- The mental illness statistics US lays bare the devastating state of mental health in the country.
- The data claims that nearly one in five US adults is living with mental health disorders.
A recent string of suicides in Hollywood has brought to the forefront the bitter truth about the mental wellness landscape in the US. Now experts have paired the headlines with disheartening statistics and expressed alarm at the unchecked mental illness on the rise.
Mental Illness Statistics US
According to recent U.S. mental health statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health, almost one in five adults suffers from a mental illness. Females, more than men, are vulnerable to mental disorders.
Young adults aged 18-25 years have the highest rates of any mental illness (AMI) compared to adults aged 26-49 years and elders over 50 years of age. Moreover, it is also found that colored communities like those of Hispanics, African-Americans, Latinos, etc. have a greater incidence of mental health issues.
In 2022, 19.86% of adults are experiencing any mental illness (AMI) and 4.91% are experiencing a severe mental illness—this is equivalent to more than 60 million Americans across the fifty states. The state prevalence of mental health disorders ranges from 16.37% in New Jersey to 26.86% in Utah.
The Shocking State Of Mental Health In America
The mental illness statistics in the US [generated by organizations like Mental Health America (MHA), National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), World Health Organization (WHO), etc.] claim that mental disorders like depression, anxiety, substance abuse, mood disorders, and eating disorders are at an all-time high. Research further affirms that:
- 60% of children and adults suffer from depression
- About 40 million people nationwide suffer from anxiety
- Nearly 13% of the youth and the adult population suffer from substance addiction
- Nearly 9% of the US population (or 28.8 million Americans) have an eating disorder
- An estimated 15.3% of American military veterans experience a mental illness
- About 47.4% of the gender fluid community suffer from gender dysphoria and other mental health issues
- Mood disorders are the most common cause of hospitalization for people under the age of 45 years
- Over 50% of Americans living with a mental illness do not receive mental healthcare treatment
- Over 11% of Americans who suffer from a mental health disorder are uninsured, as they cannot afford mental healthcare services
- 25.5% of the US population harbor suicidal thoughts or tendencies—with 13.5 per 100,000 committing suicide due to mental health issues alone
Why People Aren’t Accessing Mental Healthcare?
Experts attribute the growing rates of mental disorders across the US to psychosocial conditions. The system of domestic violence, parental abandonment, and foster care has contributed to increasing rates of untreated childhood abuse and trauma.
The fast hustle culture as well as the higher costs of living and healthcare have not only made people vulnerable to mental health disorders but also deprived them of medical aid.
Added to this is the stigmatization of mental health and an unstable psychiatric infrastructure that has failed, time and again, to meet the diverse mental health needs of a burgeoning population.
The Need Of The Hour: Being Kind To Your Mind
The mental illness statistics in the US reveal the shocking state of mental health and now, more than ever, it is pertinent to work for mental wellness for all—irrespective of class, gender, or ethnicity.
In fact, experts, activists, and lawmakers have come together and contended that a destigmatized approach to mental health and the mandatory availability of state-funded, affordable mental healthcare comprise the key to America’s future well-being. If these measures are not implemented immediately, the grim situation appears to be unsalvageable.
Talk More About The Mental Health, Break The Stigma and Seek Help!
