issues, but there are still challenges that persist. It is essential to acknowledge the prevalence and causes of mental illness and work towards improving global standing on this issue. At Avesta Ketamine, we are committed to supporting individuals on their mental health and resilience journey.
According to recent federal estimates, approximately one in eight U.S. adults is currently using an antidepressant, and one in five has received recent mental health care. This marks a significant increase of nearly 15 million individuals in mental health treatment since 2002. The growing numbers highlight the evolving landscape of mental health awareness and the increasing utilization of pharmacological interventions to address mental health challenges.
What Are The Most Common Mental Health Illnesses In America?
Depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders are among the most prevalent mental health challenges in the U.S. Over 1 in 5 adults live with a mental illness, while 1 in 25 grapples with serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.
Annual prevalence among U.S. adults by condition:
- Schizophrenia: <1%
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: 1.2%
- Borderline Personality Disorder: 1.4%
- Bipolar Disorder: 2.8%
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: 3.6%
- Major Depressive Episode: 8.3%
Anxiety Disorders: 19.1%
Where does the US rank in mental illness?
Despite the vast advancements made by the United States, the country still faces significant gaps in mental health care. Shockingly, over half of Americans seek mental health help, yet access to services remains limited and insufficient. Long waiting periods and a lack of options hinder individuals’ ability to gain access to crucial care, which can lead to untreated mental health issues.
When it comes to prevalence rates of depressive disorders, the United States ranks 29th globally with a rate of approximately 5%. This means that an estimated 15 million Americans suffer from some form of depression, making it the largest country on the top 30 list of countries with the highest depression rates.
On the other hand, several smaller, lower-income countries in South Asia, such as Brunei, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, and Mali, have the lowest rates of reported depression, with less than 2.5% of the population reported to have a depressive disorder.
However, comparing mental health rates between countries comes with limitations since cultural stigmas, availability, and affordability of mental health care may all contribute to disparities. Low-income countries, for example, typically have lower rates of reported mental disorders when compared to high-income countries.Taking that into consideration, a comparative study made by the Commonwealth Foundation shows that The United States has one of the highest mental health burdens among high-income countries studied. Structural capacity to meet mental health needs, in terms of workforce numbers and preparedness, is also relatively lower in the U.S. than in other high-income countries.
We can help you!
Embarking on a transformative journey to better mental health can be a challenging and daunting task. However, with Avesta Ketamine, you’ll find a staff of specialists to help you and guide you every step of the way. We understand the daily struggles faced by those dealing with treatment-resistant mood disorders and chronic pain, and our commitment is to provide personalized ketamine treatments for compassionate mental health care.
At Avesta Ketamine, you’re gaining advocates committed to making you feel safe and heard. Whether it’s you or a loved one seeking solace and healing, we’re here to offer a listening ear and the support you need. We understand that mental health needs are paramount, particularly in the United States, and we stand ready to deliver hope and healing through safe and alternative therapies.We invite you to take the first step towards a brighter future by discovering the compassionate support you deserve with Avesta Ketamine. Our goal is to provide you with a safe and empathetic environment where you can find the hope and healing you need to live a fulfilling life . Request an appointment now or visit us in one of our branches.
